If you’ve searched for a revoked sponsor licence list, you’re probably trying to confirm one thing: whether an employer can still sponsor overseas workers in the UK. This is often time sensitive. It might affect a job offer, a visa application in progress or your ability to stay in the UK if you’re already sponsored.
If you need an immigration solicitor to help you understand what a sponsor licence issue means for you or your business, Osbourne Pinner Solicitors can advise you on the next steps and the options available. We offer a free 30 minute consultation by video call or at our offices in London and Manchester.
In this article, we explain whether a revoked sponsor licence list exists, how to check sponsor status properly and the difference between revocation and suspension. We also explain what happens to employers and workers when a sponsor licence is lost and how to arrange a free 30 minute consultation with an immigration solicitor.
Is there a revoked sponsor licence list?
There’s no standalone public list that shows every sponsor licence that has been revoked, with full reasons and dates, in a simple searchable format.
In practice, the key public tool is the Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK. This is the official list of organisations currently permitted to sponsor workers under the relevant routes. If an organisation isn’t on the register, it’s not currently licensed to sponsor workers. That may be because its licence has been revoked, suspended, surrendered or it has never held a licence in the first place.
This is why people often refer to a revoked sponsor licence list. What they usually mean is checking whether an employer is still on the official register.
Why this matters for employers and workers
Sponsor licence status affects real world decisions very quickly.
For employers, losing a licence can bring recruitment to a halt and disrupt existing sponsored roles. It can also trigger wider compliance scrutiny.
For sponsored workers, it can mean your visa may be curtailed, leaving you with a limited window to switch to a new sponsor, move to another visa route or leave the UK.
For job applicants, it can invalidate a job offer if the employer can’t assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.
How to check if an employer is still licensed
The most reliable approach is simple.
Check the official Register of Licensed Sponsors and confirm the employer appears on the list. It’s important to check close to the time you need the information, because the register is updated regularly and employer status can change without warning.
You should also search using variations of the organisation name. Many employers trade under one name but are listed under a different legal entity name. Small differences like Limited vs Ltd can also affect your search.
Avoid relying on screenshots, downloaded copies of the register or third party websites that repost older versions. Those sources can be out of date and sponsor status can change between updates.
Why a sponsor might disappear from the register
If an organisation is missing from the register, it doesn’t automatically mean revocation. There are a few possibilities:
- The organisation has had its licence revoked
- The organisation is suspended and is not currently shown
- The organisation voluntarily surrendered its licence
- The organisation never held a licence under that entity name
- The organisation has merged, restructured or changed names and the listing has moved
If the situation is urgent, for example you are about to submit a visa application or you have received news that your sponsor is under investigation, it’s sensible to get advice quickly. The right response depends on the specific reason the employer is not listed.
Revocation vs suspension: what is the difference?
Revocation is the most serious outcome. The sponsor loses the ability to sponsor workers. Any unused Certificates of Sponsorship are cancelled. Sponsored workers can be affected and employers can’t assign new Certificates of Sponsorship.
Suspension is usually temporary. It often happens while UK Visas and Immigration investigates compliance concerns. During suspension, the sponsor will not usually be able to assign new Certificates of Sponsorship. The situation can end with reinstatement, a downgrade or revocation, depending on what UKVI finds.
From the outside, both situations can look similar if an employer isn’t shown on the register. That is why workers and applicants should avoid assumptions and focus on what steps are available to protect their position.
What happens to sponsored workers if a sponsor licence is revoked
If your sponsor licence is revoked, UKVI may curtail your visa. Curtailment means the Home Office shortens your permission to stay in the UK. You are usually given a limited period to take action. This could involve:
- Finding a new employer with a sponsor licence and submitting a new application
- Switching to a different visa route if you qualify
- Leaving the UK before your curtailed leave ends
Timing is critical. Switching sponsors can take time, especially if you need to secure a role, obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship and prepare an application. Waiting until the end of the curtailment period can make it harder to act.
If you’re in this position, an immigration solicitor can help you understand your deadlines, your options and what evidence you need for a new application.
What happens to job offers and visa applications in progress
If a job offer depends on sponsorship and the employer can’t assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, the application can’t proceed on that basis.
If you’ve already submitted an application, it may be impacted if the Certificate of Sponsorship is cancelled or becomes invalid. The details matter, including the stage your application is at and whether the sponsor remains licensed throughout processing.
This is one of the main reasons people search for a revoked sponsor licence list. They want reassurance before they commit to a role, resign from a job, pay for an application or make relocation plans.
What it means for employers if a sponsor licence is revoked
For employers, revocation can have immediate operational impact.
You may lose the ability to recruit overseas workers. You may also need to manage the effect on existing sponsored staff, including communication and workforce planning. Where sponsored roles are essential to service delivery, revocation can disrupt projects, contracts and customer commitments.
Revocation may also increase the risk of reputational damage, especially where enforcement action becomes public or affects a large number of workers.
There’s no general right of appeal against sponsor licence revocation, although there may be limited legal routes depending on the facts. Employers often also need to plan for future reapplication after any cooling off period, including improving HR processes and compliance systems.
Why sponsor licences get revoked
Every case is different, but revocation is typically linked to serious breaches or repeated non compliance. Common themes include:
- Failure to meet sponsor duties, including record keeping and reporting requirements
- Right to work check failures
- Concerns that roles aren’t genuine or don’t meet route requirements
- Misuse of Certificates of Sponsorship
- Failure to cooperate with Home Office compliance visits or requests
- Providing false or misleading information
The Home Office expects sponsors to maintain compliance on an ongoing basis, not just at the point of licence approval. That’s why prevention is often about systems, training and internal oversight rather than one off fixes.
Speak to an immigration solicitor about a revoked sponsor licence
Sponsor licence issues often escalate quickly. What you do in the first few days can affect your ability to protect your position.
For workers, early advice can help you understand your timeline and identify realistic options to stay in the UK lawfully.
For employers, early advice can help you respond appropriately to Home Office action, manage risk and plan a route back to sponsorship where possible.
If you need an immigration solicitor to advise on sponsor licence issues, compliance concerns or next steps after revocation or suspension, Osbourne Pinner Solicitors can help you understand your options and the practical actions available.
Please note that this article is solely for informational purposes. It’s not a substitute for legal advice. We encourage readers to contact Osbourne Pinner for case specific guidance.
We offer a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your situation. You can speak with us via video call or visit one of our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester. To arrange your consultation, call 0203 983 5080, email [email protected] or complete the form below.
