We are pleased to share another success story from NARA Solicitors.
Our client's request for three additional Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship (UCoS) was refused by the Home Office on 11 March 2026. Following our Pre-Action Protocol (PAP), the home office reviewed the decision and confirmed in writing that an error had occurred.
This case shows that UCoS refusals are not the end of the road. With the right legal challenge, they can be overturned.
The Background
Our client holds a valid sponsor licence and had been operating well within their existing UCoS allocation. As the business grew, they needed three additional UCoS to sponsor further skilled workers. They submitted a properly evidenced request through the Sponsorship Management System.
On 11 March 2026, the Home Office rejected the request.
For our client, this rejection had immediate consequences. The client came to us for assistance.
Our Approach
Our team carefully reviewed the rejection decision against Home Office sponsor guidance, the supporting evidence the client had submitted, and the SMS audit trail.
We identified clear grounds to challenge the decision and prepared a detailed PAP. The PAP was sent on 15 April 2026.
The Outcome
The Home Office responded promptly to our PAP. In its response, the Secretary of State confirmed:
"The SSHD has reviewed the decision dated 11 March 2026 and can confirm that an error has occurred."
This is a significant admission. The Home Office accepted in writing that the original refusal was wrong.
Key Takeaways
For sponsor licence holders dealing with UCoS or CoS issues:
A UCoS refusal can be challenged. Just because the Home Office has made a decision through the SMS does not mean that decision is final or correct.
Time matters. PAP letters have strict timelines. The earlier we are involved after a refusal, the stronger the response we can put together.
Evidence is everything. UCoS requests are decided on the business case you put forward. A request supported by clear evidence of need, role, and salary is much harder for the Home Office to refuse.
The right expertise makes the difference. Spotting the error in a Home Office decision, drafting a PAP that the Litigation Operations Allocation Hub takes seriously, and knowing how to handle system limitations afterwards all take real experience. This is where our work pays off for our clients.
If your UCoS or CoS request has been refused, do not wait. The clock starts ticking the moment the decision lands.
How NARA Solicitors Can Help
At NARA Solicitors, we handle sponsor licence applications, Certificate of Sponsorship applications, CoS refusal challenges, CoS application delays, and Pre-Action Protocol matters for businesses across multiple sectors.
No two cases are the same. Our expert knowledge, attention to detail, and years of experience handling complex sponsor licence and CoS matters are what make the difference.
If your UCoS or CoS request has been refused or delayed, book a consultation with Nara Solicitors today.
