Sponsor Licence Renewals: What You Need to Know

As of 6 April 2024, the requirement to renew a Sponsor Licence every four years has been abolished.

Key Changes:

• Previous Requirement:
  Before 6 April 2024, Sponsor Licences were valid for only four years. To maintain their licence beyond this period, holders had to submit a renewal application and pay a fee.

• New System:
  From 6 April 2024 onwards, Sponsor Licence holders are no longer required to renew their licence every four years or pay a renewal fee. The Home Office has automatically extended the expiry date of all existing sponsor licences to 10 years from their current expiry date.

Who Does This Affect? This change applies to all sponsor licences set to expire on or after 6 April 2024, including both existing licences and new ones issued after this date. The extension is automatic, and sponsors do not need to take any action to benefit from it.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations: While the renewal process has been simplified, it's important to note that the Home Office continues to conduct compliance audits, both announced and unannounced. If UKVI compliance officers identify any issues with how you manage your sponsor duties, they may downgrade or revoke your licence. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain up-to-date records and ensure your HR systems comply with sponsor licence obligations.

How Our Immigration Barristers Can Assist

If your sponsor licence is approaching its 10-year expiry date, our experienced immigration barristers can guide you through the renewal process.

We are well-versed in the duties and responsibilities of licensed sponsors, including:

• Reporting Obligations

• Record-Keeping Requirements

• General UK Immigration Law Compliance

Our team works closely with businesses to ensure that their HR and record-keeping processes are robust. We can help design and audit your right-to-work checks to protect your business from potential immigration compliance issues.

Why Choose Us?

We take pride in our approachable and proactive approach, tailoring our services to meet your specific needs. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, reliable immigration advice as part of a professional and friendly service. We simplify the process for you, helping you navigate the complexities of immigration law with confidence.