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In the United Kingdom, employers that hire foreign workers under the Skilled Worker or other sponsored visa routes must hold a Home Office sponsor licence. However, obtaining the licence is only the first step. Licensed sponsors must follow strict ongoing compliance duties to ensure that migrant workers are employed legally and that immigration rules are respected.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can lead to licence suspension, revocation, fines, or bans on future sponsorship, which can severely disrupt business operations.
What Is a Licensed Sponsor?
A licensed sponsor is a UK employer authorised by the Home Office to:
• Hire non-UK workers
• Issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Support work visa applications
In return, the employer must act as a responsible immigration partner, helping the government monitor lawful employment.
Core Compliance Duties of UK Sponsors
Licensed sponsors are required to meet three main obligations: record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring.
1. Record-Keeping Duties
Sponsors must maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each sponsored worker. These typically include:
• Copy of passport and visa/BRP
• Right-to-work check documentation
• Employment contract and job description
• Salary and payment records
• Contact details (address, phone, email)
• Attendance and leave history
These records must be stored securely and made available during Home Office inspections.
2. Reporting Duties
Employers must report certain changes to the Home Office through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), usually within 10 working days.
Key reportable events include:
• Worker fails to start employment
• Unauthorised absence for more than 10 consecutive days
• Change in job role, salary, or work location
• Early termination or resignation
• Significant changes to business structure (mergers, ownership, address changes)
Prompt reporting helps maintain transparency and legal compliance.
3. Monitoring & Immigration Control Duties
Sponsors must actively monitor their workforce and ensure visa compliance by:
• Verifying that workers perform the job stated on their CoS
• Ensuring salary meets visa thresholds
• Tracking visa expiry dates
• Conducting repeat right-to-work checks when required
• Preventing illegal working
Employers must not assign sponsorship for non-genuine roles or misuse the system.
Additional Sponsor Responsibilities
Beyond the core duties, sponsors must also:
• Cooperate with Home Office audits and site visits
• Maintain honest recruitment practices
• Assign Certificates of Sponsorship only for genuine vacancies
• Pay sponsored workers according to UK labour laws
• Keep the Sponsor Management System updated
What Happens If a Sponsor Fails to Comply?
Non-compliance can result in:
• Sponsor licence suspension
• Licence downgrade or action plans
• Revocation of licence
• Visa curtailment for sponsored workers
• Civil penalties and reputational damage
If a licence is revoked, sponsored employees may have to leave the UK or find a new sponsor quickly.
Why Compliance Matters
Proper compliance:
• Protects the employer’s licence
• Ensures legal hiring practices
• Avoids penalties and business disruption
• Safeguards sponsored employees’ immigration status
• Builds trust with UK authorities
For many businesses, sponsorship is essential for accessing global talent, making compliance a critical operational responsibility.
Conclusion
Licensed UK sponsors play a vital role in the immigration system. By maintaining accurate records, reporting changes promptly, and monitoring sponsored workers responsibly, employers can remain compliant and continue hiring international talent without risk.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. UK immigration and sponsorship rules may change. Employers should refer to official Home Office guidance or seek professional advice for compliance matters.
January 23, 2026
