At Fairhill Solicitors
we understand the importance of avoiding any disruption to your Sponsor Licence. This is why we offer a mock audit service to periodically test business compliance. Having your licence suspended, downgraded, or revoked can seriously affect your ability to hire skilled candidates from overseas. If UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has completed a compliance investigation, which has negatively affected your ability to sponsor overseas workers, we can help you.
Due to the urgency of your matter, we will immediately seek to understand the reason for your sponsor licence being downgraded, revoked, or suspended. Based on this information, we will recommend the best course of action and guide you through the process of resolving your matter in the shortest possible time.
“Bespoke and professional service. A huge thank you to Sergey for his professionalism, competence, diligence. Would highly recommend!”
Our team is business savvy, friendly, and can provide a cost-free initial assessment of your case without any obligation. To speak with one of our lawyers, please call
Why Choose Us?
- Unrivalled knowledge in immigration law – we have a deep understanding of business immigration law and UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) policies and procedures.
- Personal attention – a senior caseworker will work with you at every stage of your business immigration matter. They will take the time to understand your business and find solutions to any challenges you face concerning recruiting foreign talent.
- Practical, up-to-date advice – immigration law is often complex and in a constant state of change. You can rely on us to advise you in plain English and help you meet your compliance obligations.
- Swift results – we understand that your business needs solutions to immigration law matters quickly. As a small team, we are extremely agile and able to work quickly and creatively to get the outcome you want.
- Friendliness and availability – we work with businesses and skilled workers long-term and pride ourselves on being approachable, personable, and caring. We are committed to helping our clients succeed and will do what is required to move things forward. Our team value clients’ time: you can trust that your phone calls and emails will be promptly returned.
FAQ
UKVI may temporarily suspend your sponsor licence if they believe that you are not complying with the duties and responsibilities of a licenced sponsor. This may happen, for example, if they believe you are not keeping the necessary records, carrying out right-to-work checks, notifying UKVI of changes, or monitoring sponsored workers. During the period that your sponsor licence is suspended, you will not be able to bring any new sponsored workers to the UK, however, your existing sponsored workers can remain and work in the UK. It is essential to respond to your notice of sponsor licence suspension in the correct manner and to take appropriate action to have the suspension lifted.
If UKVI are still not satisfied with your response to your suspension, they may decide to downgrade your sponsor licence from an A to a B rating. While you hold a B rating, you will not be able to sponsor overseas workers, and if the matter is not resolved, there is a chance your licence will be revoked completely. To have your A rating reinstated, you may need to pay for an action plan from UKVI setting out the exact steps you need to take. You will then need to ensure this is followed to the satisfaction of UKVI.
If UKVI are still not satisfied with your compliance, they may revoke (i.e. cancel) your sponsor licence permanently. This means that any existing sponsored staff may have their leave curtailed, meaning that they may need to leave the UK unless they can make alternative arrangements. It is important to take action before your licence is revoked because there is no right of appeal in such circumstances. Your options may include seeking a reversal of the decision, applying for a Judicial Review, or waiting for the ‘cooling-off’ period of 12 months to pass before applying for a new sponsor licence.