At JNS Solicitors, we specialise in immigration law and have extensive experience helping businesses, charities, and entrepreneurs manage their Sponsor Licence compliance. From the very start of your Sponsor Licence journey, we work closely with you to ensure that all licence duties and responsibilities are fulfilled, providing you with peace of mind.
By identifying potential weaknesses in your processes early, we can help you implement a plan to address them and maintain compliance. Our proactive approach ensures that your organisation remains prepared for any Home Office audits, whether announced or unannounced, safeguarding your licence and your ability to employ skilled workers from around the world.
Comprehensive Support for Your Organisation
JNS Solicitors can act on your behalf to administer Key Personnel roles, ensuring that your Sponsor Management System (SMS) is correctly managed. Additionally, we keep you updated on changes in immigration law and policy, helping your organisation stay compliant with its obligations.
By working with our team, you can focus on growing your business while we handle your compliance needs.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Sponsor Licence Holder
The Sponsor Guidance outlines several key responsibilities for licence holders. These include preventing abuse of the system, addressing any weaknesses that could lead to concerning patterns of behaviour, and monitoring compliance with immigration rules.
Key Compliance Priorities:
- Ensuring the information in your Sponsor Licence application is accurate and supported by the required evidence.
- Appointing qualified individuals to the roles of Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User.
- Maintaining accurate records of all sponsored employees, including their current address and immigration status.
- Keeping the Sponsor Management System up to date and implementing processes to report any changes promptly.
- Having a backup plan in case Key Personnel are unavailable to perform their duties.
- Informing migrant employees of their responsibilities, incorporating this information into job offers, employment policies, and handbooks, as well as providing periodic reminders.
Right to Work Checks
Sponsor Licence holders must conduct thorough right-to-work checks to avoid the risk of employing an illegal worker. Employers are required to check and retain copies of specified documents, such as passports or Biometric Residence Permits.
This process ensures compliance with section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, providing a statutory excuse against civil penalties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to meet the duties and responsibilities of a Sponsor Licence holder can lead to serious consequences. These may include:
- Downgrading, suspension, or revocation of the licence, which can require significant time and resources to resolve.
- Reputational damage, affecting the organisation’s ability to attract international talent.
- Curtailment of leave for existing sponsored employees if the licence is revoked and they cannot find another sponsor.
At JNS Solicitors, we work diligently to help you avoid these outcomes by ensuring your organisation remains compliant at all times.
Why Choose JNS Solicitors?
Since our founding, JNS Solicitors has been committed to delivering professional and reliable immigration advice. We pride ourselves on providing a personalised service tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our team works collaboratively with you, offering clear and informed guidance to help you make the right decisions for your business.
Let us manage your Sponsor Licence compliance, so you can concentrate on achieving your business goals.
📞 Contact JNS Solicitors today to learn how we can help your organisation maintain compliance and retain its ability to attract global talent.