What happens if my sponsor loses their licence?

If you are in the UK on a work visa, such as Skilled Worker or another sponsored route, your immigration status is tied to the validity of your employer’s sponsor licence. If your sponsor loses their licence, it can have serious implications for your right to remain and work in the UK.

This blog will explain what happens if your sponsor loses their licence, what steps you may need to take and how to stay informed about your sponsor’s licensing status.

What is a sponsor licence?

A sponsor licence is issued by the UK Home Office and allows an organisation to sponsor foreign nationals. Having a sponsor licence comes with strict compliance responsibilities, and failure to meet these obligations can result in the licence being suspended, revoked or not renewed.

What happens if my sponsor’s licence is suspended?

If your sponsor’s licence is suspended, they can no longer assign new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), which are required for work visa applications or extensions.

Whilst the suspension is being investigated, you can generally continue working as usual. If the suspension is lifted, there is no further impact on your visa. However, if the licence is later revoked, the consequences become more serious.

What happens if my sponsor’s licence is revoked?

• Your CoS will be cancelled
• Your visa will usually be curtailed (shortened), and you may receive a letter from the Home Office informing you of this

You will typically be given 60 calendar days to either:

• Find a new sponsor and apply for a new visa, or
• Leave the UK

If you do not act within this 60-day period (or before your visa expiry, whichever is sooner), you may become an overstayer, which can seriously affect your immigration record.

Can I stay in the UK if I find a new sponsor?

Yes, if you can find a new licensed sponsor willing to employ you in a suitable role and issue a new CoS, you can submit a new Skilled Worker (or applicable route) visa application. You must do this within the time given by the Home Office. Importantly, you cannot start working for your new employer until your new visa is approved, unless you meet the specific conditions for switching employers under the rules.

How can I check if my sponsor still has a licence?

You can check the current status of your sponsor on the GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors. This is a publicly accessible list, and it is updated regularly. If your sponsor no longer appears on the register, this may indicate their licence has been suspended or revoked.

What should I do if my sponsor loses their licence?

• Contact your employer immediately to understand the circumstances
• Seek advice from immigration specialists to assess your options
• Start looking for a new sponsor, if you intend to remain in the UK
• Prepare to act quickly within the 60-day window

International care workers

If you are an adult social care worker in England, affected by the revocation of an employer’s sponsor licence, further help may be available to you. The Home Office encourages all international adult social care workers affected by the revocation of their employer’s licence to contact their regional partnership. A list of regional partnerships can be found on their website to assist workers in finding new employment in the care sector.

The support offered may include employment support, access to financial assistance, alongside mental health and wellbeing counselling.

Conclusion

If your sponsor has their licence revoked this does not mean that you must leave the UK immediately, but it is a situation that requires prompt action and careful planning.  Our experienced immigration team can assist you in navigating this process.

If you are concerned about your sponsor’s licence status or need urgent immigration advice, contact Gherson for a confidential consultation.

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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