Sponsor Licence Suspension and Revocation: How to Respond Urgently

Receiving a notice of sponsor licence suspension or revocation from UKVI is an emergency for any business. The impact on your workforce and operations can be immediate and devastating. Our Bolton sponsor licence solicitors explain what these actions mean and how to respond.

Difference Between Suspension and Revocation

Suspension is a temporary action — it prevents the sponsor from assigning new Certificates of Sponsorship while the Home Office investigates suspected compliance failures. Existing sponsored workers’ visas are not immediately affected, but the uncertainty is disruptive. Revocation is permanent — once revoked, sponsored workers must find a new licensed sponsor or leave the UK.

Common Reasons for Suspension and Revocation

• Failure to conduct right-to-work checks correctly
• Failure to report changes in sponsored workers’ circumstances via SMS
• Roles not meeting the skill or salary requirements at the time of sponsorship
• Paying sponsored workers less than their sponsored salary
• The business not being genuine or having financial difficulties
• Key personnel having criminal convictions

Responding to a Suspension

Upon receiving a suspension notice, you have an opportunity to make representations to UKVI within the time stated in the notice. These representations should directly address each concern raised, demonstrate that the issues have been or are being remedied, and evidence your compliance systems. Our solicitors prepare comprehensive representation letters that have successfully resolved many suspension cases.

Challenging a Revocation

A revocation decision can be challenged by judicial review in the Upper Tribunal. The review will assess whether UKVI’s decision was legally sound, fair and proportionate. We can advise urgently on the merits of a legal challenge and take emergency steps to protect your sponsored workers in the meantime.