MRK CONSULTANCY
UK SPONSOR LICENCE EXPIRY
A lapsed sponsor license in the UK can lead to various issues that directly affect the immigration status of your workers and can cause disruptions in your operations. Without a valid sponsor license, you are not authorized to employ migrant workers.
For assistance, guidance, or further information regarding your expiring sponsor license or the employment of migrant workers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.
How to Determine Whether Your Sponsor Licence Has Expired?
The UK sponsor licence expiry date is prominently displayed on the Licence Summary Page of your company’s Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Employers receive sponsor licences from the Home Office, which are valid for four years. However, these licences automatically expire if not renewed before the expiration date. Failure to renew implies a failure to fulfill sponsoring obligations and manage the licence effectively.
To avoid such situations, the Home Office sends email notifications to recipients thirty days prior to the licence expiration. These emails serve as reminders for both the Authorizing Officer (AO) of the organization and the Level One Users listed in the SMS.
While the Home Office expects the organization’s key individuals to receive and acknowledge this information, it’s not always guaranteed. Occasionally, the reminder email may end up in the company’s spam folder. For further assistance or inquiries regarding sponsor licence renewal, please call 0161 383 1188.
Why Do Companies Ignore the Sponsor Licence Expiration Date?
MRK CONSULTANCY
Companies may inadvertently ignore the sponsor licence expiration date due to various reasons, despite the Home Office’s efforts to ensure updated contact information on the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
One common issue is outdated contact information on the SMS, particularly for the Authorizing Officer (AO) or legal adviser. If these individuals have left the company and their contact details haven’t been updated in the system, crucial messages may not reach the appropriate person. As a result, the company may remain unaware of impending deadlines or the expiration of a licence. To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable for companies to regularly review and update the contact information of key personnel on the SMS.
Furthermore, the responsibility also falls on Level One Users, who may be required by the organization to log into the SMS regularly. By consistently accessing the portal, these users can stay informed about any important communications or updates from the Home Office.
For assistance or further inquiries regarding sponsor licence management and compliance, please contact us at 0161 383 1188.
Get support with your immigration process from our team of qualified UK immigration experts
The expiration of a sponsor licence
can have significant repercussions for both the sponsoring employer and the sponsored employees.
One immediate consequence is the inability to issue fresh Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) to sponsored employees. Without valid COS, employees cannot apply for visas or legally join the company.
- The effects of UK sponsor licence expiry include:
1. Reduced Leave: Sponsored employees may have their leave shortened or cancelled, impacting their ability to stay or enter the UK. - Visa Consequences: Employees may have a limited time (typically sixty days or less) to either leave the company or find a new sponsor in the UK.
- Legal Implications: Failure to address the expired licence promptly can lead to legal issues for both the employer and the employees, potentially resulting in detention or other penalties.
- Removal from Register: The sponsoring organization will be removed from the Register of Licensed Sponsors, a public database of UK organizations with valid sponsorship licences
- To avoid these consequences and ensure compliance, it’s crucial for sponsors to renew their licences in a timely manner. For assistance or inquiries regarding sponsor licence renewal or compliance, please contact us at 0161 383 1188.
Renewing a sponsor licence
requires prompt action once it expires. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to submit an urgent application to the Home Office for renewal or consider applying for a new licence altogether.
Renewing a sponsor licence involves a thorough review process by the Home Office, which may take some time. This process may include supporting business owners in the sponsorship endeavor.
To expedite the renewal application process and navigate negotiations between employers and employees resulting from the sponsor licence expiry, seek assistance from our immigration solicitors. Their expertise can help prevent issues and minimize the impact on your business.
When facing a licence issue, it’s crucial to consult with our immigration solicitors promptly to devise an effective plan for minimizing expenses and business disruption.
For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated UK immigration Expert at 0161 383 1188. We’re here to help.
How Can UK Immigration Expert Help?
If your UK Sponsor Licence has expired, our team of business immigration solicitors can provide invaluable assistance with the renewal process. We can assign an expert to work closely with your company and representatives to ensure a smooth renewal procedure.
Our services include:
- Assessment: We can advise you on whether applying for a new Sponsor Licence UK is more advantageous than renewing an existing one.
- Compliance: We’ll ensure that your essential roles in the Sponsor Management System (SMS) are up to date and compliant with immigration laws.
- Documentation: We’ll organize your supporting materials, such as job descriptions and sponsorship certificates, according to UKVI requirements.
- Preparation: We’ll prepare your business for a potential inspection of UKVI compliance.
- Communication: We’ll maintain communication with the Home Office on your behalf until you receive a response.
Our offices are conveniently located in Birmingham, Manchester, and London, where we can meet with you face-to-face to discuss your needs. For further assistance, please contact us at 0161 383 1188. We’re here to help you navigate the renewal process seamlessly.