UK Home Office has issued an important warning to UK sponsor licence holders regarding inactive Sponsorship Management System (SMS) user accounts.
Level 1 and Level 2 users must access their SMS accounts by 6 December 2026 to avoid deactivation. The Home Office considers an account inactive if the user has not accessed it for 12 months or more.
Failure to maintain at least one active Level 1 user could put an organisation’s sponsor licence at risk of revocation.
Why Is the Home Office Deactivating Inactive SMS User Accounts?
UK Home Office has contacted Authorising Officers and Level 1 users where its records indicate that Level 1 or Level 2 users have either never accessed SMS or have not logged in during the previous 12 months.
Level 1 users must access SMS regularly to review and update sponsor licence details and monitor Home Office communications.
UK Home Office recommends that Level 1 users log into SMS at least once a month.
Can Inactive SMS Accounts Lead to Sponsor Licence Revocation?
UK Home Office has confirmed that it will deactivate Level 1 and Level 2 user accounts that have not been accessed by 6 December 2026.
If this action leaves an organisation without at least one active Level 1 user, the Home Office may take action to revoke its sponsor licence.
Sponsors must therefore ensure that at least one eligible Level 1 user remains active on their SMS account.
What Should UK Sponsor Licence Holders Do Before 6 December 2026?
Sponsors should review their registered SMS users and take appropriate action before the deadline.
If a Level 1 or Level 2 user is still in position
The user should log into SMS as soon as possible and continue accessing their account regularly.
If a Level 1 or Level 2 user no longer requires access
Their account should be deactivated promptly.
Level 1 users can deactivate other users, including Level 2 users, but cannot deactivate themselves.
Where an organisation has no active Level 1 user, it must complete a Sponsor Change of Circumstances form to nominate a replacement.
Once appointed, the new Level 1 user must deactivate the account that is no longer required.
How Morgan Smith Immigration Can Assist
Maintaining active SMS user accounts is an important part of meeting sponsor licence responsibilities. Employers should review their registered users and take the necessary action before the Home Office deadline.
With over 20 years of immigration experience, Morgan Smith Immigration provides legal advice to UK employers on sponsor licence matters and sponsorship compliance.
For professional legal advice on your sponsorship obligations, contact Morgan Smith Immigration on 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
