Sponsor Licence Training & Updates 2026: What Employers Need to Do Now

FREE LIVE WEBINAR | THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2026

Is your business prepared for the latest UK sponsor licence requirements and immigration developments?

As the UK's immigration and sponsorship framework continues to evolve, employers face increasing responsibilities to maintain compliance, manage sponsored workers effectively and protect their ability to recruit and retain international talent.

Join Rakesh Patel and Jarmila Entezari, immigration solicitors at OTS Solicitors, for a complimentary live webinar examining the key business immigration developments of 2026 and the practical steps employers should consider before 2027.

Presented by a Legal 500-ranked Business Immigration practice, this 45-minute session will provide practical guidance on sponsorship responsibilities, common compliance risks and effective preparation for the year ahead.

Why Sponsor Licence Compliance Matters More Than Ever

Obtaining a UK sponsor licence is only the beginning of an employer's responsibilities.

Businesses must maintain accurate records, monitor sponsored workers, report relevant changes to the Home Office and ensure their HR and recruitment procedures meet the applicable sponsorship requirements.

Even well-established organisations can encounter compliance difficulties where reporting responsibilities are unclear, internal systems are outdated or changes to immigration guidance have not been properly implemented.

Failure to meet sponsorship duties can expose businesses to significant operational and financial consequences, including potential suspension or revocation of their sponsor licence.

This webinar is designed to help employers take a proactive approach to sponsorship compliance, understand their legal responsibilities and identify practical improvements to their internal procedures.

What You Will Learn

Our speakers will explore six important areas of sponsor licence management and business immigration compliance.

1. Key Business Immigration Developments in 2026

Understand important changes affecting UK employers, sponsor licence holders and businesses recruiting international workers, including developments that may influence workforce planning for 2027.

2. Sponsor Licence Compliance and Employer Responsibilities

Review ongoing sponsorship duties, reporting requirements, record-keeping obligations and common weaknesses that can leave employers exposed to compliance risks.

3. Sponsor Management System (SMS) Responsibilities

Examine the responsibilities of sponsor licence key personnel, managing Certificates of Sponsorship and maintaining accurate information within the Sponsor Management System.

4. Skilled Worker Sponsorship

Explore practical considerations for employers recruiting and retaining overseas workers, including sponsorship management, reporting obligations and relevant immigration requirements.

5. Home Office Compliance and Common Risks

Consider the importance of internal compliance reviews, appropriate HR systems, right-to-work procedures and preparing for potential Home Office scrutiny.

6. Preparing Your Business for 2027

Identify practical steps employers should consider now to strengthen their sponsorship processes, allocate compliance responsibilities effectively and prepare for future immigration developments.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is designed for employers of all sizes and across a wide range of industries, whether they already hold a sponsor licence or are considering applying for one.

It will be particularly relevant to:

• Business owners, founders, CEOs and company directors responsible for recruitment and workforce strategy.
• HR Directors, HR Managers and Heads of People overseeing international recruitment and immigration compliance.
• Recruitment and talent acquisition professionals responsible for hiring and retaining international talent.
• In-house legal, risk and compliance teams managing regulatory and immigration obligations.
• Sponsor licence Authorising Officers, Key Contacts and Level 1 Users responsible for sponsorship management and reporting.
• Operations managers and senior management teams responsible for workforce planning and compliance procedures.
• Start-ups and SMEs considering their first sponsor licence application.
• International businesses establishing or expanding operations in the United Kingdom.

The session is relevant to organisations operating in sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, hospitality, professional services, manufacturing, retail, education and other industries that recruit international talent.

You do not need to hold an existing sponsor licence to attend.

Webinar Agenda

Meet Your Speakers

Rakesh Patel

Immigration Solicitor | OTS Solicitors

Rakesh Patel advises businesses on UK immigration and sponsorship matters, including sponsor licence applications, compliance audits, Skilled Worker sponsorship, Certificates of Sponsorship and Sponsor Management System responsibilities.

His work includes helping employers understand immigration requirements, identify potential compliance weaknesses and implement effective sponsorship procedures.

Read Rakesh Patel's professional profile →

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Jarmila Entezari

Immigration and Employment Solicitor | OTS Solicitors

With over 15 years' post-qualification experience, Jarmila Entezari advises UK and international businesses on corporate immigration strategy, sponsor licence applications, Skilled Worker sponsorship and international recruitment.

Her experience includes sponsor compliance audits, Sponsor Management System administration, Home Office investigations and advising businesses on immigration-related workforce planning.

Read Jarmila Entezari's professional profile →

Why Attend an OTS Solicitors Webinar?

OTS Solicitors is a London-based law firm recognised by two of the legal profession's leading independent directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

Our Business Immigration practice is ranked by The Legal 500, while the firm is also ranked by Chambers and Partners for Personal Immigration.

Our immigration solicitors advise businesses on sponsor licence applications, employer compliance, Skilled Worker sponsorship, international recruitment and the wider legal responsibilities associated with employing overseas workers.

We focus on providing practical, commercially informed legal advice that helps employers understand their obligations, manage compliance risks and concentrate on running and growing their businesses.

Need More Detailed Advice? Arrange a One-to-One Consultation

We recognise that some sponsorship and immigration matters require more detailed consideration than can be provided during a general webinar.

If your business has a particular compliance concern, is considering applying for a sponsor licence, is preparing for a Home Office visit or requires advice on an existing sponsorship matter, our team can arrange a private one-to-one consultation following the webinar.

This provides an opportunity to discuss your organisation's individual circumstances and obtain advice tailored to its legal and operational requirements.

Any consultation arrangements and applicable fees will be explained in advance. There is no obligation to instruct OTS Solicitors simply because you attend the webinar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the webinar free?

Yes. The webinar is completely free to register for and attend.

Do I need an existing sponsor licence?

No. The session is suitable for existing sponsor licence holders and businesses considering applying for their first sponsor licence.

Can my colleagues attend?

Yes. HR colleagues, directors, recruitment professionals and members of your legal or compliance team are welcome. Each attendee should register separately.

Will there be an opportunity to ask questions?

Yes. A moderated Q&A will follow the presentation. Individual legal matters involving confidential information should be discussed privately.

How will I receive joining instructions?

After registering through Microsoft Teams, you will receive an email containing your joining instructions.

This webinar provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice on individual circumstances. Attendance does not establish a solicitor-client relationship. The webinar is intended to be recorded for educational and promotional purposes. Please refer to the OTS Solicitors Privacy Policy for information about the processing of personal data.