Having your Sponsor Licence suspended or revoked can severely impact your business. It can stop your ability to hire skilled non-EEA workers and could even force your current employees to leave the UK. Losing your license also means potential fines and penalties, and your business may suffer long-term damage.
At Law and Visas, we understand how serious this situation is. Our expert immigration lawyers can help you understand the cause of the suspension or revocation and guide you through the process of either restoring your license or challenging the decision.
Why Could Your Sponsor Licence Be Suspended or Revoked?
There are several reasons why UKVI might suspend or revoke your Sponsor Licence. These can be either mandatory or discretionary:
Mandatory Reasons for Revocation:
- Business Closure: If your company stops trading, goes into liquidation, or is sold, your license can be revoked.
- Illegal Workers: If you’ve been fined for employing illegal workers, especially with the maximum fine amount, this can lead to revocation.
- Criminal Convictions: If your company or any of its directors is convicted of serious crimes like bribery, money laundering, or tax evasion, the license can be revoked.
- Failure to Meet Action Plan: If your company is rated “B” and fails to meet the requirements in your action plan within the given time frame, your license could be revoked.
Discretionary Reasons for Revocation:
- Failure to Comply with Sponsor Duties: If you don’t follow the rules for maintaining your sponsor duties, this could result in revocation.
- Lack of Authorising Officer: If you don’t have the required officer to oversee compliance, your license may be at risk.
- Paying Workers in Cash: If you pay sponsored employees in cash, it could lead to suspension or revocation.
- Legal Bans: If any of your company directors are legally banned from acting as directors, it can trigger a license revocation.
Suspension Process:
UKVI may suspend your license if they believe there has been a breach of your duties or if they have concerns about your business affecting immigration control. If they suspend your license, they will investigate the issue further and invite you to respond within 20 working days.
What Should You Do If Your Sponsor Licence Is Suspended or Revoked?
Immediate action is essential if your Sponsor Licence is suspended or revoked. Here’s what to do:
- Contact an Immigration Lawyer: If you receive a suspension or revocation letter, contact a lawyer who specializes in sponsor licenses immediately. Even if UKVI has stated there is no right of appeal, a lawyer can still help you challenge the decision.
- Respond to the Suspension Letter: If you receive a suspension letter from UKVI, you must respond within 20 working days. Address all issues raised by UKVI and provide any evidence that supports your position. It’s important to be professional and detailed in your response.
- Consider Judicial Review: If your license has been revoked without the right of appeal, your lawyer may suggest pursuing a Judicial Review. This is a legal process where you challenge the decision in court, typically starting with the High Court.
Get Help With Your Suspended or Revoked Sponsor Licence
If your Sponsor Licence has been suspended or revoked, Law and Visas is here to help. We will:
- Review the suspension or revocation letter
- Advise you on the best course of action
- Help you gather evidence and respond to UKVI’s concerns
- Assist with Judicial Review proceedings, if necessary
Don’t wait—contact Law and Visas today to get expert legal support and protect your business. We’ll guide you through the process and help you get your Sponsor Licence reinstated.
