Can My Sponsor Cancel My Visa?

Worried your employer or university can simply cancel your UK visa at any moment? You are not alone. Many people under visa sponsorship in the UK, whether on a Skilled Worker visa, Student Visa, or another sponsored route, always have this question – Can my sponsor cancel my Visa?

Let us clear the air: no, your sponsor cannot directly “cancel” your visa. But they can take actions that trigger a visa curtailment process by the UK Home Office. And the difference between those two things really matters.

In this guide, we will break down exactly what can happen, what your rights are, and what steps to take if you are affected by sponsorship withdrawal. Whether you are navigating a job loss, a student withdrawal, or just planning ahead, this will save you time, stress, and possibly your future in the UK.

What Is Visa Sponsorship in the UK?

When you receive visa sponsorship in the UK, it means a UK licensed organization like an employer or educational institution, is officially backing your stay. They are not doing it as a favour; they are part of a legal framework monitored by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Here is what a sponsor does:

• Issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) so you can apply for your visa
• Keeps records of your work, attendance, or performance
• Reports any substantial changes like job termination or unauthorized absence, to UKVI

But remember: your visa is between you and the UK government, not you and your sponsor alone.

Read also – Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK

Can My Sponsor Actually Cancel My Visa?

Here is the straight answer:
No, your sponsor cannot cancel your visa directly. Only UKVI has the authority to cancel or curtail (shorten) your visa. However, your sponsor can notify UKVI that they are ending sponsorship, which usually starts a chain reaction.

So, what can your sponsor do?

• Inform UKVI that your employment or course has ended
• Withdraw your sponsorship via the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
• Choose not to issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship (this often applies when you’re changing jobs or extending a visa)

What Happens After a Sponsor Withdraws Support?

When a sponsor notifies UKVI that they will no longer sponsor you, UKVI begins their own process of reviewing your visa status. If they decide action is required, you will likely receive a curtailment notice by post or email.

This notice typically gives you 60 days (sometimes more in complex cases) to:

1. Find a new sponsor and apply for a new visa
2. Switch visa categories if you are eligible
3. Leave the UK voluntarily before the updated deadline

Important: Until you receive a curtailment notice, your visa likely remains active, so do not panic prematurely, but also do not ignore the situation.

Why Might a Sponsor Stop Sponsorship?

There are several common reasons a sponsor may end sponsorship:

For Skilled Worker or other employment visas:

• You resigned or were terminated
• The company went into administration or downsized
• You stopped meeting sponsorship conditions (e.g., salary, hours, location)

For Student Visas:

• You failed to attend, progress, or submit assessments repeatedly
• You dropped out of the course voluntarily
• The institution lost its sponsor license or made an error

Insight Tip:
Always ask WHY your sponsorship was withdrawn. Honest communication can provide evidence that helps with appeal or reapplication if needed.

What Are Your Rights After Sponsorship Is Withdrawn?

It is normal to feel overwhelmed when you hear your sponsorship is ending, but it is crucial to remember: you do have rights, and the Home Office provides a grace period to protect visa holders from sudden disruption.

 Here is what you are typically entitled to:

• A curtailment notice from UKVI, giving you around 60 days (can vary)
• The opportunity to switch to another visa category
• The ability to apply for a new visa under a different sponsor
• The chance to challenge unfair dismissals or incorrect decisions via legal advice or appeals

Important: Your sponsor cannot force you to leave the UK. Only UKVI can issue a curtailment or removal order.

Example:
If your tier 2 employer ends your job on June 1 but does not notify UKVI until June 30, your 60-day period will start from the date UKVI curtails your visa, not from your job’s end date

How to Switch Visas or Sponsors in the Grace Period

Your options largely depend on your immigration history, current situation, and how much time remains on your visa. Here is what you can do within the 60-day period:

1. Find a New UK Sponsor

This is the most direct route. Use job boards that filter by sponsors with active licenses, such as:

• UK Home Office Sponsor List
• Gov.uk Job Portal
• Tech Nation (for tech roles, if applicable)
• LinkedIn + “visa sponsorship” job filters

Tip: Many sponsors prefer “in-country applicants” as they save money, highlight that you are already in the UK with an existing visa pathway ready to transfer.

2. Switch to a Different Visa Route (If Eligible)

Common alternatives:

• Graduate Visa (for recent grads)
• Spouse / Partner Visa (if married to a UK citizen or settled person)
• Global Talent Visa (if you’re highly skilled in tech, arts, or academia)
• Student Visa (for full-time education)

Note: Apply BEFORE the curtailment deadline. Overstaying, even by a few days, can seriously damage your future immigration prospects.

What If My Sponsor Behaved Unfairly, or Through No Fault of My Own?

Unfortunately, not every sponsorship termination is fair or professional. You may be entitled to take action if your sponsor:

• Wrongfully terminated you
• Failed to inform you about visa-related changes
• Made false claims in their report to UKVI

Steps You Can Take:

1. Raise an internal grievance (if the sponsor is a company)
2. File a claim with an employment tribunal (if employment laws are breached)
3. Seek legal advice through OISC-registered immigration experts
4. Submit a complaint to UKVI if a sponsoring body misused their authority

How to Check Your Visa Status After Sponsorship Ends

You might not always get a clear notice the moment your sponsor updates UKVI. To actively monitor your status, use:

 UKVI’s online portal: Prove your right to work or stay

Check your BRP/travel history: If you received correspondence or travel restriction

Check your email/post: UKVI typically contacts applicants directly with curtailment notices

Stay Ready: Safety Checklist for Sponsored Visa Holders

To avoid panic or confusion when things go sideways, keep these items updated:

• A copy of your CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship)
• Written job offer/employer correspondence
• Email records with HR/sponsor
• A downloaded list of sponsoring employers (for immediate job-hunting)
• Contact details of an immigration advisor or solicitor

Case Study: How Sponsorship Loss Turned Into a New Opportunity

Real Scenario
Ahmed, a logistics coordinator from Kenya, was sponsored under a Skilled Worker visa in Birmingham. His employer downsized, and his sponsorship ended. After receiving a UKVI curtailment notice, Ahmed quickly secured a new job near Manchester through the government sponsor list. His new employer issued a CoS, and he switched visas, all within 35 days.

Takeaway: Acting quickly, staying informed, and reaching out early made all the difference.

Conclusion: Can My Sponsor Cancel My Visa?

Losing your sponsor is stressful, but it is not the end of your time in the UK. You now know that:

• Sponsors cannot cancel your visa, they only notify UKVI
• UKVI provides a buffer (typically 60 days) to fix your status
• You have multiple options, from finding a new sponsor to switching visas
• Unfair actions by sponsors can (and should) be challenged
• Information and quick action are often your best defence

Stay ahead of the system by understanding how it works and keep your immigration story in your hands.

FAQ – Can My Sponsor Cancel My Visa?