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Status at a glance
| Status | What it usually means | Employer action |
|---|---|---|
| Active | You can sponsor within your authorisations | Maintain duties and records |
| Time-limited route | UK Expansion Worker and Scale-up licences are limited to a maximum of four years | Diary that limit; most other Worker and Temporary Worker licences do not expire on a four-year cycle |
| Suspended | Restrictions while investigated | Ask a [specialist](/specialists) straight away; pause promises |
| Revoked | Licence removed | Urgent counsel; workforce continuity plan |
Licence continuity
- 1
Most licences stay valid: For most Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licences, the four-year renewal requirement was removed on 6 April 2024. The licence normally remains valid until surrendered or revoked.
- 2
Time-limited exceptions: UK Expansion Worker and Scale-up licences are limited to a maximum of four years. Put that limit in the HR and Authorising Officer calendar.
- 3
Keep the licence usable: Keep key personnel, SMS access, sponsored-worker records, and reporting current. A compliance failure can still lead to suspension or revocation.
Suspension and revocation, worker impact
Suspension typically restricts what you can do while the Home Office investigates. Revocation removes the licence and can have serious consequences for existing sponsored workers and future hiring.
Workers’ lives are affected. Communicate carefully and get a specialist’s advice on options. Don't promise immigration outcomes you can't guarantee.
Continuity plan (write it before you need it)
SMS coverage: Two trained users minimum.
Counsel on retainer awareness: Who you call in week one of a suspension letter.
Hiring freeze rules: When to pause sponsorship-labelled ads on Global Sponsor Hub.
Worker comms owner: One voice; no contradictory manager messages.
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Related guides and links
More on this site: related guides, official government pages with the current rules and fees, and quick links to jobs and specialists.
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Can we appeal or challenge actions?+
Routes exist in some situations, but they are technical and time-sensitive. Ask a specialist straight away.