UK Sponsor Licence for Construction Companies: Everything You Need to Know 2025

In today’s competitive labour market, construction companies across the UK are increasingly turning to overseas workers to fill critical skill shortages. From bricklayers to roofers, the demand is growing – but can your construction company actually hire workers from abroad?

The answer lies in obtaining a UK sponsor licence, which allows businesses to employ non-UK nationals under the Skilled Worker visa route. If you’re a construction firm considering this move, this guide will break down everything you need to know – from eligibility to occupation-specific sponsorship rules – and help you determine whether sponsorship is right for your business. 

 

Can Any Construction Company Get a Sponsor Licence?

In most cases, yes – most UK construction companies can apply for a sponsor licence, as long they meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) criteria. To be eligible your business must:

• Be a genuine business operating legally in the UK – You’ll need to provide evidence such as registration documents, tax records and business bank statements.
• Have appropriate HR and recruitment systems in place – UKVI expects sponsors to monitor and report on their sponsored workers, including absences, changes in job roles and terminations.
• Demonstrate a legitimate need for the overseas role you wish to sponsor – You must be able to justify why the role you’re sponsoring can’t be filled by a UK resident and that it matches an eligible job on the government’s Skilled Worker list.

There’s no minimum size requirement to apply. Whether you’re a small subcontractor or a large firm, the key is compliance and documentation. A well-prepared application and clear internal processes will go a long way in securing approval.

The application process involves several steps:

1. Check if you qualify for a sponsor licence and identify which roles you want to sponsor. These must align with the Skilled Worker visa list, which includes a number of construction-related occupations like bricklayers, roofers and civil engineers.
2. Set up sponsorship management roles (including an Authorising Officer).
3. Prepare your documents, such as your business bank statements, employer’s liability insurance, and contracts to prove your business is operating lawfully in the UK.
4. Complete and submit the application online and pay the appropriate fee.
5. Wait for a decision – UKVI typically responds within 8 weeks, though a priority service may be available that offers a decision within 10 working days. During this time, UKVI may request further information or conduct a compliance visit to verify your setup.

Once approved, you’ll be able to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas candidates and begin the process of bringing them into your workforce.

 

Sponsor Licences and Subcontracting

Subcontractors can apply for a sponsor licence, as long as they are directly employing and supervising the overseas workers themselves.

UKVI expects sponsors to have direct oversight of their sponsored employees. This means:

• You must be their legal employer.
• You must supervise their work.
• You cannot act as a labour supplier or agency.

Even if your sponsored employees are working on a client site, they must remain under your contractual and operational management. You cannot subcontract out or assign sponsored workers to third parties in a way that resembles agency work. Any arrangement that blurs this line can be considered a breach of sponsor licence conditions.

Which Construction Roles Can Be Sponsored in 2025?

UKVI maintains an approved list of roles eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route. Here’s an overview of common roles in construction and their eligibility:

• Bricklayers –  Eligible and currently listed on the Immigration Salary List
• Carpenters and Joiners – Eligible and currently listed on the Immigration Salary List
• Stone Masons – Eligible and currently listed on the Immigration Salary List
• Roofers – Eligible for sponsorship
• Window Fitters – Eligible for sponsorship
• Floorers – Eligible for sponsorship
• Electricians – Eligible for sponsorship
• Plumbers – Eligible for sponsorship
• Plasterers and Dry Liners – Eligible for sponsorship
• Scaffolders – Not currently eligible, but industry bodies continue to push for inclusion
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It’s vital to check the official occupation codes and the latest updates on the Immigration Salary List before submitting a sponsorship application.

 

Is a Sponsor Licence Right For Your Construction Company?

For many construction businesses, a UK sponsor licence is a strategic investment in long-term growth and workforce stability. If you’re regularly struggling to find skilled UK-based workers or have projects that demand fast access to labour, sponsorship can offer a practical solution.

Sponsorship allows your business to access a wider talent pool, helping you:

• Fill urgent vacancies
• Meet project deadlines
• Scale your workforce for growth

With roles like bricklayers now formally recognised as Shortage Occupations, a sponsor licence gives you a competitive advantage in today’s tight labour market. However, you should be aware of and take into consideration the costs and responsibilities. 

 

Conclusion

Whether you’re hiring bricklayers, roofers, or exploring future roles like scaffolders, understanding the rules and responsibilities is the first step towards building a more flexible workforce.

As the demand for skilled labour grows, being prepared to hire internationally could give your company a valuable advantage. If you’re unsure about where to start, get in touch with us today and we can help you through your application.

 

Useful Resources

Apply for a Sponsor Licence: Apply for a sponsor licence – GOV.UK

Eligible Occupations and Codes: Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes – GOV.UK

Immigration Salary List: Skilled Worker visa: immigration salary list – GOV.UK