Identifying Licence Expiry
To check if your licence has expired, refer to the Licence Summary Page in the Sponsor Management System (SMS) of your business. The Home Office typically issues sponsor licences valid for four years. Failing to renew the licence before its expiry results in automatic expiration, signifying a lapse in sponsorship duties.
To help prevent this, the Home Office sends email notifications 30 days before the licence’s expiration. These emails are sent to the organisation’s Authorising Officer (AO) and Level One Users as specified in the SMS. However, there are instances where these reminders may be missed or end up in the organization’s spam folder.
Common Reasons for Missing Licence Expiry
Sponsor organisations are required to update their contact details on the SMS, but this doesn’t always occur. Outdated contact information, such as a former Authorising Officer or legal adviser’s details, can prevent the receipt of notifications. It’s advisable to have multiple individuals named as key contacts or AOs and encourage regular SMS logins by Level One Users to stay informed about important messages from the Home Office.
Implications of an Expired Sponsor Licence
Allowing a sponsor licence to expire carries significant consequences. One major consequence is the inability to issue new Certificates of Sponsorship (COS), which foreign workers require for visa applications and employment.
Sponsored workers may also face visa curtailment if their employer’s licence expires. This curtailment shortens or cancels their stay in the UK, giving them 60 days or less to leave the organization. Alternatively, employees sponsored by businesses with expired licences can seek a new sponsor in the UK to apply for a new visa.
Failure to act promptly can result in legal consequences for the sponsored employee. Some workers have been detained when reentering the UK unaware of their employer’s expired licence.
Additionally, an expired licence leads to removal from the Register of Sponsors, a public listing of UK organizations with valid sponsorship licences (formerly known as the Tier 2 sponsor list).
Preventing Sponsor Licence Expiry Issues
To avoid sponsor licence expiry problems, maintain an internal log with the licence’s expiry date. Make sure your AO, SMS Users, and HR director have access to this information. While Home Office notifications are helpful, they should not be your sole reliance.
The Home Office typically provides a 90-day notice before licence expiry, but it’s wise to prepare well in advance to address any potential issues. Ideally, start the renewal process at least six months before expiry.
Furthermore, keep your AO’s and users’ contact details up-to-date on the SMS. Managing your sponsor status should be treated similarly to other legal and compliance
obligations. Neglecting to update contact details in the SMS can lead to the issuance of COS with incorrect information, which the Home Office considers a serious violation of sponsorship duties and may result in licence revocation.
How Immigration Secure Can Assist You
Navigating the various visa categories and application procedures can be challenging. Immigration Secure offers expert guidance to help you choose the right Workers Visa category and ensure you meet all specific requirements for a successful application. Our services include comprehensive document checks, assistance with application forms, and the provision of a Letter of Representation to strengthen your case.
To initiate the process of obtaining your Temporary Worker Visa, please reach out to us or make an online enquiry. Our team of professionals is here to guide you through the entire application process.
SPONSOR LICENCE EXPIRATION
Frequently Asked Questions
To determine if your Sponsor Licence has expired, refer to the Licence Summary Page in the Sponsor Management System (SMS) of your business. This page will display the current status of your licence.
Sponsor licences issued by the Home Office are typically valid for four years. It is essential to renew your licence before it expires to maintain your ability to sponsor foreign workers.
Allowing your Sponsor Licence to expire results in an automatic expiration, indicating a lapse in your sponsorship duties. This can have significant consequences for your ability to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) and the employment of foreign workers.
Yes, the Home Office sends email notifications about impending licence expiration approximately 30 days before the expiry date. These notifications are sent to the organisation’s Authorising Officer (AO) and Level One Users, as specified in the SMS.
Outdated contact information, such as incorrect AO or legal adviser details, can prevent the receipt of expiry notifications. It’s recommended to have multiple key contacts and AOs listed and encourage regular logins by Level One Users to stay informed.
Allowing your Sponsor Licence to expire can lead to the inability to issue new Certificates of Sponsorship (COS), potential visa curtailment for sponsored workers, and removal from the Register of Sponsors, which is a public listing of organizations with valid sponsorship licences.
To prevent problems related to Sponsor Licence expiry, maintain an internal record of the licence’s expiry date and ensure your key personnel have access to this information. Start the renewal process well in advance, ideally at least six months before expiry. Keep contact details in the SMS up-to-date to receive important notifications.
While the Home Office typically provides a 90-day notice before licence expiry, it is advisable to start the renewal process well in advance to address any potential issues. Preparing early can help avoid disruptions in your ability to sponsor workers.
It is essential to keep your Authorising Officer’s (AO) and SMS Users’ contact details up-to-date in the SMS. Neglecting to update these details can lead to the issuance of Certificates of Sponsorship with incorrect information, which may result in licence revocation.
For detailed information and guidance on Sponsor Licence renewal and compliance, you can refer to the Home Office’s official resources or consult with immigration experts who specialize in sponsorships.