How Much Does a Sponsor Licence Cost for SMEs in Brighton & Sussex in 2025?
A Full Breakdown of Home Office Fees, Legal Costs, and What Affects the Final Price
You Need Skilled Staff, But the Immigration System Isn’t Built for Speed
If you're running a business in Brighton or Sussex, you already know how hard it is to find the right people, especially when local talent is thin and time’s not on your side.
Yes, the UK’s sponsor licence system can help. But here’s the catch: most business owners don’t actually know what it costs, or where the hidden time and money traps are.
That’s why we wrote this guide.
No jargon. No guesswork. Just a clear, honest breakdown of every cost involved—so you can plan confidently, avoid wasted spend, and make the right decision for your business.
Why Listen to Us?
- Here at Immtell, we are a specialist regulated consultancy focused entirely on immigration law, with over 22 years of experience. We don’t outsource to junior caseworkers, and we don’t offer ‘tick-box’ online templates that leave you to fend for yourself.
We help employers across Brighton, Hove, and Sussex get Sponsor Licences quickly, correctly, and without risk, with complete transparency on cost.
What Increases the Cost of a Home Office Sponsor Licence?
Costs vary depending on a few key factors. Here’s what typically makes a sponsorship licence application more expensive:
| Driver | Why It Increases Cost |
|---|---|
| New or early-stage business | If your company is less than 18 months old, the Home Office is more likely to conduct a pre-licence compliance audit, adding time, complexity, and preparation |
| Multiple sites or global links | A more complex company structure requires additional documentation and analysis |
| Pre-licence Home Office audit | These video-based audits demand tailored coaching and support |
| Using traditional solicitors | Many charge higher fees due to outdated processes or prestige-based pricing |
| Tight deadlines | If you need a fast turnaround or priority service, expect higher fees |
What Reduces the Cost?
Some cases are more straightforward and more affordable. You may benefit from reduced fees if:
| Factor | How It Saves You Money |
|---|---|
| Established company (18+ months) | Less scrutiny means less preparation required |
| Single office or simple structure | Fewer locations means fewer documents to prepare |
| Working with a specialist | We use efficient, compliant systems, without cutting corners |
So What Does a Sponsor Licence Actually Cost?
Here’s the breakdown of fees you’ll need to consider in 2025.
1. Home Office Fees
| Type of Organisation | Sponsor Licence Fee | Priority Processing Fee (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| Small or Charitable | £536 | £500 |
| Medium or Large | £1,476 | £500 |
Note: You’re typically classed as a small sponsor if at least two of the following apply:
- Annual turnover is under £10.2 million
- otal assets are under £5.1 million
- Fewer than 50 employees
2. Our Typical Fixed Fee Sponsor Licence Application Packages
| Business Type | Our Fee (Excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Established SME with standard structure | £4,500 |
| New company (under 18 months) | £6,500 – £7,000 |
| Complex or multi-site organisation | £7,000 – £8,000 |
Our fees include:
- Comprehensive pre-licence strategy session
- Tailored advice to your circumstances, based on our years of experience and current trends
- Preparation and submission of your application
- Pre-audit coaching (if selected by the Home Office)
- Guidance on compliance and post-approval duties
No hidden costs, no handoffs to junior staff.
Why Do Some Firms Charge So Much More?
Legal fees in this area range dramatically. Traditional firms often charge significantly more due to:
- Charging by the hour instead of fixed fees
- Outdated, admin-heavy processes that take longer
- Positioning themselves as premium ‘full-service’ providers, without necessarily offering better outcomes
We operate differently: highly focused, tech-supported, but always human-led.
Why Are Some Providers So Cheap?
Some online or “low-cost” options quote fees under £2,000, but often that doesn’t tell the full story.
Low-cost services may:
- Delegate work to junior or inexperienced staff
- Provide template-based support only
- Fully digital, meaning the advice is not tailored and it can be difficult to speak with a human
- Exclude important elements like audit coaching or post-licence help
- Expect you to complete most of the application process yourself
This may be sufficient for ultra-simple cases, but most SMEs prefer expert handling to avoid delays or rejections.
Understanding the Industry: How Services Are Packaged
Immigration legal support for Home Office sponsor licences is not standardised. Different providers may quote differently depending on what’s included.
