Sponsor Licence Compliance Checklist

What the Checklist Covers

This checklist covers every area a Home Office compliance officer is likely to examine — from right to work controls and CoS accuracy to SMS reporting, salary reconciliation and compliance visit readiness. Work through it before a compliance visit, as part of a quarterly audit, or whenever your organisation undergoes a structural change.

1. 1Sponsor licence governance
2. 2Right to work controls
3. 3Sponsored worker file requirements
4. 4Recruitment and genuine vacancy evidence
5. 5Certificate of Sponsorship controls
6. 6Attendance, contact and immigration monitoring
7. 7SMS reporting obligations
8. 8Salary, payroll and working arrangements
9. 9Role, location and hybrid working changes
10. 10Absence, unpaid leave and leavers
11. 11Corporate transactions and structural changes
12. 12SMS security and data protection
13. 13Home Office compliance visit readiness
14. 14Quarterly audit schedule and action log

It also includes a quick risk map, immediate escalation triggers, and mock compliance interview questions to help you prepare your team.

Who Should Use This

This checklist is designed for:

• HR directors and HR managers with day-to-day responsibility for sponsored workers
• Authorising Officers and Key Personnel named on the sponsor licence
• In-house legal and compliance teams
• Global mobility teams managing international assignees
• Business owners sponsoring workers without a dedicated HR function

Suitable for Worker route sponsors (including Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility) and Temporary Worker route sponsors. Temporary Worker sponsors should also refer to their route-specific guidance alongside this checklist.

When to Use It

• As part of a quarterly internal compliance audit
• Before a Home Office compliance visit (announced or unannounced)
• When onboarding a new HR or compliance team member
• Following a corporate transaction, merger, TUPE transfer or change of ownership
• After any change to your sponsored workforce — new starters, leavers, role changes or salary changes
• When preparing to assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship

Need Professional Support?

If your audit identifies gaps, or if you would like an experienced immigration adviser to conduct a formal compliance review, we can help.

Visa Professionals provides:

• Sponsor licence compliance audits with a written action plan
• Home Office compliance visit preparation
• SMS reporting advice and corporate change assessments
• Ongoing compliance support for HR teams

This checklist provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Sponsor duties depend on the route, facts and current guidance. Contact us for advice on your specific circumstances.