Automatic Extension to Sponsor Licenses Introduced

In a recent update, the Home Office announced a significant change to the Sponsor Management System. Starting from 6 April this year, sponsors will no longer be required to renew their sponsor licenses. Any licenses set to expire after this date have already been automatically extended by 10 years, as indicated on the license summary page.

Points to note too, notwithstanding this change:

• sponsor licence holders must still comply with the sponsor licence guidance and best practice is to have regular audits of their systems;
• the Home Office is moving to desk top audits of sponsors by relying on information from HMRC and Companies House to monitor compliance e.g. date shared with HMRC used to monitor that the correct salary is being paid to skilled workers; and
• it is important to ensure that updates are made on the SMS portal on time re changes within the organisation and changes to the employer’s details.

Remember too that if your license is expiring before 6 April 2024, you must still apply for renewal, along with the necessary payment. Unfortunately, there will be no refund for fees in these cases.

Please get in touch if you have any questions regarding the issues discussed in this article.

E: help@jma-hrlegal.co.uk / T: +44 (0)1252 821792