If your organisation holds, or plans to apply for, a UK sponsor licence, you must be prepared for Home Office audits. These visits are designed to assess whether your company can meet and maintain sponsor compliance duties under UK immigration law.
There are two main types of Sponsor Licence Audits conducted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI):
- Pre-Licence Visits, and
- Follow-Up (or Post-Licence) Visits.
Understanding both can help you stay compliant and avoid licence suspension or revocation
1. Pre-Licence Audits
A Pre-Licence Audit takes place before the Home Office grants your organisation a sponsor licence.
During this visit, compliance officers verify whether your business has the right automated system and procedures in place to monitor sponsored workers.
Purpose of a Pre-Licence Visit
- Confirm that your company is a genuine trading entity.
- Check that your HR systems meet Home Office standards.
- Assess whether you understand and can meet your sponsor duties.
What to Expect
Home Office officers may:
- Review employee records and right-to-work documentation.
- Ask questions about your HR policies, reporting, and record-keeping.
- Evaluate whether your organisation has adequate monitoring and reporting systems for sponsored workers.
To understand all compliance obligations before applying, read UKVI Sponsor Guidance
2. Follow-Up or Compliance Visits
Once your sponsor licence is granted, the Home Office may conduct Follow-Up Audits at any time, either announced or unannounced.
These visits ensure that your organisation continues to , such as record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring sponsored workers.
Purpose of a Follow-Up Visit
- Verify that your company continues to comply with Home Office requirements.
- Confirm that sponsored workers are doing the work described in their Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
What Happens During a Visit - Review of HR files and attendance records.
- Interviews with HR staff and possibly sponsored employees.
- Examination of sponsor management system (SMS) usage and reporting logs.
If issues are found, UKVI may:
- Downgrade your licence rating from A to B. Your licence rating - GOV.UK
- Issue a compliance action plan, or
- In severe cases, suspend or revoke your licence.
Preparing for a Sponsor Licence Audit
To avoid adverse audit outcomes, your business should take proactive steps to remain compliant at all times.
Best Practices for Audit Readiness
- Conduct Internal Compliance Audits – Review your HR systems and documentation regularly.
- Maintain Updated Employee Records – Keep accurate visa details, contact information, and job descriptions.
- Track Visa Expiry and Right to Work Checks – Ensure renewal processes are timely.
- Train Key Staff – Everyone handling immigration matters should understand the sponsor's duties.
- Monitor the Sponsor Management System (SMS) – Report any changes in employee circumstances promptly.
- Prepare for Unannounced Visits – Keep all records accessible and up to date at all times.
Consequences of Failing an Audit
Failure to meet sponsor compliance requirements can have severe consequences, including:
- Licence suspension or revocation.
- Loss of the ability to sponsor migrant workers.
- Reputational damage to your organisation.
- Difficulty reapplying for a sponsor licence in the future.
If your licence is downgraded or revoked, you may need to implement an action plan and pay additional fees to restore compliance.
Key Takeaways
Whether your organisation is applying for a new sponsor licence or already holds one, audits are a central part of maintaining compliance.
- Pre-Licence Audits assess readiness and system capability.
- Follow-Up Audits verify ongoing compliance and integrity.
- Regular preparation, internal reviews, and staff training are essential for a successful outcome.
Maintaining compliance not only protects your licence but also strengthens your business’s credibility and ability to attract global talent.