Things to watch for:
- Is pre-licence audit coaching included? (It is with us)
- Is post-licence support available?
- Is the priority service included or charged separately?
- Is advice tailored, or template-based?
- Is the guidance only available online?
We offer a fixed-fee, fully supported process, no surprises.
What’s the Long-Term Cost of Immigration for Sussex Businesses?
The initial sponsorship licence is just the beginning.
You should budget for:
- Initial legal and Home Office fees
- Visa sponsorship costs after licence approval
- Compliance support to ensure you retain your licence
Think of it as a long-term investment in your workforce.
Historical Pricing Trends: 2020 to 2025
| Year | Typical SME Sponsor Licence Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | £3,500 – £4,500 |
| 2022 | £4,000 – £6,000 |
| 2025 | £5,000 – £8,500 |
The increase reflects greater Home Office scrutiny, additional compliance checks, and demand for faster processing.
Payment Options: Do You Offer Financing?
Yes. To help manage cash flow, we offer phased billing:
- 50% on instruction
- 50% upon application submission
Real Examples: What Others Paid
Is It Worth It?
For SMEs in Brighton and Sussex looking to grow or fill critical roles, the answer is yes. The Home Office Sponsor Licence allows you to hire skilled overseas workers legally and efficiently.
Done properly, it opens the door to long-term talent acquisition, staff stability, and business growth.
Try Our Cost Calculator
Use our business immigration cost estimator to see exactly what you might pay to apply for a sponsor licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the £500 priority processing fee worth it?
For many clients, yes. It can reduce the wait time from eight weeks to around two, unless selected for audit.
Do I need to use a solicitor?
No. But sponsor licence refusals are rising, many SMEs prefer experienced support to avoid wasted time and cost.
What happens after the licence is approved?
You can begin assigning Certificates of Sponsorship and sponsoring migrant workers. We provide ongoing support if needed.
Can I apply online without support?
You can, but many find the guidance confusing and the risk of refusal high without tailored legal help.
Is success guaranteed?
We don’t promise outcomes, but we only take on cases we believe can succeed.
Ready to Sponsor Skilled Workers in 2025?
Find out exactly what it will cost, or speak to an immigration legal expert who can guide you through every step. No surprises, no sales pressure. Just clear answers.
Find out exactly what it will cost, or speak to an immigration legal expert who can guide you through every step. No surprises, no sales pressure. Just clear answers.
Further Reading
Sponsor Licence Challenges Brighton HR Teams Face in 2025 (and How to Solve Them)
Why Brighton Businesses Can’t Ignore Immigration Rules in 2025
Home Office Sponsor Licence Holders: Reporting Duties
A Guide to Complying with Home Office Sponsor Duties for Employers
Become a Sponsor: Steps for Employers and Businesses
Business Requirements for a Sponsorship Licence in 2025
All You Need to Know About Sponsor Licences
Guide to Hiring Global Talent: Everything You Need to Know About Sponsor Licences
What Happens During a Home Office Compliance Audit?
What to expect during a Home Office Compliance Audit
Certificate of Sponsorship: A Guide For Employers
UK Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS): Everything Employers Need to Know
Weighing the Balance: The Pros and Cons of Sponsoring an Immigrant
Key Considerations for Employers Sponsoring Immigrant Workers in 2025
Avoid UK Illegal Working Penalties: Right to Work Compliance 2025
Protect Your Business from Fines and Reputational Damage with Proactive UK Right to Work Compliance Strategies
Choose the Right UK Immigration Consultancy for Your Business
Finding the Right Immigration Partner for Your Business Success
Do Brighton SMEs Need a Sponsor Licence to Hire Overseas Talent?
Why Brighton Employers Are Asking This Question
Common Right to Work Check Mistakes That Could Lead to Civil Penalties
Why Right to Work Checks Matter More Than Ever in 2025
7 Common Sponsor Duties HR Teams Miss
What HR and Ops Teams Often Miss: Key Home Office Sponsor Duties Highlighted by Our Mock Audits
Immigration Skills Charge: A Guide for Employers
Everything Employers Need to Know about the UK Immigration Skills Charge in 2025