Tier 2 General Sponsor Licence

[CAPP0]

I believe that under the sponsorship rules when an organisation is applying to become a sponsor, there is a question as to whether you have identified a potential employee who you intend to sponsor. Conversely I also understand that you have to advertise the role for 28 days in case there is a UK resident who could fill the role. Happy to be corrected on either point, however, my question currently is, is it better to state upfront that you have a candidate in mind (if indeed you do) or not?

[parabolica]

You're correct on both points. To answer the question, it is generally assumed that if you are looking to obtain a sponsor licence it is because you are already looking to hire a foreign national that you have identified, and wish to go through the official process to start the CoS. So yes, if you already have someone ID'd, that's not an issue; the advertisement is an acid test to make sure you can prove there are no domestic nationals available to do the job.

[CAPP0]

Thanks parabolica, that's very helpful.