Sponsor licence compliance has become an increasingly serious issue for UK employers. Much of the recent attention has focused on enforcement within the adult social care sector. Concerns about worker exploitation, underpayment and misuse of sponsorship have resulted in considerable scrutiny of care providers.
Changes to the Right to Work Scheme from 1 October 2026 will make it important for businesses to look beyond their usual employee onboarding procedures.
Right to Work Checks from October 2026: What Employers Should Review Now Read More »
The Sponsorship Management System (SMS) is the Home Office’s online platform for organisations that hold a sponsor licence. It allows sponsors to manage their licence, assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), report changes involving sponsored workers and update information about their organisation.
What Is the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)? A Guide for UK Employers Read More »
Receiving a sponsor licence suspension notice can cause serious concern for an organisation and its sponsored workers. However, suspension does not automatically mean that the licence will be revoked.
What to Do If Your Sponsor Licence Is Suspended Read More »
UK Skilled Worker visa rules have become considerably stricter, yet thousands of small businesses including convenience stores, barber shops, taxi firms, car washes and vape shops reportedly remain on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors. So, does being on the sponsor list mean these businesses can still recruit workers from overseas The short answer is: not necessarily.
How Are UK Vape Shops and Car Washes Still Sponsoring Workers Under Stricter Visa Rules? Read More »
UK Home Office has introduced significant changes to the UK’s Right to Work Scheme, with new requirements coming into force on 1 October 2026.
UK Right to Work Scheme Changes Coming into Force on 1 October 2026 Read More »
The Home Office has updated its sponsor guidance, effective from 20 May 2026, clarifying sponsor licence holders’ right to work check obligations after concerns were raised over earlier changes introduced in March and April 2026.
Home Office Reverses Expanded Sponsor Right to Work Requirements Read More »
UK Immigration Rules establish a structured framework under the suitability requirements, which must be satisfied in all applications for entry clearance, permission to enter, or permission to stay.
Recent changes to Right to Work (RTW) obligations have introduced a significant shift in the responsibilities placed on sponsor licence holders. These developments expand the scope of who must be checked and place greater compliance expectations on organisations operating within the UK.
UK Home Office Expands Right to Work Check Requirements Read More »
UK employers who sponsor overseas workers will face a notable rise in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) from 16 December 2025. This is the first increase since the ISC was introduced in 2017 and represents a substantial uplift in the overall cost of sponsorship.
Immigration Skills Charge Rises on 16 December 2025: What Sponsors Need to Know Read More »
The consistency and timeliness of Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocations by the Home Office have become a growing source of concern for UK employers and immigration practitioners alike. What was once a relatively straightforward process has become increasingly unpredictable, leaving sponsors and applicants alike struggling to plan effectively.
How Delays in Certificate of Sponsorship Allocations Are Affecting UK Employers Read More »
The number of companies stripped of the right to issue Migrant Work Visa Licences has more than doubled in the past year, with government figures showing a sharp increase in enforcement action against employers accused of exploiting the immigration system.
Sharp Rise in Revocations of Migrant Work Visa Licences Read More »
Changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa is possible, but the process is not automatic. Applicants must follow a defined set of steps to remain compliant with immigration rules. Following the significant amendments to the immigration system on 22 July 2025, understanding the requirements for changing employers on a Skilled Worker visa has become more
Changing Employers on a Skilled Worker Visa Read More »
As a sponsor licence holder, you are entrusted with sensitive data and critical access to the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It is therefore essential to remain vigilant against phishing scams targeting these accounts. Recent alerts from the Home Office confirm a rise in fraudulent emails designed to mislead users into revealing their login
Protecting Your Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Account from Phishing Scams Read More »
Over the past two years, the UK has witnessed a concerning rise in the exploitation of migrant workers, particularly in sectors like social care and agriculture. Workers lured by the promise of stable employment and a better future are often met instead with poor working conditions, withheld wages and in some cases psychological abuse. Now, legal experts and advocacy groups are urging the Home Secretary to act.
