As a sponsor of a skilled worker in the UK, it is your responsibility to fulfill certain duties towards the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) agency.

 

The main duties for the holder of a Sponsor Licence for Skilled Workers include:

 

Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all sponsored workers, including copies of passports, biometric residence permits, and contact details.

Keep track of employment history and details of each worker's job role, salary, and working hours.

Reporting Duties:

Report certain changes and events to the Home Office within specified timeframes, such as:

• Non-attendance, non-compliance, or disappearance of a sponsored worker.

• Significant changes to the sponsored worker's employment, including changes in job role, salary, or work location.

• Termination of a sponsored worker's employment.

Compliance with Immigration Rules:

Ensure that sponsored workers have the appropriate skills, qualifications, and experience for their roles.

Verify that sponsored workers meet the English language and maintenance requirements.

Comply with all aspects of the Immigration Rules and the sponsor guidance.

Monitoring Duties:

Monitor the immigration status of sponsored workers to ensure they have the right to work in the UK.

Conduct regular checks on the work and attendance of sponsored workers to ensure compliance with visa conditions.

Preventing Illegal Working:

Implement robust recruitment practices to ensure that all employees have the right to work in the UK.

Take appropriate steps to verify the immigration status of new employees.

Reporting Changes to the Sponsor:

Notify the Home Office of any significant changes to the sponsor's business, such as:
Changes to the sponsor's address, contact details, or structure.

Changes in key personnel, such as the Authorising Officer, Key Contact, or Level 1 User.
Mergers, acquisitions, or changes in ownership.

Cooperating with the Home Office:

Allow the Home Office to conduct compliance visits and inspections, providing access to premises and records.

Cooperate with any investigations or audits carried out by the Home Office or other authorities.

Maintaining Accurate Records on the Sponsor Management System (SMS):

Use the SMS to manage sponsorship activities, including assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and reporting changes or issues related to sponsored workers.

Genuine Vacancy and Appropriate Rates of Pay:

Ensure that all job roles offered to sponsored workers are genuine vacancies.

Pay sponsored workers at least the minimum salary rates as specified by the Home Office for their particular roles.

Good HR Practices:

Implement effective HR practices to manage sponsored workers and ensure compliance with sponsorship duties.

By fulfilling these duties, sponsors can maintain their sponsor licence and avoid penalties, such as downgrading, suspension, or revocation of their licence.