Suitability checks are carried out by UK Visas & Immigration to ensure that businesses are able to complete regular duties required to manage the employees working under a Sponsor Licence.

Because of the need to complete regular tasks, it is common for multiple persons within a company to be involved in the management of a Sponsor Licence. As a result, each of these persons will need to pass suitability checks – not just business owners.

For more information about the responsibilities of Sponsor Licence holders, click here.

A business may not be granted a Sponsor Licence if anyone linked or involved in the application or management of it has:

• any unspent criminal convictions, particularly in relation to immigration, fraud, or money laundering offences
• been a ‘key person’ at a business that has had a Sponsor Licence revoked in the past 12 months
• been fined by UKVI in the past 12 months
• been reported to UKVI
• broken the law
• failed to pay VAT or other excise duty.

In addition, persons linked or involved in the management of the Sponsor Licence must also:

• be based in the UK for ‘most of the time’ (note: exemptions for UK Expansion Worker visa)
• not be a contractor or consultant
• not be subject to a bankruptcy restriction order or similar
• not have a history of non-compliance with sponsor responsibilities.
• be paid members of staff or office holders.

There are some exceptions regarding the completion of particular tasks and management duties. Some may be completed by third-party HR organisations or UK-based legal representatives.