A sponsor licence covers the routes it was granted for. If you later want to sponsor workers on another route, you apply to add that route to your existing licence. Section L10 of Part 1 of the sponsor guidance (version 08/26, valid from 28 August 2026) explains how. This guide summarises it, with paragraph references.
It explains the published process. It does not say whether any organisation or role fits a route. The role check shows the published rules for an occupation code. Speak to a regulated adviser about your circumstances.
What adding a route means
Once a licence is granted, you can apply to add routes to it (L10.8). Part 1's example is a sponsor licensed for Skilled Worker only that adds Senior or Specialist Worker, or any other route, if it meets that route's requirements.
The routes fall into two groups, Worker and Temporary Worker. Part 1, section L1, lists them. Each route has its own guidance with its own requirements.
How to apply
Your Level 1 User does it (L10.12). They:
- log in to the online sponsor licence application form, with your original log-in details or by registering again
- complete a shortened version of the form, which only allows adding routes
- pay any fee that applies
- send the documents that Appendix A lists as mandatory for the new route
The Authorising Officer must approve the request. The Level 1 User must keep evidence of that approval (L10.12).
When a fee applies
Part 1 says you pay a fee only if all three of these apply (L10.9):
- you are a "large" sponsor, meaning you do not meet the small or charitable definition
- you were first licensed on the Temporary Worker routes only
- you now want to add one or more Worker routes
The fee is the difference between the Worker licence fee and the Temporary Worker licence fee (L10.10). GOV.UK's fee table lists it as a separate line, "Add a Worker licence to an existing Temporary Worker licence", and publishes the current amount there.
There is no fee (L10.11) if:
- you are a small or charitable sponsor
- you already hold a Worker licence and paid the large fee when you applied
- you hold only Temporary Worker routes and are adding another Temporary Worker route
GOV.UK's table also lists no fee for adding a Temporary Worker licence to an existing Worker licence.
For comparison, a new Worker licence currently costs £611 for small or charitable sponsors and £1,682 for medium or large sponsors (GOV.UK, 3 Oct 2026). GOV.UK publishes the test for a small sponsor, which looks at turnover, total assets and staff numbers.
When you cannot add a route
You cannot add routes while your licence (L10.13):
- is suspended
- has a Provisional rating
- is downgraded to a B-rating
Part 3 confirms that during a B-rating action plan you cannot add branches or a new route (C8.15).
Different Key Personnel for the new route
A licence can have only one Authorising Officer and one Key Contact (L10.14). If you want different people in those roles for the new route, you must apply for a new, separate licence and pay the full fee.
Route-specific requirements
Adding a route means meeting that route's requirements as well as the general ones. One example from Sponsor a Skilled Worker: if you plan to sponsor care workers or senior care workers (occupation codes 6135 or 6136) with a working location in England, you must carry on a regulated activity and hold active registration with the Care Quality Commission (SK2.7). Our guide to care worker sponsorship after July 2025 explains the wider changes to those occupations.
Workers who arrive through a transfer
Sometimes a route is needed because workers join you under TUPE or similar protection. If you do not already hold the route they need, you must apply for a licence or to extend your existing licence within 20 working days of the transfer (Part 3, C4.12). If you do not apply in time, or the application is refused, those workers' permission will be cancelled, except any your existing licence already covers (C4.13).
After the route is added
Your duties extend to the new route. Part 3 asks every sponsor to read the route-specific guidance for any extra duties (C1.36). The printable sponsor compliance checklist lists the general duties. The cost calculator estimates certificate and Immigration Skills Charge costs.
Common questions
Do we need a new licence to add Skilled Worker to a Temporary Worker licence?
No. Part 1 says you add routes through the shortened application form (L10.12). A large sponsor in this position pays the fee difference (L10.9 and L10.10).
Can we add a route while B-rated?
No. L10.13 and C8.15 both rule it out until the A-rating is restored.
Who has to sign off the request?
The Authorising Officer must approve it, and the Level 1 User keeps evidence of that approval (L10.12).
Can we talk to someone about our situation?
You can tell us about your situation. We do not assess cases or help with forms.