With over 3,100 sponsor licences revoked in 2025, more UK workers than ever are facing a frightening situation: their employer's licence has been pulled — and their visa is at risk.
What happens to your visa when a sponsor licence is revoked?
When the Home Office revokes a sponsor licence, it typically curtails the leave of all sponsored workers to 60 days from the date of the revocation decision. During this window you can still legally work for your current employer. After 60 days, if you have not switched to a new licensed sponsor, you no longer have permission to stay in the UK.
How will you find out?
The Home Office sends a formal revocation notice to the employer, but employers are not legally required to inform workers immediately. In practice, many sponsored workers find out through colleagues, rumours, or Home Office curtailment letters sent directly to them. If you suspect a problem, act now.
- ✓Check the GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors — search your employer by name
- ✓Log into your UKVI account to check the status and conditions of your visa
- ✓Contact your employer's HR team directly and ask if the licence is still active
- ✓Monitor your inbox — the Home Office may write to you directly
Your 60-day window: what to prioritise
- ✓Find a new licensed employer as quickly as possible
- ✓Ask your new employer to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as soon as you have a job offer
- ✓Submit your Skilled Worker change-of-employer application before the 60 days expire
- ✓Do not wait — visa applications take time and the 60-day clock does not stop
💡 Tip
The 60-day curtailment clock starts from the date on the Home Office curtailment letter — not from when you personally find out. If you have been slow to act, check immediately how many days remain.
Warning signs to watch for before revocation
- ✓Your employer receives an unannounced Home Office compliance visit
- ✓Key HR or compliance staff suddenly leave the company
- ✓Your employer shows signs of financial distress (late payroll, news reports)
- ✓You stop receiving SMS or email alerts from UKVI about your visa
- ✓Your employer's name disappears from the GOV.UK sponsor register
Can you claim compensation if you lose your job?
Potentially yes. If your employer's licence was revoked due to their own non-compliance and you lose your job as a result, you may have grounds for an employment tribunal claim — for example, unfair dismissal or unlawful deduction of wages. Seek legal advice as soon as possible, as strict time limits apply.
What if your employer is appealing the revocation?
If your employer has appealed the Home Office revocation decision, your curtailment may be suspended while the appeal is ongoing. However, appeals can take months and are not guaranteed to succeed. You should still begin looking for a new sponsor rather than waiting for the outcome.
If your employer's licence has been revoked, speak to an immigration solicitor urgently
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