Sponsor compliance: current Part 3 guidance
Sponsor licence compliance is governed by the current Workers and Temporary Workers sponsor guidance, including Part 3: sponsor duties and compliance. Version 05/26 is valid from 20 May 2026.
Part 3 confirms that sponsors must monitor compliance with the Immigration Rules, sponsor guidance and wider UK law. Sponsors must keep accurate records, report relevant changes, comply with right to work duties, monitor sponsored workers and remain prepared for Home Office compliance action.
The old four-year sponsor licence renewal requirement was removed on 6 April 2024 for most sponsors. The practical risk is therefore not “renewal” in the old sense, but whether the licence would survive Home Office scrutiny, suspension or revocation action.
Current source: Sponsor guidance Part 3: sponsor duties and compliance, version 05/26. Last reviewed by NA Law Solicitors: June 2026.
Sponsor Licence Rejection Guidance
If your Sponsor Licence application has been rejected or refused, the next step depends on the reason and the quality of the original evidence.
Request a Free Case Assessment →When Do Employers Need a Sponsor Licence?
You need a Sponsor Licence if you plan to hire workers from outside the UK who do not have permission to work here, including EU and EEA nationals who arrived after 31 December 2020 and do not hold Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status.
Why Applications Are Rejected or Refused
Applications may fail because all the necessary information has not been provided, documents are missing, the business case is unclear, or UKVI has concerns about genuineness or compliance systems. In cases of outright refusal, application fees are non-refundable and a cooling-off period may apply.
Process Timeline
- Assess reasons for rejection or refusal.
- Gather documents and correct any gaps.
- Reapply or seek review where available and appropriate.
- Strengthen compliance before assigning any CoS.
Current Fee Position
| Fee Item | Current GOV.UK Amount |
|---|---|
| Worker sponsor licence: small or charitable sponsor | £611 |
| Worker sponsor licence: medium or large sponsor | £1,682 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker | £525 |
| Immigration Skills Charge: small or charitable sponsor | £480 per year per worker |
| Immigration Skills Charge: medium or large sponsor | £1,320 per year per worker |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rejection the same as refusal?
No. A rejection often means the application was invalid or incomplete. A refusal usually means UKVI considered the application and decided the requirements were not met.
Can I reapply after a Sponsor Licence rejection?
Often yes, but the application should be corrected first. Reapplying with the same defects can lead to further refusal or delay.
Are Sponsor Licence fees refundable?
In cases of outright refusal, application fees are generally non-refundable and a cooling-off period may apply.
How much is a Worker sponsor licence application?
Current GOV.UK fees list the Worker sponsor licence fee as £611 for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,682 for a medium or large sponsor.
How much is a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship?
The current Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship fee is £525. Sponsors should also budget for the Immigration Skills Charge where it applies.
What is the Immigration Skills Charge?
The Immigration Skills Charge is a charge paid by sponsors when assigning certain Certificates of Sponsorship. Current rates are £480 per year for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,320 per year for a medium or large sponsor, per year of sponsorship.
Can EU nationals need sponsorship?
Yes. EU and EEA nationals who arrived after 31 December 2020 and do not hold Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status or another right to work may need sponsorship like other non-settled workers.
Can NA Law Solicitors help with compliance?
Yes. We advise on sponsor licence applications, CoS allocation, right to work checks, compliance systems, refusals, suspensions and revocations.
Speak to a Sponsor Licence Specialist
Get practical advice before applying, assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, or responding to a Home Office issue.
Request a Free Case Assessment →