Sponsor Licence Renewal

Why renewal matters

If your sponsor licence expires without renewal, you cannot assign new Certificates of Sponsorship and sponsored workers' permission may be affected. Renewal is not automatic — you must apply in time.

Who should renew

Any A-rated sponsor approaching expiry who intends to continue hiring sponsored workers should renew. B-rated sponsors may need action plans and compliance improvements first.

Compliance review before renewal

The Home Office expects up-to-date sponsored worker records, reporting compliance, and HR systems. A pre-renewal audit reduces downgrade or refusal risk.

Licence and worker records

Current licence details, SMS reports history, and complete files for each sponsored worker should be ready for inspection.

Updated HR policies

Immigration and Right to Work policies should reflect current rules, including digital Right to Work checks where used.

Compliance history

Previous Home Office contact, suspensions, or civil penalty history must be disclosed and addressed with remediation evidence.

How to apply

Apply to renew via the sponsor management system before expiry, submitting updated documents the Home Office requests. We align renewal timing with any ongoing CoS assignments.

Costs & processing time

Renewal fees follow the same small/large sponsor fee structure as initial applications (figures subject to change as of 2026). Budget for legal review if compliance gaps need fixing first.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Outstanding compliance breaches or suspended licence status

• Incomplete sponsored worker records or missed reporting duties

• HR systems no longer meet sponsor guidance

• Applying after licence expiry without valid transitional permission

• Key personnel changes not updated on SMS

Related guidance: Apply for Sponsor Licence, Assigning CoS, Suspension & Revocation, and Settlement & ILR.