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Sponsor Licence Revocation

Home » Immigration » Sponsor Licence Revocation

Keyboard with cancel key symbolising UK Sponsor Licence Revocation

Sponsor Licence Revocation

Emergency Sponsor Licence Solicitors | Revocation Defence Experts

Facing sponsor licence revocation can devastate your business overnight. Our specialist immigration solicitors provide urgent assistance when the Home Office threatens or revokes your sponsor licence. We challenge revocation decisions, handle compliance action plans, and protect your ability to employ international talent. Contact us: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

Understanding Sponsor Licence Revocation

The Home Office can suspend or revoke sponsor licences without warning, immediately preventing you from employing migrant workers. This drastic action affects existing sponsored employees and future recruitment. Our experienced business immigration team responds rapidly to revocation threats, suspension notices, and compliance issues to protect your licence and workforce.

Why Are Sponsor Licences Revoked?

Common grounds for revocation include:
  • Compliance failures and duties breaches
  • Immigration law violations
  • False information in applications
  • Failure to maintain HR systems
  • Not reporting required changes
  • Genuine vacancy concerns

Types of Home Office Action

Compliance Action Plan

First warning requiring immediate response:
  • Non-compliance notice: Specific breaches identified
  • Action required: Detailed steps to comply
  • Strict deadlines: Usually 20 working days
  • Evidence needed: Proof of compliance
  • Future monitoring: Enhanced scrutiny
  • Opportunity to rectify: Avoid revocation

Licence Suspension

Immediate halt to sponsorship activities:
  • No new CoS assignments: Cannot sponsor new workers
  • Current employees affected: May face visa curtailment
  • Investigation pending: Home Office review
  • 20-day response window: Submit representations
  • Potential outcomes: Reinstatement or revocation
  • Business impact: Immediate operational issues

Licence Revocation

Complete withdrawal of sponsor status:
  • Immediate effect: No sponsorship ability
  • Employee curtailment: 60-day notice to workers
  • No new applications: Cannot reapply immediately
  • Business disruption: Loss of key staff
  • Reputation damage: Public register updated
  • Cooling-off period: Before reapplication

Common Compliance Failures

Record-Keeping Breaches

Documentation and system failures:
  • Missing right to work checks
  • Incomplete employee records
  • No contact point evidence
  • Absent attendance monitoring
  • Poor HR system maintenance
  • Document retention failures

Reporting Failures

Notification breaches to Home Office:
  • Employee absence unreported
  • Changes in circumstances
  • Work location changes
  • Salary alterations missed
  • Job role modifications
  • Contact detail updates

Genuine Vacancy Issues

Role and recruitment concerns:
  • Job not as described
  • Inflated job requirements
  • Salary below market rate
  • No genuine recruitment
  • Resident labour available
  • Created positions

Challenging Revocation

Administrative Review

First option for most decisions:
  • 28-day deadline: From decision date
  • Error of fact/law: Challenge grounds
  • £80 fee: Refundable if successful
  • New evidence limited: Existing facts focus
  • Independent review: Different caseworker
  • 28-day decision: Standard timeframe

Judicial Review

Court challenge for unlawful decisions:
  • 3-month deadline: Act promptly
  • Public law grounds: Illegality, unfairness
  • High Court proceedings: Complex litigation
  • Interim relief possible: Suspend revocation
  • Higher costs: Court fees apply
  • Stronger remedy: Quash decision

Fresh Application

Reapplying after revocation:
  • Cooling-off period: Usually 12 months
  • Address failures: Comprehensive overhaul
  • New systems needed: Robust compliance
  • Enhanced scrutiny: Higher standards
  • Full fees payable: No discounts
  • No guarantee: Discretionary grant

Compliance Action Plans

Responding Effectively

Critical steps for compliance plans:
  • Immediate action: Don't delay response
  • Address each point: Comprehensive reply
  • Evidence everything: Document actions
  • System overhaul: Implement changes
  • Training records: Staff compliance
  • Future prevention: Ongoing measures

Common Requirements

Typical action plan elements:
  • HR system implementation
  • Staff training programmes
  • Audit procedures
  • Reporting protocols
  • Document management
  • Compliance monitoring

Protecting Your Workforce

During Suspension

Managing sponsored employees:
  • Continue employment normally
  • Cannot assign new CoS
  • Prepare contingencies
  • Communicate carefully
  • Seek legal advice
  • Document everything

After Revocation

Employee options post-revocation:
  • 60-day curtailment: Find new sponsor
  • Switching options: Alternative visas
  • New sponsor search: Job hunting period
  • Settlement applications: If eligible
  • Departure preparations: If required
  • Legal challenges: Individual options

Prevention Strategies

Robust Compliance Systems

Essential infrastructure includes:
  • Automated HR systems
  • Regular internal audits
  • Staff training programmes
  • Clear procedures manual
  • Reporting calendars
  • Document retention policy

Best Practices

Maintaining your licence:
  • Monthly compliance checks
  • Quarterly internal audits
  • Annual external review
  • Continuous staff training
  • Updated procedures
  • Professional support

Time Limits - Act Fast

⚠️ Urgent Response Required

  • Compliance Action Plan: 20 working days
  • Suspension Response: 20 working days
  • Revocation Challenge: 28 days for review
  • Judicial Review: 3 months maximum
  • Employee Curtailment: 60 days notice

Costs and Business Impact

Financial Implications

Direct and indirect costs:
  • Legal representation fees
  • Review/appeal costs
  • New application fees
  • System implementation
  • Staff training expenses
  • Lost productivity

Business Consequences

Wider impact includes:
  • Key staff loss
  • Recruitment freezes
  • Project delays
  • Client relationships
  • Reputation damage
  • Competitive disadvantage

Emergency Support Available

SPONSOR LICENCE EMERGENCY

Protect your business and workforce with immediate expert help

📞 CALL: 0203 909 8399

Book Emergency Consultation

Rapid response team • Compliance expertise • Business continuity focus

Why Choose Connaught Law

  • Sponsor licence specialists
  • Emergency response capability
  • Home Office experience
  • Business-focused solutions
  • High success rate
  • Compliance expertise

Our Expertise

  • Complex compliance matters
  • Multi-site organisations
  • Judicial review proceedings
  • Emergency applications
  • Policy interpretation
  • Strategic planning

Service Approach

  • Same-day response
  • Comprehensive audit
  • Action plan drafting
  • Home Office liaison
  • Staff support
  • Ongoing compliance

Next Steps

Sponsor licence revocation demands immediate, expert response. Our specialist business immigration solicitors protect your sponsorship status through strategic challenges, comprehensive compliance solutions, and robust representations. Don't risk your workforce or business operations. Call 0203 909 8399 or book online for emergency sponsor licence assistance.
We’re here to help.
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