Challenge Refusal or Revocation of UKVI Sponsor Licence

Receiving a refusal, suspension, or revocation of your UKVI sponsor licence can feel overwhelming. For many UK employers, the ability to hire skilled overseas workers is vital to business growth and continuity. Losing your sponsor licence can disrupt projects, harm your reputation, and force sponsored employees to leave the UK.

But it’s not always the end of the road. If you act quickly and understand your options, you may be able to Challenge Refusal or Revocation of UKVI Sponsor Licence, fix compliance issues, and even secure reinstatement. This guide explains why licences are refused or revoked, what steps you can take, and how professional help can improve your chances of success.

Why Might a Sponsor Licence Be Refused or Revoked?

Understanding the reasons UKVI may refuse or revoke a sponsor licence helps you prevent issues before they occur or respond effectively if they do. Common reasons include:

• Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate sponsor licence application 
• Failing to meet sponsorship duties, like not reporting changes in employee circumstances or not keeping accurate records 
• Employing overseas staff illegally or without valid Certificates of Sponsorship 
• Providing false or misleading information to UKVI 
• Repeatedly failing compliance audits or breaching immigration rules

Each of these issues can trigger serious consequences. Even if mistakes were unintentional, UKVI can still refuse, suspend, or revoke your sponsor licence.

Differences Between Refusal, Suspension, and Revocation

When dealing with sponsor licence issues, it helps to know the differences between refusal, suspension, and revocation:

Refusal

Refusal happens when UKVI rejects your initial application for a sponsor licence. This means you never receive the licence in the first place, and you cannot sponsor overseas workers until you reapply and are approved.

Suspension

Suspension is when UKVI temporarily freezes your sponsor licence. During this time, you cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship or sponsor new workers. However, your current sponsored employees can usually continue working while the investigation takes place.

Revocation

Revocation is the most serious outcome. It means UKVI has cancelled your sponsor licence entirely. You immediately lose the right to sponsor overseas workers. Sponsored employees may have to leave the UK unless they switch to another sponsor or visa route.

What Happens If Your Licence Is Suspended or Revoked?

If your licence is suspended or revoked, the effects on your business can be immediate and severe:

• You cannot assign new Certificates of Sponsorship to hire or extend visas for employees 
• Sponsored workers may receive curtailment notices requiring them to leave the UK within 60 days 
• You risk damaging your business reputation, which can impact recruitment and partnerships 
• Projects relying on overseas staff may face costly delays or cancellations 
• Without swift action, it becomes harder to resolve the situation

The sooner you act to Challenge Refusal or Revocation of UKVI Sponsor Licence, the better your chance of protecting your business and employees.

How to Challenge a Sponsor Licence Refusal or Revocation

Taking prompt and organised steps is key if you wish to challenge UKVI’s decision. Here’s what you should do:

• Gather all relevant documents, records, and evidence to show your compliance with sponsor duties 
• Respond to any UKVI notices with clear explanations and supporting documents 
• Correct compliance failures immediately, such as updating HR processes or training staff on sponsorship obligations 
• Submit a detailed representation letter requesting reconsideration of the decision 
• Get professional advice to ensure your response fully addresses UKVI’s concerns

Being thorough, honest, and proactive in your response can make a real difference to the outcome.

Can You Appeal a UKVI Sponsor Licence Decision?

Unlike many immigration decisions, there is no formal right of appeal for a sponsor licence refusal, suspension, or revocation. However, this doesn’t mean you have no options.

You can challenge a UKVI decision by:

• Submitting a pre-action protocol letter explaining why you believe the decision was wrong or unfair 
• Seeking Judicial Review if you believe UKVI acted unlawfully or made significant errors in its decision-making

These processes can be complex and time sensitive, which is why professional help can make a big difference.

Judicial Review for Sponsor Licence Decisions

Judicial Review is a legal process where a court reviews the lawfulness of a decision made by a public body, like UKVI. It’s not a re-hearing of your case, but a way to check if UKVI acted fairly and within the law.

When to Consider Judicial Review

Judicial Review can be an option if:

• UKVI made a legal error in assessing your case 
• The decision was unreasonable or irrational 
• UKVI failed to follow correct procedures

Judicial Review Process

The typical process involves:

• Submitting a pre-action protocol letter giving UKVI a chance to reconsider 
• If UKVI does not change its decision, filing a Judicial Review application at the High Court 
• If the court finds UKVI acted unlawfully, it may order UKVI to reconsider or reinstate your licence

Judicial Review is a serious step with strict deadlines, so professional legal guidance is essential.

Professional Help When Challenging UKVI Decisions

Trying to handle a sponsor licence refusal or revocation alone can be stressful and risky. Immigration solicitors experienced in sponsorship issues can:

• Review your situation to identify where things went wrong 
• Gather and prepare the strongest possible evidence and representation 
• Communicate with UKVI on your behalf, helping you avoid mistakes or missed deadlines 
• Guide you through Judicial Review if it becomes necessary 

Support you in rebuilding your HR systems and sponsor compliance processes to prevent future problems

Having professional support gives you peace of mind and greatly improves your chance of success when you need to Challenge Refusal or Revocation of UKVI Sponsor Licence.

FAQs – Challenge Sponsor Licence Refusal or Revocation

Can I appeal a sponsor licence refusal?

No, there is no formal right of appeal. However, you can ask UKVI to reconsider or, if appropriate, seek Judicial Review.

What happens if my sponsor licence is revoked?

If your licence is revoked, you lose your ability to sponsor migrant workers immediately. Your current sponsored employees may have to leave the UK unless they secure a new visa.

How long does it take to challenge a UKVI decision?

It depends on the complexity of your case and whether you pursue Judicial Review. Some representations can be made quickly, while Judicial Review can take several months.

How can a solicitors in Manchester help with a sponsor licence refusal?

Solicitors in Manchester can help you understand why your licence was refused, prepare detailed representations to UKVI, communicate on your behalf, and guide you through legal processes if needed.

Having your UKVI sponsor licence refused or revoked can disrupt your ability to hire overseas workers and damage your business. However, with the right approach and timely action, you can Challenge Refusal or Revocation of UKVI Sponsor Licence and work to protect your sponsorship rights.

Gathering solid evidence, correcting compliance gaps, and seeking professional legal advice can all improve your chances of success. Remember that time is critical – the sooner you act, the better your prospects of saving your sponsor licence and keeping your international talent.

Facing Sponsor Licence Refusal, Suspension, or Revocation? 

If your sponsor licence has been refused, suspended, or revoked, time is of the essence. Without action, you could lose the ability to hire or retain vital overseas talent and that can impact your business significantly.

At Solicitors in Manchester , we specialise in helping employers challenge UKVI decisions and protect their right to sponsor skilled workers. From urgent appeals to licence reinstatement support, we’ll work with you to find a solution fast.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book a free consultation online. Let our expert immigration team based in Manchester, England, United Kingdom, help you fight back and keep your business moving forward.