Sponsor reporting deadlines at a glance
| Change | Deadline | Counts from |
|---|---|---|
| Worker hasn’t started the job | 28 days + 10 working days | Start date on the CoS (or visa “valid from” date, if later) |
| Unauthorised absence (more than 10 working days) | 9 working days + 10 working days | First day of the unauthorised absence |
| Unpaid or reduced-pay absence passes 4 weeks in the year | 10 working days | Date the absence passed 4 weeks in total |
| Salary reduced below the CoS level | 10 working days | Date the pay change took effect |
| Change of job title, duties or hours (same occupation code) | 10 working days | Date of the change |
| Change of work location | 10 working days | Date the location changed |
| Worker resigns, is dismissed or made redundant | 10 working days | Last day of employment |
| You stop sponsoring for another reason | 10 working days | Date sponsorship ended |
| Change to your organisation (name, address, size, structure) | 20 working days | Date you became aware of the change |
| Merger, takeover, de-merger or TUPE transfer | 20 working days | Date the change took place |
| Insolvency, administration or ceasing to trade | 20 working days | Date of the insolvency event |
Never miss a reporting deadline
Late or missed reports are one of the most common reasons sponsors are downgraded or lose their licence. If nobody in the business clearly owns this, it is worth outsourcing: the immigration firms listed here monitor absences, pay, role and location changes for their clients and file the reports inside the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a sponsor have to report a change to the Home Office?
Changes about a sponsored worker must be reported within 10 working days of the event. Changes to your organisation — such as a new address, a takeover or insolvency — must be reported within 20 working days. Suspected breaches of visa conditions must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable.
What counts as a working day for sponsor reporting?
The sponsor guidance defines a working day as any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or UK bank holiday.
When do I report a sponsored worker’s absence?
If a worker is absent without permission for more than 10 consecutive working days, you must report it no later than 10 working days after the 10th day of absence — even if you intend to keep sponsoring them.
Do I need to report a pay rise for a sponsored worker?
No. Increases in salary don’t need to be reported, other than for a pre-registration nurse or midwife who completes their registration. Any reduction below the salary on the certificate of sponsorship must be reported within 10 working days.
Do I need to report hybrid working?
Hybrid working itself doesn’t need to be reported. You must report a change to the worker’s main office location, a new client site, or a move to permanent full-time home working, within 10 working days.
What happens if a sponsor reports late?
Failing to report on time is a breach of your sponsor duties. The Home Office can downgrade your licence to a B rating, suspend it or revoke it — which ends the permission of every worker you sponsor.
What must I include when a sponsored worker leaves?
Report that you have stopped sponsoring the worker within 10 working days of their last day, and give their last recorded home address, phone number and any personal email addresses.
Official sources
- Sponsor guidance Part 3: sponsor duties and compliance
- Sponsor guidance Part 2: sponsor a worker
- UK bank holidays
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.