Sponsor licence services

Applications, Renewals, Refusals, Suspensions and Revocations

Applying for and maintaining a sponsor licence is a critical responsibility for UK employers who wish to recruit overseas workers. We advise businesses at every stage of the sponsor licence lifecycle, from initial applications through to renewals and ongoing compliance.

We support employers with new sponsor licence applications, ensuring the correct supporting documents, key personnel appointments and compliance systems are in place before submission. For existing sponsors, we assist with licence renewals, helping businesses demonstrate continued compliance with Home Office requirements and avoid disruption to sponsored workers.

Where a sponsor licence has been refused, we provide clear advice on the reasons for refusal and the available options, including re-application or challenging the decision where appropriate. If a licence is suspended or revoked, we act quickly to assess the situation, advise on immediate risks and support employers in responding to Home Office correspondence and compliance concerns.

Our approach is practical and strategic, focusing on protecting your ability to sponsor overseas workers while reducing the risk of future enforcement action. We work closely with employers to strengthen compliance processes and safeguard their sponsor status.

Certificates of Sponsorship

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) are central to the sponsorship process and must be managed carefully to ensure compliance with UK immigration rules. We advise employers on the correct allocation, use and management of both Defined and Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship.

We assist businesses in requesting and assigning CoS, ensuring roles meet the relevant skill and salary thresholds and that information submitted to the Home Office is accurate and consistent. Our team provides guidance on job descriptions, working hours, start dates and contractual terms to reduce the risk of refusals or compliance issues.

Where issues arise, such as delays, allocation limits or errors in issued certificates, we advise on corrective action and communication with the Home Office. We also support employers with record-keeping and reporting duties, including changes to sponsored workers’ roles, salaries or employment status.

By taking a proactive approach to CoS management, we help employers minimise risk, maintain compliance and ensure sponsored workers can start or continue employment without unnecessary delays. Our advice is tailored to each organisation’s structure, workforce needs and sponsor licence duties.

Sponsor Compliance Audits

The Home Office has wide powers to conduct sponsor compliance audits, including announced and unannounced visits. These audits assess whether employers are meeting their sponsor duties and can result in serious consequences if breaches are identified.

We support businesses before, during and after sponsor compliance audits. This includes pre-audit compliance reviews, where we assess your systems, policies and records to identify potential risks and address gaps before a Home Office visit takes place.

If your business is subject to an audit, we provide guidance on what to expect, how to prepare staff and how to respond to Home Office officers during the visit. We also assist with post-audit correspondence, including responding to concerns, action plans or requests for further information.

Where audits lead to enforcement action, such as suspension or revocation, we advise on next steps and available remedies. Our aim is to help employers demonstrate compliance, protect their sponsor licence and reduce the likelihood of repeat inspections. We take a calm, structured approach to audits, ensuring businesses are supported throughout the process.

Compliance and Civil Penalties Management

Failure to meet sponsor duties or right to work obligations can expose employers to serious legal and financial consequences, including civil penalties, sponsor licence action and reputational damage. We advise businesses on managing compliance issues and responding effectively to enforcement action.

Where breaches are identified, we help employers understand the nature and extent of the issue and assess the potential impact on their sponsor licence and workforce. We support businesses in responding to Home Office investigations, preparing representations and submitting mitigation where appropriate.

Our team also advises on civil penalty notices, including challenges, objections and negotiations with the Home Office. We focus on reducing financial exposure and helping employers demonstrate corrective action and future compliance.

In addition, we work with businesses to implement practical compliance improvements, including internal processes, training and record-keeping systems. By taking a proactive approach, we help employers reduce the risk of repeat breaches and strengthen their overall immigration compliance framework.

Our advice is clear, commercial and focused on protecting your business while meeting your legal obligations.

Get advice on your sponsor licence

Speak to our team for clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances.