A sponsor licence must be held by the employer before they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a worker who requires a visa to work in the UK. Licences are issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office. Employers apply online and must demonstrate that they have appropriate HR systems and processes in place to meet ongoing sponsor duties. Once granted, a sponsor licence is either an A-rated or B-rated licence. An A-rating is the standard status. A B-rating means UKVI has concerns and has placed the employer on an action plan, restricting the employer's ability to assign new Certificates of Sponsorship until reinstated. Hirenza does not apply for sponsor licences. Sponsor licence applications and ongoing compliance are handled by Harveys Legal.