Compliance Visit Support
UK employers with a Sponsor Licence must follow strict Home Office duties. UKVI officers may conduct compliance visits – before issuing a licence (a “pre-licence” visit) or afterwards – to check that your HR systems and records meet sponsor obligations. These visits ensure you have conducted all necessary right-to-work checks, kept complete records, and are not employing illegal workers. Under Home Office guidance, breaches of sponsor duties can lead to serious outcomes (downgrading your licence rating, reducing your Certificate of Sponsorship allocation, suspension or even revocation of the licence).
Sponsor Licence Responsibilities
Failure to meet these duties risks immediate penalties. Even a minor oversight can trigger enforcement action, potentially curtailing your ability to hire Skilled Worker visa staff.
- Right-to-work checks: You must verify and record each worker’s UK visa or immigration status and keep those records.
- Certificates of Sponsorship: Issue a CoS only for genuine roles and to workers with the right skills/qualifications.
- Record-keeping: Maintain full employee files for every sponsored employee for the duration of sponsorship and at least one year after.
- Reporting changes: Use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to report major events within required deadlines.
- Ongoing compliance: Abide by all UK immigration laws and promote compliance in your organisation.
Preparing for a Compliance Visit
Prompt preparation is vital when you receive notice of a Home Office audit. We recommend:
- Review documentation: Cross-check all HR files for your sponsored workers to ensure they are complete and organised.
- Update systems: Make sure your Sponsor Management System and staff records are fully up-to-date.
- Prepare key personnel: Notify your Authorising Officer and other key contacts about the visit so they are available.
- Staff awareness: Inform relevant staff and any sponsored employees that an inspection is imminent.
- Mock audit: Conduct a practice visit to identify any weak spots so you can fix them before the real audit.
- Legal guidance: If any issues arise, seek expert legal advice immediately to resolve them proactively.
Why Choose Our Compliance Support
Lexington Ashworth Solicitors is a Manchester-based law firm specialising in UK Immigration matters. Our SRA-regulated solicitors offer nationwide support and have deep insight into Home Office procedures. We operate with integrity, insight, impact and precision: ensuring your documentation is precise, your staff are well-prepared, and your case is robust.
Whether you need a compliance audit, mock inspection or representation during a Home Office visit, our trusted solicitors will guide you every step of the way. Contact us to schedule a Sponsor Licence Compliance audit or to get immediate support after a Home Office notice. We help businesses in Manchester and beyond to meet their UKVI duties confidently and protect their ability to recruit global talent.