Immigration Audit for Business

Immigration Compliance Audits for UK Employers

Immigration compliance is a legal duty, not an option. Employers in the UK face strict immigration compliance obligations, regardless of whether they hold a Sponsor Licence. Civil penalties for employing someone without the right to work can reach £60,000 per worker, and the Home Office has the power to conduct unannounced audits at any time.

At Angelov Solicitors, we provide tailored Immigration Compliance Audits to help employers identify risks, strengthen their HR systems, and stay on the right side of the law.

Who Needs an Immigration Compliance Audit?

1. UK Businesses With a Sponsor Licence

UK Sponsor Licence holders are under continuous Home Office scrutiny. They must:

• Conducting correct right to work checks
• Reporting changes promptly through the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
• Keeping accurate and up-to-date HR records for all sponsored workers
• Ensuring vacancies are genuine and meet the immigration rules for Skilled Workers and other sponsored routes

A compliance audit ensures your business is ready for an inspection and reduces the risk of suspension or revocation of your licence.

2. Employers Without a Sponsor Licence

Even if you do not sponsor workers, you are still required to:

• Check and record your employees’ right to work before they start employment
• Repeat checks where necessary
• Retain appropriate copies of documents

Failure to comply can result in fines, reputational damage, and even criminal liability for senior staff. A compliance audit helps you avoid these risks.

3. Businesses Considering Applying for a Sponsor Licence

Before applying for a licence, businesses must demonstrate robust HR systems. If the Home Office visits and finds compliance gaps, the licence application may be refused. A pre-application audit identifies and resolves weaknesses in advance, giving your business the best chance of approval.

What Our Compliance Audit Covers

Our immigration compliance audits are tailored to your business, but typically include:

• Right to Work Checks – reviewing your policies and procedures for verifying and recording staff immigration status.
• HR Record-Keeping – ensuring contracts, absence records, payroll, and contact details are properly maintained.
• Sponsor Licence Duties – checking reporting systems, monitoring sponsored roles, and verifying Certificates of Sponsorship allocations.
• Policies & Training – assessing whether managers and HR teams are trained and whether written policies reflect legal obligations.
• Risk Assessment – identifying potential gaps and recommending corrective actions.

At the end of the audit, we provide a written report with clear, practical steps for achieving full compliance.

The Benefits of an Immigration Compliance Audit

An immigration compliance audit provides a vital safeguard for any UK employer. A structured review of your HR and right to work procedures significantly reduces the risk of financial penalties and reputational damage.

For sponsor licence holders, the consequences of non-compliance can be even more severe. Revocation of a licence can prevent a business from lawfully employing its sponsored workforce, causing immediate disruption to operations. An audit ensures that your business is inspection-ready at all times and able to demonstrate that its systems meet the standards set out in the Sponsor Guidance.

Beyond risk mitigation, a compliance audit is also an investment in efficiency. By identifying weaknesses at an early stage, businesses can avoid costly remedial action and protect valuable management time and resources. Proper training and documented procedures provide clarity for staff and reduce the likelihood of repeated errors.

A compliance audit offers peace of mind. Employers can be confident that they are fulfilling their statutory obligations and are prepared for any Home Office visit or investigation. This assurance allows senior management to focus on running the business, rather than worrying about potential compliance failures.

How We Can Help

Our solicitors have experience advising businesses on sponsor licence applications, compliance, and conduct business immigration audit. Whether you are a new licence holder or an established sponsor, our audits provide peace of mind and practical solutions.

Contact Angelov Solicitors today for a consultation and to learn how our Sponsor Licence Compliance Audit can safeguard your business future.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with a business immigration solicitor, please get in touch via +44 20 8088 2555 or email us at info@angelov.law.