ABOUT THIS PAGE
A step-by-step guide to help employers with a sponsor licence follow the five key compliance. This is guidance for licensed sponsors and employers with sponsored workers.
Duty 1: Check employees’ right to work
What you need to do
Make sure all employees have permission to work in the UK.
Steps to follow
- Check visas before hiring to confirm valid immigration status
- Track visa expiry dates using a reminder system
- Schedule regular reviews to update records
- Keep copies of right-to-work documents, such as passports and visas, in employee files
Duty 2: Keep employee contact details
What you need to do
Keep an accurate record of contact details for current and former sponsored workers.
Steps to follow
- Create a contact log including phone numbers, email addresses and physical addresses
- Review contact details regularly (for example, every six months)
- Keep a record of previous contact details for auditing purposes
Duty 3: Keep proof of sponsorship eligibility
What you need to do
Maintain a sponsorship file for each sponsored worker showing they qualify for sponsorship.
Steps to follow
- Passport
- Visa or Biometric Residence Permit
- Degree certificates or qualifications
- Job offer and contract
- Payslips and other required documents
Duty 4: Track absences and job changes
What you need to do
Record absences and any changes to a sponsored worker’s role.
Steps to follow
- Record absences such as sickness and holidays
- Log job changes, including duties, hours or location
- Notify UKVI of major changes within 10 working days
Duty 5: Keep licence details up to date and notify UKVI
What you need to do
Ensure sponsor licence information is accurate and kept up to date.
Steps to follow
- Track business changes such as:
- Business address
- Authorising Officer details
- Type of business
- Notify UKVI of business changes within 20 working days
- Notify UKVI of employee changes within 10 working days
- Review licence details regularly