We are proud to share the success story of one of our care sector clients, who has been granted a new sponsor licence after a change in company ownership put their existing licence at risk.
Our client, a care provider, wanted to change their shareholding to a 50-50 split between spouses. As is required, they submitted a Change of Circumstances request through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) to notify the Home Office of this change.
On 8th July, the Home Office responded to say that this change meant our client needed to submit a brand new sponsor licence application within 20 working days. A change in ownership structure like this can affect who holds control of the business, and the Home Office treats it as a fresh start rather than a simple update to an existing licence.
This put our client under real time pressure. Missing the 20 working day deadline would have put their ability to sponsor workers at risk.
Our team got to work preparing a full new sponsor licence application. On 3rd August, we submitted the application under the Home Office's priority service, so it would be decided faster than a standard application.
The Home Office came back with further inquiries and requested additional documents. On 5th August, we submitted our response along with the extra evidence needed.
On 12th August, the decision came through. The licence was granted.
From the initial Change of Circumstances response on 8th July to the grant on 12th August, our client had their new sponsor licence in place well within the time they needed it, thanks to the priority service and a fast, well-prepared application.
A change in shareholding is not always a minor update. If it affects who controls the business, the Home Office can require a completely new sponsor licence application rather than an amendment to the existing one. Care providers and other sponsors should be aware of this before making any changes to their company structure on the SMS.
Acting quickly matters too. Our client had a strict 20 working day deadline, and using the priority service helped make sure the new licence was in place without a gap in their sponsorship.
If you are planning a change in ownership or shareholding and hold a sponsor licence, it is worth checking how this might affect your licence before you submit anything on the SMS. Get in touch with us before making changes, so we can advise you on the right process.
How NARA Solicitors Can Help
At NARA Solicitors, we handle sponsor licence applications, change of circumstances requests, and compliance matters for care providers and other sponsors across the UK. Whether you are applying for a licence for the first time, dealing with a change in your business, or facing a Home Office query, our team can guide you through the process.
If you're facing a similar situation with your sponsor licence, NARA Solicitors is here to help. Our team of experienced solicitors is ready to provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.
Book a consultation with Nara Solicitors today.
