The five sponsor duties
- Record keeping
- Reporting changes
- Monitoring absence
- Complying with immigration law
- Not acting against the public good
Be audit-ready every day
An Appendix D file has to be complete on the day an officer asks for it, not assembled afterwards. The immigration specialists here build and maintain that file for their clients — checks, contracts, payslips, absences and reports — and run mock audits so gaps surface before a visit does.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a UKVI compliance visit?
A Home Office compliance officer checks that you are meeting your sponsor duties: they review sponsored workers’ files, interview workers and key personnel, and check your HR systems for record keeping, monitoring and reporting. Visits can be announced or unannounced.
What records must a sponsor keep?
Appendix D requires right to work evidence, recruitment records, payslips and proof of payment, the contract, evidence of skills and qualifications, National Insurance number, current and historic contact details and absence records for each sponsored worker.
How long must sponsors keep records?
Throughout the sponsorship, and then until one year after it ends or until a compliance officer has examined and approved them, whichever is earlier. Other laws — such as right to work — may require longer.
What are the most common reasons sponsor licences are revoked?
Workers not doing the job or hours on their certificate, paying below the CoS salary, failing to report changes, missing right to work checks and having no Authorising Officer in place.
What is the difference between suspension and revocation?
Suspension stops you assigning new certificates while the Home Office investigates, and you have 20 working days to respond. Revocation ends the licence: all sponsored workers’ visas are cut short, and you normally can’t reapply for 12 months.
Official sources
Rules and fees checked September 2026. Immigration rules change often — this tool gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on an individual case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or one of the firms listed here.