As a licensed sponsor, you may be wondering if the UK Home Office (UKVI) can visit your home. In some situations, UKVI may carry out a compliance check at your home or other relevant locations. Understanding when and why a UKVI compliance officer may visit can help you prepare. In this article, we will explain the reasons for a home visit by UKVI and what you need to know about the compliance process.
Why Would UKVI Visit My Home?
There are several reasons why UKVI may decide to carry out a compliance check at your home. These include:
1. You Normally Work from Home
If you or your employees usually work from home, UKVI may visit your home to ensure that your business is following the rules. According to UKVI guidelines, compliance officers can visit any physical address where sponsored workers carry out their duties, including home offices.
2. Your Business Has No Physical Office
If your business operates without a physical office (for example, a virtual business), UKVI may visit the home address of the Authorising Officer. The Authorising Officer is responsible for the sponsor license, and UKVI will want to ensure that your business can meet its sponsor duties.
3. A Digital Compliance Inspection
In some cases, UKVI may carry out a digital compliance inspection. This means the compliance officer will interview you and relevant personnel via video call (such as Microsoft Teams). During the call, you may be asked to provide digital evidence of your business operations and sponsorship duties.
What is a UKVI Compliance Check?
A UKVI compliance check is an inspection carried out to ensure that your business is complying with the sponsor license rules. This check can happen if you’re applying for a sponsor license or as part of regular compliance monitoring. The Home Office may use one of three methods for this check:
- Onsite Visit – A compliance officer visits your physical business location (including home offices if applicable).
- Digital Inspection – The officer conducts a remote interview and asks for evidence online.
- Review of Existing Records – UKVI may check documents or information you’ve previously submitted to ensure compliance.
During a compliance check, UKVI officers may interview you or other relevant personnel in your business, such as:
- Business owners
- Directors
- Authorising Officers
- Key Contacts
- Level 1 Users
- Sponsored workers
What Are the Duties of a Sponsor Licence Holder?
The purpose of a compliance check is to make sure that your business is fulfilling its responsibilities as a sponsor license holder. Here are the main duties you must comply with:
1. Reporting Duties
As a sponsor, you must report certain changes using the Sponsor Management System (SMS). For example, you must report if:
- A sponsored worker breaks their visa conditions
- A worker is absent without permission for more than 10 days
Reports must be made within a set deadline (usually 10 working days).
2. Record-Keeping
You must keep accurate records for each sponsored worker. These records include:
- Job roles and descriptions
- Right-to-work documents
- Wage details
- Current and past contact information
3. Compliance with Immigration Laws
You can only sponsor workers who are eligible to work in the UK and for genuine roles. You must also meet salary and skill requirements as per UK immigration laws.
4. Compliance with UK Law
You must follow all UK laws, including health and safety and employment regulations. As a sponsor, your business must meet these legal standards at all times.
5. Public Good
Your business should act in a way that benefits the public and does not engage in harmful or illegal activities.
How to Prepare for a Compliance Visit
To ensure that your business is ready for a potential compliance check, make sure you:
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records for all sponsored workers.
- Stay on top of reporting duties and use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) as required.
- Ensure that your business complies with all UK immigration, employment, and health and safety laws.
- Be prepared to demonstrate that you understand and follow the sponsor license duties.
By staying organized and compliant, you can reduce the likelihood of any issues during a compliance visit.
While the Home Office can visit your home for a compliance check, understanding the reasons behind the visit and staying compliant with sponsor license duties can help you avoid any surprises. If you need assistance with maintaining or applying for a sponsor license, Law and Visas can guide you through the process and ensure that your business meets all the requirements.
