Understanding the Implications of a Revoked Sponsor Licence

4th January 2024

Categories: Business, Compliance, General, News, Sponsor licence

Have you thought about the potential reasons that your sponsor’s licence could get revoked?

There are many reasons your Skilled Worker visa could be at risk if your sponsor’s licence is being revoked. Some of the reasons are listed below:

Non-compliance with reporting duties: Sponsors are required to report any changes in the circumstances of sponsored employees, such as changes in their job roles, working hours, or location. Failure to fulfil these reporting duties can lead to licence revocation.
Breach of immigration rules: Violations of immigration laws, such as employing individuals without the legitimate authorisation or sponsoring workers for roles that do not meet the specified criteria, can result in the revocation of a sponsor licence.
Inadequate record-keeping: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is a crucial aspect of sponsor licence compliance. Businesses that fail to keep comprehensive records of sponsored employees may find themselves at risk of licence revocation.

These typically occur when a company fails to comply with the stringent guidelines and regulations set by The Home Office.

What happens if your sponsor’s licence is revoked

If your sponsor’s licence is revoked, your visa will be cancelled and you will have 60 days (or however long is left on your visa if it is less than 60 days) to leave the UK or make a new visa application. If you do not leave the UK or make a new application within this time, you may be subject to enforcement action.
If you have been deemed complicit in the reasons as to why your sponsor’s licence has been revoked you must leave the UK immediately.

What happens if your sponsor’s licence is suspended

If your sponsor’s licence is suspended, you can continue to work as normal. This will only change if your sponsor’s licence is subsequently revoked at which point, you will then have the 60 days to leave the UK or make a new application.

FAQ'S

How can I see if my sponsor’s licence is suspended or revoked?

If your sponsor has had their licence revoked or suspended, it should no longer be listed on the list of registered sponsors found at the link below. If your sponsor’s licence is suspended it should not be on the list of registered sponsors unless the licence is subsequently reinstated.

Please click here to view list.

What will happen if I have a pending visa application with a sponsor who has had their licence suspended or revoked?

If you have a pending visa application with a sponsor who has had their licence revoked, your application will be refused. If your visa has already been granted but you have not yet arrived in the UK, it would be cancelled.

If you have a pending visa application with a sponsor who has had their licence suspended, your application will be put on hold until the suspension has ended. If your visa was granted but you have not yet arrived in the UK, you will be contacted by someone from UKVI.

As a sponsor - what can I do if my sponsor licence has been revoked?

There is no right of appeal when your licence is revoked, there is a 12 month cooling off period during which you cannot apply for another sponsor licence (this can be more in certain circumstances). However, representations can be made before a licence is revoked and you may be able to challenge the decision via the Judicial Review process. Our specialist regulated advisers are able to provide valuable support to those facing potential revocation or suspension.