Sponsor licence compliance audits

Why it matters now

Enforcement has tightened sharply in 2026, especially in the care sector. Three changes raise the risk for sponsors:

• From 6 March 2026: sponsors must give sponsored workers information about their UK employment rights, and be able to evidence it.
• From 1 April 2026: UKVI receives payroll information directly from HMRC for every sponsored worker. What you pay must match the Certificate of Sponsorship.
• From 8 April 2026: salary compliance is checked every pay period, not averaged over the year. A single short month can be a breach.

What's covered

• A mock compliance audit, using the same checks UKVI runs on a visit
• Payroll and Certificate of Sponsorship cross-checks under the per-pay-period rules
• Right-to-work and Appendix D record reviews
• Job descriptions matched to the Certificate of Sponsorship and contracts
• Employment rights information packs with signed acknowledgements
• Reporting duties: what to report, when and how
• A written report with findings and a clear action list

Where the line sits

Arbiter HR is a competent Level 1 UKVI user and supports employers with sponsor compliance, systems and record-keeping as an HR function.

Arbiter HR is not an immigration adviser and does not advise individuals on visa applications or immigration status. Where that is needed, we refer you to a regulated specialist.

Who it's for

Employers who hold a sponsor licence, especially health and social care providers sponsoring care workers and senior carers. We can also put right the HR side of what an audit finds, such as contracts, job descriptions and policies, through our HR services.

Areas we cover

We are based in Neath Port Talbot and work in person across Swansea, Cardiff, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, Llanelli and the Valleys. Much of the work can also be done online, so we support employers across the UK.