What Happens if Your Visa Sponsor Loses Their Licence? – Immigration Solicitors Manchester
If your UK employer loses their Home Office sponsor licence, this can have serious consequences for your immigration status. Most workers sponsored under routes such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Global Business Mobility visas depend on their employer maintaining a valid sponsor licence.
If a sponsor licence is revoked, suspended, not renewed, or affected by a company takeover, employees may lose their right to work in the UK and may need to take urgent action to protect their immigration status.
At TM Fortis Solicitors, our specialist immigration solicitors provide advice to workers affected by sponsor licence revocation or suspension, helping them understand their options and apply for alternative visas where possible.
Why Sponsor Licences Matter
Many UK work visas require the employer to hold a valid Home Office sponsor licence. This licence allows employers to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas workers.
If the sponsor licence is removed or becomes invalid, the employee’s immigration status may also be affected.
Sponsor licences may be lost or affected for several reasons, including:
- Breaches of Home Office compliance requirements
- Failure to maintain proper right to work checks
- Failure to renew the sponsor licence
- Corporate restructuring or business takeover
- Illegal working within the business
What Happens if Your Employer Loses Their Sponsor Licence
If your employer’s sponsor licence is revoked, the Home Office will usually take the following steps:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship will be cancelled
- Your visa will usually be shortened to 60 days
- You must stop working for your sponsor
During this 60-day period, you must either:
- Apply for a new visa with another licensed sponsor, or
- Leave the United Kingdom
If you already have less than 60 days remaining on your visa, your visa will usually expire on its original date.
When Your Visa May Be Cancelled Immediately
In some circumstances, your visa may be cancelled immediately, meaning you must leave the UK without the usual 60-day grace period.
This may happen if the Home Office believes that:
- You were involved in the compliance breach, or
- You knowingly participated in activities that led to the sponsor licence revocation
These cases can be complex and often require urgent legal advice.
If Your Sponsor Licence Is Suspended
If the Home Office suspends your employer’s sponsor licence, the situation is different from a revocation.
The consequences depend on your circumstances.
If you have travelled to the UK but have not started work
You may still start work with your employer.
If you are already working
You can usually continue working while the suspension is investigated.
If you have applied to extend your visa
Your application may be put on hold until the suspension is resolved.
During this time, the Home Office will investigate whether the employer has breached its sponsorship duties.
If You Are Outside the UK
If you are outside the UK and planning to travel under a sponsored visa, you should check the Home Office register of licensed sponsors before travelling.
If your sponsor loses their licence before you travel:
If you have applied for a visa
Your visa application will usually be refused.
If your visa has already been granted but you have not travelled
Your visa will normally be cancelled, and you will not be allowed to enter the UK.
If Your Sponsor’s Business Is Taken Over
Sometimes a company with a sponsor licence may be taken over or acquired by another business.
If the new employer does not apply for a sponsor licence within 28 days, employees may be affected.
In this situation:
- Your visa will normally be limited to 60 days
- You must find another licensed sponsor or leave the UK
If Your Employer Fails to Renew Their Sponsor Licence
Sponsor licences must be renewed periodically.
If an employer fails to renew their licence, their sponsored workers may be affected.
In most cases:
- Your visa will be shortened to 60 days, and
- You must apply for another visa or leave the UK
Options Available to Employees
If your sponsor licence is revoked, you may still have several options.
Possible options include:
- Finding a new employer with a sponsor licence
- Applying for another work visa
- Switching to another immigration route (if eligible)
- Leaving the UK and applying again from abroad
It is important to seek legal advice quickly because the 60-day time limit is strict.
Visas You May Be Able to Switch To
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to switch to another immigration route, such as:
- Skilled Worker Visa with a new employer
- Global Talent Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
- Student Visa
Eligibility will depend on your qualifications, employment opportunities and immigration history.
Why Legal Advice Is Important
Sponsor licence revocation cases often involve complex immigration rules and strict deadlines.
Professional legal advice can help you:
- Understand the consequences of the sponsor licence revocation
- Identify alternative visa options
- Submit a new visa application within the required timeframe
- Protect your ability to remain in the UK lawfully
How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help
Our specialist immigration solicitors regularly advise employees affected by sponsor licence revocation or suspension.
We assist clients with:
- Urgent advice following sponsor licence revocation
- Switching to a new sponsored employer
- Alternative visa applications
- Immigration compliance advice
- Challenging visa refusals
Our aim is to help you secure your immigration status and remain in the UK where possible.
Contact Our Immigration Solicitors
If your employer has lost their sponsor licence or you are concerned about your immigration status, our experienced immigration solicitors can provide urgent legal advice.
Contact TM Fortis Solicitors today on 0161 220 6040 to discuss your case with one of our specialist immigration lawyers.
