Sponsor Licence Renewal
A guide to renewing a sponsor licence.
How long does a sponsor licence last for?
Prior to January 2024, a sponsor licence was granted for a period of four years regardless of the route, after which it expired unless the sponsor took steps to renew it. In January 2024, the Home Office announced that sponsor licences that are due to expire on or after 6 April 2024 no longer need to be extended. They will initially be automatically extended for ten years.
Sponsors with a licence expiring before 26 April 2024 must still extend it.
What are the main requirements for a sponsor licence renewal?
If a sponsor currently employs migrant workers and wants to continue the employment or wishes to employ migrant workers in the future, then an application to renew the sponsor licence must be made.
What is the sponsor licence renewal fee?
A fee is payable when renewing a sponsor licence, however the amount payable will vary depending on the size of the company. More information about sponsor licence fees can be found here.
How do l renew my sponsor licence?
An application to renew a sponsor licence should be made online using the Sponsor Management System (‘SMS’) and can be made up to 90 days before the expiry date of the sponsor licence.
Once a sponsor has successfully submitted an application for renewal, UKVI may request documentation listed in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance or any other information/documentation related to the business. The sponsor must then send this documentation to UKVI within five working days. If a sponsor fails to meet this requirement UKVI may:
- Reduce or remove the sponsor’s Certificates of Sponsorship (‘CoS’) allocation;
- Downgrade the sponsor licence;
- Suspend the sponsor licence; or
- Revoke the sponsor licence.
UKVI may also visit a sponsor’s business premises before renewing the sponsor licence. As such it is essential that the sponsor ensures that the organisation is continuing to meet its sponsorship duties.
What happens if l fail to renew my sponsor licence?
If a sponsor has a licence that is due to expire before 6 April 2024 and they fail to renew it, this may have a number of consequences for both the company and the sponsored workers. Some of these consequences are listed below:
- the sponsor will not be able to assign any more CoS;
- any sponsored workers still employed by the sponsor will have their leave curtailed; and
- the sponsor will be removed from the Register of Sponsors.
How our immigration solicitors can help with a sponsor licence renewal
It is a sponsor’s responsibility to ensure that the organisation continues to meet its sponsorship duties as outlined in the sponsor guidance, including any changes that may have been made to the guidance since the sponsor licence was granted. Sponsors should ensure that they keep up to date with the current rules at all times.
We are experienced in assisting sponsor’s through the renewal process to ensure a successful outcome and will provide expert guidance and assistance throughout.
If you require legal assistance to apply for a sponsor licence or would just like to discuss your situation with one of our experts please contact us or complete our enquiry form below.