Migrant Workers Deserve Protection—But Why Are They Still Taking the Risk? Read More »
The Home Office has introduced an important update to the Immigration Rules affecting Skilled Worker sponsors. From 9 April 2025, the Immigration Rules were amended to introduce a new provision on permitted deductions from a sponsored worker’s salary. This applies to all Certificates of Sponsorship issued on or after that date.
Understanding the New Immigration Rule for Skilled Worker Sponsors Read More »
In recent years, the Home Office has made significant efforts to visit companies and educational institutions to prevent any abuse toward workers and international students. Over the last couple of years, the number of companies that lost their licence due to such abuses has exceeded expectations. Educational institutions are also under the scope of the
Home Office Sponsor Action Plan: Ensuring Compliance and Avoiding Downgrades Read More »
In a significant policy shift, the Home Office has introduced new changes to Part 1 and Part 3 of the Skilled Worker Sponsor Guidance, effective from 31 December 2024. These changes impose stricter obligations on sponsor licence holders and aim to eliminate exploitative practices in the sponsorship system, particularly around financial responsibilities.
Home Office Prohibits Sponsors From Passing on Sponsorship Costs to Skilled Workers Read More »
Securing a Sponsor Licence is a crucial step for businesses seeking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK. However, the application process is complex, and mistakes can result in delays, refusals, or even compliance penalties. At Morgan Smith Immigration, we understand the challenges businesses face. Here, we outline five common mistakes HR teams often make and offer practical advice to help you understand the process effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UK Sponsor Licence Read More »
What is a Sponsor Licence Audit? A Sponsor Licence Audit is conducted by the Home Office to ensure that a sponsor licence holder complies with their duties and responsibilities. This audit can occur at any point during the licence’s validity to verify the accuracy of the information provided during the application and ongoing compliance. What Does
Sponsor Licence Audit: Key Aspects and Preparation Read More »
A sponsor licence is permission granted by the Home Office to employers, allowing them to hire foreign workers under specific visa categories. Maintaining this licence requires strict adherence to compliance duties throughout its term. If these obligations are breached or not followed, the Home Office may suspend the licence to conduct further investigations. Such suspensions can significantly disrupt business operations, making it crucial for sponsors to act swiftly. Addressing any concerns and challenging the suspension promptly is essential to minimise operational disruptions.
UK Sponsor Licence Suspension: What You Need to Know Read More »
In recent years, migrant care workers arriving in the UK with hopes of better opportunities have found themselves trapped in a grim reality of exploitation and despair. Many of these workers, primarily from third world countries, have paid substantial sums to recruitment agents, who promised them jobs in the UK’s healthcare sector. But upon arrival,
The UK visa system has long been a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. Recently, a scandal involving a network of middlemen selling fake visa documents has brought the issue back into the spotlight. This article delves into the complexities of the situation, examining whether second-generation immigrants are exploiting the system and uncovering the truth
Sponsorship Licence is still at the Pinnacle Of Immigration Abuse Read More »
A sponsor licence is crucial for UK businesses looking to hire overseas employees under the Skilled Worker route. However, recent trends reveal a significant increase in suspension and revocation of licences by the Home Office. Recent statistics released by UKVI indicate that from January 2024 to March 2024, a total of 210 sponsor licences were revoked, with an additional 309 licences being suspended during the same period. This data indicates the highest number of suspensions in nearly a decade.
Sponsor Licence Suspensions and Revocations on the Rise: Key Insights for UK Businesses Read More »
In today’s globalised workforce, hiring overseas talent is essential for UK businesses. Obtaining a sponsor licence in the UK is a critical step for employers seeking to hire overseas workers. This permission, granted by the Home Office, allows organisations to employ foreign workers. However, maintaining the licence can be challenging due to strict compliance requirements. To protect your sponsor licence, Morgan Smith Lawyers recommend conducting mock audits. These practice audits help to identify potential issues and prepare you for official Home Office visits. By proactively addressing any compliance gaps, you can safeguard your licence and continue sponsoring workers effectively.
UK Immigration Audit: What You Need to Know Read More »
