Sponsor Licence Renewal

Q: How long does a sponsor licence last for?

A sponsor licence is granted for a period of four years,after which it will expire unless the sponsor takes steps to renew it before the expiry date. An application to renew a sponsor licence should be made in good time as UKVI will not be able to stop the licence from expiring should any unforeseen complications arise.

Q: 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.

A guide to renewing a sponsor licence.

How long does a sponsor licence last for?

A sponsor licence is granted for a period of four years, after which it will expire unless the sponsor takes steps to renew it before the expiry date. An application to renew a sponsor licence should be made in good time as UKVI will not be able to stop the licence from expiring should any unforeseen complications arise.

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 fails to renew its sponsor licence and it expires this will 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.