Sponsor Licence Suspensions: What You Need to Know
If UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) suspects that your business is not fulfilling its sponsorship duties or poses a risk to immigration control, your sponsor licence may be suspended while they investigate further.
What Happens During a Sponsor Licence Suspension?
When your sponsor licence is suspended, several restrictions are put in place:
No New Sponsorships: You will be unable to sponsor new migrants during the suspension period.
Removal from Public Register: Your business will be removed from the public register of sponsors for the duration of the suspension.
Current Sponsored Migrants: Migrants you are currently sponsoring will not be affected and can continue their employment as usual
Common Reasons for Sponsor Licence Suspension
Sponsor licences can be suspended for various reasons, including:
Inadequate Record-Keeping: Failing to maintain proper records for sponsored migrants.
Unlawful Salary Variations: Making unauthorized changes to the salaries of sponsored workers.
Unqualified Authorising Officer: The person designated as your Authorising Officer may be deemed not sufficiently qualified for their role.
Despite the suspension, you must continue to comply with all your sponsorship duties. If your licence is set to expire during the suspension, you must still apply for a Sponsor Licence Renewal to maintain your ability to sponsor migrants in the future.
Once UKVI has completed its investigation, they may:
Reinstate your licence,
Downgrade your licence, or
Revoke your licence altogether.
What Should You Do if Your Sponsor Licence is Suspended?
If UKVI suspends your sponsor licence, you will be given 20 working days to challenge the decision. To do so, you must submit a written response that clearly addresses the grounds for suspension, supported by relevant evidence.
The outcome of your suspension review will be based entirely on your written response, so it’s crucial to present a strong and comprehensive case. This is your opportunity to correct any misunderstandings, provide missing information, and demonstrate your compliance with sponsorship duties.
How Our Immigration Barristers Can Assist
We understand that a sponsor licence suspension can be disruptive and stressful for both your business and your sponsored workers. Our team of immigration barristers is here to help:
Reinstatement Efforts: We work closely with sponsors to secure the reinstatement of their licences, addressing the issues raised by UKVI and ensuring that your case is presented effectively.
Comprehensive Support: Our expertise in immigration law allows us to provide clear and reliable advice tailored to your specific situation.
Professional Service: We pride ourselves on being approachable, proactive, and dedicated to meeting the needs of our business clients. Our goal is to minimize disruption to your operations and help you navigate the complexities of UK immigration compliance.
If your sponsor licence has been suspended, our team is here to guide you through the process and help protect your business from further complications.