Visa Sponsor Licence Lost? What Employees Need to Know
What Happens If Your Visa Sponsor Loses Their Licence?
If your visa sponsor licence is revoked, you may have to leave your job and the UK unless you apply for a new visa. The Home Office will cancel your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and your visa will be limited to 60 days or the time left on your visa if it’s less.
However, your situation depends on whether you are already in the UK or outside the UK when your employer loses their sponsor licence. This guide explains the key steps you need to take.
If You Are in the UK When Your Sponsor Loses Their Licence
If your employer’s visa sponsor licence is revoked:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship is cancelled
- Your visa will be limited to 60 days (or however long you have left if it’s less)
- You must find a new sponsor or apply for a different visa within this period
- If you don’t apply for a new visa, you must leave the UK
💡 Important: If you were involved in the reasons why your employer lost their sponsor licence, your visa will be immediately withdrawn, and you must leave the UK.
If Your Sponsor’s Licence Is Suspended
A suspension means your employer’s ability to sponsor workers is under review. You may continue working under certain conditions:
| Your Circumstances | What Will Happen |
|---|---|
| You arrived in the UK but haven’t started work | ✅ You can start working |
| You are already working | ✅ You can continue working |
| You applied for a visa extension | ⏳ Your application will be on hold until the suspension ends |
If You Are Outside the UK When Your Sponsor Loses Their Licence
Before travelling, always check the register of sponsors to confirm your employer still has a valid visa sponsor licence. If your employer’s licence is suspended or revoked, the impact on you depends on your situation.
If Your Sponsor Loses Their Licence
| Your Circumstances | What Will Happen |
|---|---|
| You applied for a visa but haven’t received a decision | ❌ Your visa application will be refused |
| You have a visa but haven’t travelled to the UK yet | ❌ Your visa will be cancelled – you won’t be allowed to enter the UK |
If Your Sponsor’s Licence Is Suspended
| Your Circumstances | What Will Happen |
|---|---|
| You applied for a visa | ⏳ Your application will be put on hold until the suspension ends |
| You have a visa but haven’t travelled to the UK yet | 📩 UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will contact you with further instructions |
If Your Sponsor’s Business Is Taken Over or They Don’t Renew Their Licence
If your employer is taken over by another company or does not renew their visa sponsor licence, your visa will be affected.
- If your new employer does not apply for a sponsor licence within 28 days, your visa will be limited to 60 days or the remaining time left, whichever is shorter.
- If your employer does not renew their licence, your visa will also be limited to 60 days.
In both cases, you must apply for a new visa or leave the UK.
💡 If you have not yet travelled to the UK, your visa will be cancelled, and you won’t be allowed to enter.
What Should You Do Next?
✅ Find a New Sponsor
You can look for a new employer with a valid visa sponsor licence. Check the official Register of Licensed Sponsors to find approved employers.
✅ Apply for a Different Visa
If you qualify for another UK visa, you must submit a new application before your current visa expires. You might be eligible for:
- Skilled Worker Visa (with a new sponsor)
- Global Talent Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Other Visa
✅ Seek Immigration Advice
An immigration solicitor or adviser can help you understand your options. You can find an OISC-registered adviser for professional guidance.
If your employer loses their visa sponsor licence, your job and immigration status in the UK will be at risk. Act quickly to find a new sponsor or apply for an alternative visa before your 60-day grace period ends.
For official guidance, visit the UK Government website.
Source / Ref.: Gov.uk Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.
