The process of obtaining a sponsorship licence in the UK involves several key steps:

1. Check Eligibility: To apply for a sponsor licence, your business must meet the necessary eligibility criteria, including being a genuine and active trading company in the UK. You will also need appropriate HR systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.
2. Gather Required Documents: You must prepare specific documents to support your application. The exact requirements depend on your business type, but typically include documents proving that your business is legitimate and operating in the UK.
3. Submit the Application: Once you have all necessary documents, you can submit the application online via the Home Office portal. You will need to pay the relevant fee, which varies depending on the size of your business.
4. Processing Time: The Home Office typically takes around 8 weeks to process standard applications, although you can opt for a priority service (for an additional fee) that may process your application within 10 working days.
5. Compliance Visit: In some cases, the Home Office may conduct a compliance visit to ensure that your business is capable of meeting sponsorship obligations.
6. Licence Approval: If your application is successful, you will be granted a sponsorship licence. This allows you to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to skilled workers you intend to employ under the UK's immigration system.

For a more detailed breakdown of the steps and to ensure a smooth application process, check out this UK Sponsor Licence guide from ICS Legal.