Time required to get sponsor license

[eager2learn]

Does anyone know what is the time required(approx) for a tier 2 sponsor to get the license ? Also does the sponsor need to advertise the job before they apply for the license?

Just to clarify I am asking about the license of sponsor itself, not the COS which I guess comes into question after the license is approved.

[tier210]

It usually takes 4 weeks for UKBA to process the SL but ofcourse will vary from employer to employer and ofcourse case worker.

[ap007]

No, the advertisement obviosuly not required to get sponsorship licence.

It is required when they raise a certificate of sponsorship, only if you want to claim points for passing the Resident labour market test

[eager2learn]

thanks very much for the replies. does it vary on the size of organization? The organization who are interested in employing me are micro (less than 9 employees) size. so I am a bit concerned about the time it will take them to get license as my current tier2 visa is expiring in february.