You are a displaced international recruit if UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sends you a letter saying your employer or sponsor has had their licence revoked. This means it has been withdrawn or cancelled.
You may need to find another sponsor if you want to continue to work and stay in the UK.
We can provide information and advice to support you in this situation.
What happens next
If the revocation is upheld, you will receive a second letter from UKVI one month later.
This letter will tell you that your Certificate of Sponsorship has been cancelled. You will then have 60 days to find new employment.
Help is available to you
If you need further information after you receive your letter, call the UKVI Contact Centre on 0300 790 6268 and choose option 2.
Lines are open:
- Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4.45pm
- Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4.30pm
The Department for Health and Social Care have produced guidance to help international recruits looking for jobs in the UK's social care sector.
This guidance includes information about:
- how to avoid scams (being taken advantage of)
- spotting signs of exploitation
- funding further support
The organisations listed below can help you to understand your rights.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provide free, independent, legal advice. You can also call their Adviceline (England) on 0800 144 8848.
They have guidance and advice for those on a Health and Care Visa, including advice on when a carer loses their job.
Law Centres
Law Centres are also able to provide free legal advice. They help people get justice, even if they cannot afford a lawyer.
Adviser Finder
GOV.UK's Adviser Finder has a list of regulated immigration advisers. This includes details of advisers who do not charge fees.
Justice and Care
Justice and Care are a charity working with victims of slavery and human trafficking.
They have developed guidance for international workers in the care sector. This includes:
- details of employment rights
- information on labour exploitation
- how to report concerns
Other organisations
Support, help and advice is available from trade unions, Diaspora groups and other organisations. A list of organisations is available at GOV.UK.
You may want to raise concerns if you feel you:
- have been underpaid or not received money for hours worked
- had money taken away from your pay
- have a contractual repayment clause in your contract
ACAS provides free, impartial advice to employees on workplace rights and rules. They can also help with dispute resolution.
You can get advice from the ACAS website or call their helpline on 0300 123 1100. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Care workers can join a trade union. Unions provide advice on employment rights and support with grievances or concerns with employers. GOV.UK provides a list of organisations .
You may be able to access some benefits if you qualify.
The No Recourse to Public Funds Network have developed a tool to help work out when housing and financial support is available.
See information about Cost of Living support, including help with money and access to food.
If your previous employer or sponsor provided your accommodation, you can get in touch with:
They can give you advice about your rights and tenancy agreement.
Your employer could have taken advantage of you if you:
- had wages withheld
- had excessive deductions from wages
- received pay below National Living Wage
- were underpaid for hours worked
- worked excessively long hours
- were made to pay excessive fees or excessive repayment clauses
- received threats to your immigration status if you failed to comply or refused to work extra hours
- suffered physical abuse, harassment, or violence
If you are a victim of labour exploitation, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or file a report online.
We have connections with two international employment businesses who may be able to help you.
They focus on the recruitment of displaced overseas workers in adult social care.
Their specialist teams will help you find an alternative sponsor. They can also guide you through the employment process step by step.
You can use www.adultsocialcare.co.uk to find roles in your local area. The website also offers support on writing and updating CVs and advice on interviews.
A register of licensed sponsor holders is available on GOV.UK.
CV and interview support
There are charity and volunteer organisations across England that can support with:
- clothing for interviews
- preparation for interviews.
Support available in each area will vary. You may need a referral from your local council or agency as well as proof of an interview.
The National Careers Service have online resources to support with:
- writing CVs
- preparing cover letters
- completing applications
- preparing for interviews
You may choose to leave the UK voluntarily. If you don't have the means to do this, you may be eligible for support from the Home Office to leave the UK.
If you are considering returning to your country of origin, get legal advice from an immigration adviser so you're clear about the implications. Contact your local council and they will help you. Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)