When it comes to sponsor licence compliance you need a service you can trust. New arrangements for Skilled Workers with a CoS assigned on or after the 4th of April 2024, and the transitional arrangements, have created added complexity for sponsors.
Please remember that all sponsors must have HR systems to record workers' right-to-work and visa expiry dates, track attendance and keep their contact details regularly updated. Any changes to the sponsor organisation or their workers’ situation must be reported to the UKVI via the SMS.
All of our clients benefit from our bespoke Admin and Compliance package for 12 months as part of our sponsor licence assistance service, and the vast majority opt to continue receiving this service from us thereafter for instant access to expert advice, management of their SMS and reassurance that they will remain compliant and retain their ‘A’ rating.
New Arrangements for Skilled Workers (April 2024 Onward)
- Higher Salary Thresholds: The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Workers increased to £38,700 per year or the relevant going rate.
- Updated Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Rules: Sponsors must specify the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code when assigning a CoS.
- Stricter Compliance Checks: UKVI has introduced enhanced audits to ensure sponsors meet reporting obligations.
Reporting Responsibilities
Sponsors must have HR systems in place to:
✅ Monitor workers' immigration status and visa expiry dates.
✅ Track attendance and report absences.
✅ Update contact details regularly.
✅ Report changes to UKVI via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Changes That Must Be Reported
Within 10 Working Days
- A sponsored worker does not start their role within 28 days.
- A worker is absent for more than 10 consecutive working days without permission.
- A worker is absent without pay for more than 4 weeks in a calendar year.
- A worker’s salary is reduced from the level stated on their CoS.
- Significant job changes (role, title, duties, or promotion within the same SOC code).
- Work location changes.
- Sponsorship ends for any reason.
Within 20 Working Days
- Business ceases trading or becomes insolvent.
- Significant changes to business operations.
- Merger or takeover affecting sponsorship.
- Changes in contracts for secondment workers or service suppliers.
- Address changes.
- Authorising Officer (AO) leaves or takes long-term leave.
Why Choose UK Visas?
With evolving compliance requirements, UK Visas provides expert guidance to ensure sponsors remain compliant and retain their ‘A’ rating.
Our bespoke Admin and Compliance package offers 12 months of support, including SMS management and instant access to expert advice.
