Introduction
Sponsor Licence Revoked by the Home Office? If your business has had its sponsor licence revoked due to non-compliance with immigration rules, the consequences can be severe — affecting both your operations and any workers you currently sponsor.
Our specialist immigration barristers work directly with UK businesses to challenge sponsor licence revocation decisions. We offer tailored legal representation in Judicial Review proceedings and assist sponsors in preparing strong reapplications after the cooling-off period.
In this guide, we outline why a sponsor licence might be revoked, the immediate and long-term consequences, and how we can help you respond effectively.
What Is Sponsor Licence Revocation?
Revocation is the most serious enforcement action the Home Office can take against a sponsor. It means your entire sponsor licence – across all visa categories – is cancelled. Once revoked, the sponsor is immediately removed from the official register of licensed sponsors.
This action may follow a licence suspension or could occur immediately in cases of serious non-compliance. It prevents the organisation from sponsoring any more overseas workers and has far-reaching consequences for both the business and its employees.
Reasons Why the Home Office May Revoke a Sponsor Licence
The Home Office can revoke a sponsor licence for mandatory or discretionary reasons. Below are some of the most common grounds:
Mandatory Revocation Grounds
- The sponsor knowingly supplied false or misleading information in its sponsor licence application
- The sponsor is B-rated and fails to meet the terms of its action plan
- The sponsor employed a migrant worker in a role that does not meet the skill or salary requirements
Discretionary Revocation Grounds
- Repeated or serious breaches of sponsor duties
- Failing to keep accurate records or report key changes to the Home Office
- Employing a worker whose visa does not allow them to undertake the role offered
In some cases, the Home Office may first suspend the licence while conducting further enquiries. Depending on the outcome, the licence may be reinstated, downgraded, or revoked.
Consequences of Sponsor Licence Revocation
The impact of sponsor licence revocation is immediate and wide-ranging:
1. Removal from Sponsor Register
The business is delisted from the official register of licensed sponsors, effectively stopping all ongoing or future sponsorship activity.
2. Curtailment of Sponsored Workers’ Visas
Any workers currently sponsored by the organisation will typically have their leave curtailed to 60 calendar days, unless their visa expires sooner.
Affected workers must:
- Apply for a new visa in a different route
- Secure sponsorship from another licensed employer
- Leave the UK before their curtailed leave expires
3. Cooling-Off Period
There is no right of appeal against a revocation decision. The sponsor will generally need to wait 12 months (the cooling-off period) before reapplying.
Is There Any Legal Recourse Against Sponsor Licence Revocation?
Although there is no statutory right of appeal, judicial review may offer a potential legal remedy. Judicial Review allows sponsors to challenge the lawfulness of the Home Office’s decision.
You may have grounds to seek Judicial Review if:
- The decision was procedurally unfair
- The Home Office misapplied its policy
- The revocation was based on factual errors
Time is of the essence in these cases. Sponsors must usually act within three months of the date of the decision.
How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Help
We have a proven track record of assisting businesses facing sponsor licence revocation. Our services include:
1. Legal Advice & Case Review
We assess the strength of your case and advise on whether judicial review is likely to succeed.
2. Judicial Review Representation
If you decide to challenge the decision, our barristers will represent you in pre-action correspondence and court proceedings.
3. Preparing for Reapplication
If judicial review is not the right path, we help you prepare a robust reapplication once the 12-month cooling-off period ends, addressing all reasons for the prior revocation.
Sponsor Licence Revoked? Act Now
Sponsor licence revocation is a serious matter, but with expert legal guidance, you may be able to challenge the decision or prepare effectively for the next steps.
If your business has been affected by a revocation decision, contact our team of immigration lawyers today. We’ll help you assess your legal options and support you in protecting your business and employees.
Call us today or fill out our enquiry form to get started.
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