What Happens If Skilled Visa Sponsorship Is Lost?

If a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship certificate (CoS) is terminated by your employer in the UK, the consequences can be serious, but you may still have options. Here’s what happens:

What Happens After CoS Termination:

1. Home Office Notification

The employer must inform the UK Home Office that your sponsorship has ended. This typically happens if you are:

o Dismissed

o Made redundant

o Leave the job voluntarily

2. Visa Curtailment

The Home Office will curtail (shorten) your visa. You’ll usually receive a 60-day notice (or less if your visa expires sooner) to:

o Leave the UK, or

o Find a new sponsor/employer

3. Loss of Right to Work

After termination, you are no longer legally allowed to work for that employer. Working for another employer without sponsorship is illegal.

What You Can Do:

1. Find a New Sponsor Quickly

If another UK employer offers you a job and is licensed to sponsor visas, they can issue a new CoS and you can apply for a new Skilled Worker visa.

2. Switch Visa Categories (if eligible)

You might be able to switch to:

o Graduate visa (if you studied recently in the UK)

o Spouse visa (if applicable)

o Student visa (if planning to study again)

3. Prepare to Leave the UK

If no new sponsorship is secured, you must leave the country before your 60-day curtailment period ends to avoid overstaying.

Important Notes:

• You cannot work during the gap between sponsorships unless your new visa is approved.

• If your visa is curtailed and you overstay, it can affect future UK visa applications.