UK Visas and Immigration may revoke or downgrade your sponsor licence if you fail to comply with your sponsor duties.

This could come about as a result of an inspection associated with an initial sponsor licence, an application to renew or at any point while you hold a licence.

We can provide you with support in relation to your compliance, either on-site or remotely. We can also accompany you during any UKVI inspection.

The firm’s friendly team is highly regarded for such work. The latest Chambers and Partners UK legal directory for instance says: “Vanessa Ganguin of Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law is especially knowledgeable in the handling of immigration matters for entertainment industry clients. Her work includes securing Tier 5 creative worker visas, as well as providing sponsor licence compliance advice.” Clients quoted by the guide said: “Vanessa is a ‘go-to’ lawyer on immigration matters. She is personal, thorough and ensures high service levels” and “She is thorough and meticulous in detail.”

The Guide adds “Associate to Watch” Senior Associate Anushka Sinha “advises corporates and individuals on a range of business immigration issues. She ably guides clients through the points-based immigration system and has notable experience working with US-based clients.”

And regarding “Senior Statesperson” Philip Trott, the guide says: “A long-standing leader in immigration law, Philip Trott of Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law advises on the full gamut of immigration issues, from sponsor licence applications to matters regarding Tier 2 visas. He represents a diverse list of clients including international companies, charities and non-profit organisations.”

Contact us to talk through any issues you may need help with.

Compliance health checks

If you are facing a UKVI inspection or want reassurance that you are compliant with your duties, we will provide the expertise you need. Our support can be on-site or remote, reviewing your human resource processes and personnel files. We also conduct mock interviews with your key personnel.

To find out how we can help you please call us on 0207 033 9527 or click here to send us an email 

Advice on complying with sponsor duties

As a sponsor you must comply with a host of onerous requirements to avoid enforcement action from UK Visas and Immigration, civil penalties and other illegal working sanctions.

From preparing an initial sponsor licence to renewal applications, we align your processes with UKVI requirements. For the duration of your sponsor licence we ensure you have a full understanding of what is required of you.

To find out how we can help you please call us on 0207 033 9527 or click here to send us an email

Compliance and right to work training

Sponsor duty and right to work compliance are increasingly significant areas for sponsoring employees.

We can provide on-site training on all aspects of complying with your sponsor duties including how to avoid falling foul of illegal working legislation. We will provide practical tips on making full right to work checks to avoid civil penalties and criminal sanctions, complying with Skilled Worker and Intra-Company Transfer sponsor duties and challenging civil penalty notices.

Click here for our quick guide to protecting yourself with right to work best practice, based on the latest Home Office guidance.

To find out how we can help you please call us on 0207 033 9527 or click here to send us an email

Employers face increasing checks and sanctions for sponsor licence violations - how to protect yourself

UKVI may revoke, suspend or downgrade your sponsor licence if you fail to comply with sponsor duties. This could come about as a result of an inspection associated with an initial sponsor licence, an application to renew or, indeed at any point while you hold a licence to hire non-UK nationals. The Home Office department is becoming increasingly vigilant in its enforcement practices so it is worth keeping on top of your sponsor management and right to work practices.

Since pandemic measures have eased, there has been a marked increase in compliance visits by UKVI officers, as well as penalties and sanctions of employers.

We have also recently heard increasing reports of UKVI contacting sponsors to do checks if they believe the Sponsor Management System (‘SMS’) has not been accessed for 12 months or where there are indications that the Key Personnel information on the SMS is not up to date.

For the most common compliance issues sponsors face click here.

“Vanessa is dynamic and wonderful to work with. She was incredibly thorough and supportive when we renewed our licence, handling some new and complex areas for us and she has helped us with our sponsorships ever since.”

Head of Talent, healthcare marketing consultancy, London

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