Visa Sponsor Licence Lost – Key Information for Employees

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 sponsor licence 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 and Lost Visa Sponsor 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If you were involved in the reasons why your employer lost their sponsor licence, your visa will be immediately withdrawn, and you must leave the UK.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 and Lost Visa Sponsor 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 license, 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 Open Government Licence v3.0.

Written by [Ketan Borada / British Portal Team] – Founder of British Portal, dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information on UK public services and benefits.