Businesses licensed to sponsor migrant workers in the UK must meet a range of legal responsibilities. These duties are set by the Home Office and apply throughout the life of the sponsor licence. Failing to comply can lead to serious consequences, including licence revocation.
Sponsors are expected to maintain high standards in areas such as record-keeping, reporting, and employee oversight. These obligations are not optional. They form an essential part of the UK’s immigration control system. In this newsletter, we address some of the most common questions from corporate sponsors.
What are my key duties as a sponsor?
As a sponsor, you must keep accurate records, monitor your sponsored workers, and report key changes. This includes holding copies of passports and visas, tracking visa expiry dates, updating contact details, and keeping evidence of work attendance. You are also expected to offer genuine employment that meets the relevant visa requirements, including appropriate job roles and salary levels.
Your HR systems must be robust enough to detect any compliance issues and support timely reporting to the Home Office. It’s important to have clear systems in place for maintaining records and checking that sponsor information remains accurate.
What do I have to report to the Home Office?
Sponsors must use the online Sponsor Management System (SMS) to report any changes to the business or to the terms of a worker’s sponsorship. This includes role changes, salary adjustments, changes of work location, or if a worker leaves early.
If a sponsored worker fails to attend work for 10 or more consecutive working days without permission, this must also be reported. In most cases, reports must be submitted within 10 or 20 working days. Missing a reporting deadline can count as a compliance breach.
Can the Home Office audit my business?
Yes. The Home Office can conduct compliance visits at any time. These may be announced or unannounced, and can take place on-site or remotely. During an audit, officers will check that your HR systems meet the required standards and that all sponsorship records are up to date.
They may also verify that your business is offering genuine employment, that staff are working in line with the details in their certificates of sponsorship, and that you are following all relevant duties.
What happens if I don’t comply?
If you do not meet your sponsor duties, the Home Office may take action depending on the nature of the issue. In some situations, this might involve being asked to review your processes or follow a formal improvement plan.
More serious or repeated issues can lead to a temporary suspension of your licence while further checks are carried out. In serious or repeated cases, a licence may be revoked, which can affect your ability to continue sponsoring workers. Staying on top of your duties reduces the risk of licence issues and helps you continue employing overseas staff with confidence.
How 3CS can help
At 3CS, we work with UK businesses to support full sponsor compliance. Our team offers clear advice, tailored audits, and practical training to help you meet your legal duties. We also assist with setting up systems for record-keeping and reporting, so you are always prepared for a Home Office inspection.
For help with keeping your sponsor licence secure, contact us today.
