Sponsor Licence Compliance and Skilled Worker Visa Strategy for Fintech Company

We acted for a fast-growing fintech business specialising in SME credit risk analysis in relation to Sponsor Licence compliance and a Skilled Worker visa application.

Having previously assisted the company with securing their Sponsor Licence, we were instructed again following a refusal of a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a proposed migrant hire.

On review, we identified that the initial request had not met the Home Office’s evidential expectations. We advised on a revised strategy, including:

• Conducting a compliant recruitment exercise and advertising the role across appropriate platforms
• Demonstrating that the role met the genuine vacancy and skill requirements under the Immigration Rules
• Preparing and submitting a strengthened CoS request addressing the prior refusal

Following implementation of this approach, the CoS request was successfully granted.

During the process, we identified additional compliance risks that had not previously been addressed. In particular:

• The salary and working hours listed on the live CoS were inconsistent with Home Office requirements
• The prospective employee had not obtained an approved English language qualification

We took proactive steps to mitigate these issues before they could result in refusal:

• Advising the sponsor to add a formal sponsor note to the live CoS to correct salary and working hours
• Preventing a premature visa application that would have led to refusal
• Advising the applicant on the correct English language test and timing of the application

Once these issues were resolved, we prepared and submitted the Skilled Worker visa application, which is currently pending a decision.

This matter demonstrates our ability to identify and resolve critical compliance issues at an early stage, protecting clients from avoidable refusals and delays. It also reflects our ongoing relationship with the client, who returned for further instruction following earlier successful work.

Outcome: CoS granted following initial refusal; Skilled Worker visa application submitted
Key Strengths Demonstrated: Sponsor Licence compliance, refusal recovery strategy, proactive risk identification, and end-to-end immigration support for high-growth businesses