Since the 12 of April 2021, the UK Government has implemented an ease of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and temporary UKVI measures following the Government’s initial road map. This has given the opportunity for things to resume as prior to the lockdown. One area of immigration that will be resuming is Sponsor Licence Compliance Visits at Sponsor businesses under the skilled worker route. UKVI has highlighted that all compliance visits will be carried out in a Covid safe manner. Our business immigration solicitors in London can help prepare a sponsor licenced business for an upcoming Home Office compliance visit and are happy to arrange a consultation to discuss these audits in more detail.
What is a Sponsor Licence Compliance Visit?”
A sponsor licence is a permission granted by the Home Office to an organisation to sponsor non-residential workers to be allowed to work in a UK business. However, this entails certain checks to be carried out by the Home Office to prevent illegal working. This will often necessitate an officer from the UKVI to attend the business premises and ask detailed questions designed in a way to check that the sponsor is indeed carrying out, his/her duties set out by the relevant sponsor guidance. The duties in which the officer can carry out checks may include the following;
- Photograph the location and premises from which the business is operating from to verify the information given at the time the Sponsor Licence application was made;
- Speak to migrant workers, employees and members of the team involved in recruitment of migrant workers to ensure that sponsorship duties are being complied with; and
- Conduct checks on other employees to ensure the business is complying with its duties to prevent illegal working.
Why were Sponsor Licence Compliance Visits Suspended?
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic it was deemed that Sponsor Licence Compliance Visits should be suspended in order to avoid the spread of spread of Covid-19. As now the visits can be done in a safe manner in accordance with Public Health England (PHE), the compliance checks may resume. Compliance Visits will now involve UKVI officers wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and appropriate social distancing measures will be implemented, in addition to any measures the business has in place.
What happens if we fail a Sponsor Licence Compliance Visit?
If there is a reason that the Compliance Officer is unsatisfied with their findings in relation to the checks listed above, the officer then has the power to refuse to grant a sponsor License or if the business already has a sponsor licence, then action may be taken against the organisation including personal prosecution to the key personnel, suspending the sponsor licence until the business has made the necessary changes or revoking the sponsor licence entirely.
How can our business Immigration Solicitors in London prepare you for a Sponsor Licence Compliance Visit?
Our business immigration solicitors are fully aware of a sponsor’s duties and through our experience, we are conscious of the common mistakes made by businesses which may lead to their sponsor licence being refused, suspended or revoked. Our immigration team can be instructed to carry out mock compliance audits to ensure that as a licenced sponsor you are compliant with record keeping duties, reporting duties, key and ever-changing immigration law and genuine vacancy requirement.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a successful UK Visas and Immigration application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a UK Visas and Immigration application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK British Registration application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a successful UK Visas and Immigration application with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.