SPONSOR COMPLIANCE

Compliance is a big part of
a Sponsors Life

If your company has been awarded a sponsorship licence, the Home Office sees this as a privilege as opposed to a right.

SMA Solicitors offers a consultation service whereby we will perform site visits are your request and assess your compliance with the Secretary of State’s policy and guidance for sponsors. The visit will allow us to identify areas of weakness where you may have fallen short of the requirements and where you are most exposed to a negative compliance visit. Once we have identified potential areas of weakness, we will continue to work with you to find solutions that are compatible with your business. If you have an upcoming audit and wish to have a solicitor present to ensure that the Home Office’s compliance officers comply with the law and to avoid any future problem, please call our dedicated team who will be happy to attend on the day of the audit and be by your side throughout the process.

It has long been recognised by the Courts and the Secretary of State that a sponsor licence in fact makes you, the Sponsor, the eyes and ears of the Home Office. With the privilege of a sponsor licence, therefore, comes great responsibility. In the event your civil penalty case does proceed to a full civil trial, your business’s reputation, finances and future could well be on the line and we understand the importance of ensuring that cases are prepared in such a way as to maximise the prospects of success by carefully considering the Immigration Rules, statutory defences and the Secretary of State’s policy and published guidance.

get the help you need

Visit us for a consultation

02089 519 959

How SMA Law Can Help?

Our expertise extends beyond legal representation; we strive to empower individuals facing apply for a UK visa by advocating for their rights, offering strategic advice, and meticulously preparing their cases. We aim to navigate the legal complexities and provide reassurance and clarity throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main duties of a sponsor licence holder?

Every sponsor licence holder must thoroughly manage each sponsored worker from assignment of a Certificate of Sponsorship until they cease employment. This includes conducting legal right-to-work checks, maintaining accurate records such as passports, contact details and employment contracts, tracking absences or changes and reporting any material changes within specified timeframes. These duties are non‑negotiable and cover record-keeping, monitoring and reporting obligations.

How can SMA Law help with sponsor compliance?

SMA Law supports businesses by reviewing your SMS (Sponsorship Management System), documentation and internal processes. We help ensure your system meets official standards, assist with routine checks and support more complex scenarios such as preparing for compliance visits or audits all with clarity and guidance grounded in current rules.

What happens during a sponsor compliance audit?

During a Home Office audit often lasting two to three hours officers review five key areas: right-to-work and payroll records, file management for sponsored employees, current contact details, tracking of absences or changes and general adherence to duties. The Authorising Officer is interviewed first, followed by a review of up to 50 personnel files and documentation as required.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Failing sponsor duties risks serious penalties. These include downgrade of licence status, suspension or revocation of your sponsor licence, civil fines up to £60,000 per illegal worker, cancellation of sponsored workers’ visas and potential police referral in severe cases.

Can you help if we are facing a Home Office compliance visit?

Yes. Support can be provided in gathering documentation, preparing nominated officers and staff for discussions and ensuring your sponsor licence systems are audit-ready. This includes mock visits, explaining interview expectations and putting in place processes to handle unexpected inspections.

How often should we review our sponsor compliance practices?

Sponsor duties require regular reviews. It’s recommended to conduct internal checks every six months to ensure SMS entries, right-to-work checks, records and policies are up to date. Reviews are especially necessary following significant business changes.

Do you offer ongoing support after the initial audit?

Yes. Continued guidance can help you maintain compliance by monitoring any updates in Home Office rules, preparing for future audits and ensuring that any remedial actions after review remain effective. If you’d like to ensure your sponsor licence practice remains aligned with Home Office expectations or would like support before or after a compliance visit SMA Law can assist in reviewing and strengthening your systems clearly and effectively.

Get In Touch

Request a consultation

Note: Any data that you submit using this web form will be held by our firm as a Data Controller and will be held securely for 6 months before being securely and confidentially destroyed. Your data will not be disclosed to any third parties without your consent or as otherwise allowed by the relevant Data Protection legislation and will only be used for responding to your query (or purposes associated with that purpose)

You have the right to be informed about what data we hold about you along with other rights set out in the legislation. Further information about your rights under the data protection legislation can be found at www.ico.org.uk

Full details can be found on our website at on our website privacy notice