Sponsor Withdrawal or Revocation: What Workers Should Do
What you need to know
- •Your visa is typically curtailed to 60 days after sponsor withdrawal or revocation.
- •Finding a new sponsor with a valid licence is the most direct solution.
- •You can switch to other visa routes if eligible (spouse, Graduate, etc.).
- •Act immediately — 60 days is a tight window for new applications.
- •You are not at fault if your employer's licence is revoked.
When a sponsor withdraws sponsorship or loses their licence, sponsored workers' visas are curtailed — usually to 60 days. This guide covers what happens, your options (new sponsor, switching routes, voluntary departure), and how to act quickly.
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Understanding What Happened
There are two main scenarios:
Sponsor Withdrawal
This happens when your employer actively withdraws your Certificate of Sponsorship. Common reasons include redundancy, resignation, dismissal, or the end of your contract. The employer reports this through the Sponsor Management System and your sponsorship ends.
Licence Revocation
This happens when the Home Office revokes your employer's licence due to compliance failures. In this case, all sponsored workers at that employer are affected, regardless of individual circumstances. You may have done nothing wrong — the employer's compliance failures triggered the revocation.
What Happens to Your Visa
In both scenarios, the Home Office will curtail your visa. This means your permission to remain in the UK is shortened, typically to 60 days from the date of the curtailment notice. You will receive a letter from the Home Office explaining the curtailment.
During this 60-day period, you can:
- Continue to live in the UK lawfully
- Look for a new employer willing to sponsor you
- Apply to switch to a different visa route
- Make arrangements to leave the UK voluntarily
If you apply for a new visa before the 60-day curtailment expires, your existing leave continues under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 until the new application is decided.
Option 1: Find a New Sponsor
The most common solution is to find a new employer with a valid sponsor licence who is willing to sponsor you for a new Skilled Worker visa. Steps:
- Search for employers with sponsor licences on the register of licensed sponsors on GOV.UK
- Apply for jobs and be upfront about your sponsorship needs and timeline
- Once you have a job offer, the new employer assigns a CoS and you apply for a new Skilled Worker visa
- Submit your visa application before the 60-day curtailment expires
Finding and starting a new sponsorship within 60 days is challenging but possible, especially in sectors with high demand for sponsored workers. See our guide on changing jobs on the Skilled Worker visa.
Option 2: Switch to a Different Visa Route
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to switch to another visa category:
- Spouse visa: If you are married to a British citizen or settled person, you can switch to a spouse visa. This removes the need for employer sponsorship entirely.
- Graduate visa: If you graduated from a UK university recently and have not yet used the Graduate route, this may be an option (subject to eligibility).
- Global Talent: If you have exceptional talent or promise in a qualifying field, the Global Talent visa does not require employer sponsorship.
The key is to apply before the curtailment period expires. Once you have a pending application, your leave continues until the decision is made.
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Option 3: Voluntary Departure
If you cannot find a new sponsor or switch to another route within the 60-day window, leaving the UK voluntarily is better than overstaying. An overstay can create problems for future UK visa applications, including potential bans.
You can return to the UK in the future on a new visa if you meet the requirements. Voluntary departure does not create a re-entry ban (unlike removal or deportation).
Protecting Your Rights
If your employer withdraws sponsorship unfairly — for example, as part of an unfair dismissal — your employment rights and immigration rights are separate matters. You may have grounds for an employment tribunal claim even if your immigration status is affected.
If the licence revocation was due to your employer's failures (not yours), this does not reflect on your immigration record. Future visa applications will not be negatively affected by your former employer's non-compliance.
Impact on Settlement Timeline
If you were building towards settlement through the Skilled Worker route, a sponsorship withdrawal does not necessarily reset your clock — as long as you secure a new Skilled Worker visa without a break in continuous qualifying leave. However, any gap in lawful leave could affect your timeline.
If you switch to a different route (such as a spouse visa), your Skilled Worker qualifying time does not count towards settlement on the new route.
Redundancy-Specific Considerations
If your sponsorship withdrawal is due to redundancy, see our dedicated guide on redundancy and the Skilled Worker visa. You have the same employment rights as any other employee, including the right to redundancy pay, notice periods, and fair selection processes.
Next Steps
Act immediately. Check the register of licensed sponsors for potential new employers. Assess whether you are eligible for any alternative visa routes. If you are unsure about your options, seek advice from a regulated immigration adviser promptly — time is not on your side.
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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