Sponsor Licence application refused?
About the ‘Cooling-Off’ period
If your licence has recently been refused, withdrawn or revoked the home office may find it necessary to apply a ‘cooling-off period’ preventing you from applying for, holding a licence, for a specified time set out in the decision letter. The time-period ranges from 6 – 12 months and in some cases up to 5 years depending on the reasons for the Home Office decision.
If you apply, or reapply, while you are still subject to a cooling-off period the home office will automatically refuse the application and you will lose your licence application fee. Even if for instance the circumstances in which you received the ‘cooling off period’ have changed within the specified timeframe.
Re-applying after a licence refusal or revocation
Before you reapply, you must ensure the reasons you were refused in your previous application have been met. If your licence is revoked, you will need to ensure that you have managed a full and thorough compliance audit to ensure that you meet all the areas highlighted in the decision to refuse or revoke your licence.
No Guarantee
Reapplying after a ‘cooling off period’ does not guarantee that your licence will be granted as you will need to meet all the requirements set out in the application guidance.
Pre-Licence compliance visit
As part of the re-application process, you may receive a visit from a UKVI compliance officer, who will undertake relevant checks to establish that you have the necessary systems and procedures in place to meet your sponsorship and compliance duties.
Further Refusal
If the Home Office is unsatisfied, you meet the sponsorship and compliance requirements or you simply aren’t eligible to hold a sponsor licence the Home Office will refuse your application and may apply another ‘Cooling off period.’ The timeframe may vary from the previous ‘cooling off period’ depending on the reason why your application hasn’t been successful.
Need some help?
To avoid a cooling off period, let us help you get ahead with your Home Office compliancy. Our team are experienced advisers specialising in making valid Sponsor licence applications. Additionally, we can assist in helping you get prepared for a Home Office compliance visit. Call us.
