5 Essential Steps if Your UK CoS Offer is Cancelled

When a sponsor cancels a Certificate of Sponsorship, the Home Office triggers a curtailment process. The Home Office automatically triggers a curtailment process linked to your specific CoS number family visa. This administrative action typically reduces your permission to stay to 60 days from the decision. You must understand that this cancellation effectively invalidates your current permission to work immediately.

The specific reason for cancellation significantly impacts your future immigration options and ability to secure sponsorship. If the cancellation occurred due to the sponsor losing their licence, you are generally considered a victim. However, if the withdrawal happened because you allegedly failed to start work, this record could complicate matters. You must clarify the exact grounds for withdrawal with your former employer immediately to prepare your next application. A Skilled Worker visa refusal based on past conduct can be difficult to overcome in future applications.

Under current 2026 regulations, you cannot simply transfer a cancelled CoS to a new employer without applying. You must secure a completely new Certificate of Sponsorship from a different licensed sponsor and submit a new application. This requirement applies even if you have not yet arrived in the UK, as a cancelled CoS invalidates entry. Attempting to enter the UK with a visa linked to a cancelled CoS will result in refusal of entry. Border Force officers will check the status of your sponsorship before allowing you to cross the UK border.

The first critical action involves confirming exactly when the Home Office was notified of the cancellation. Sponsors are legally required to report this change within 10 working days of the decision to withdraw. Once this report is filed, the clock does not officially start on your 60-day curtailment period immediately. You may technically have more time than you realize if administrative delays slow down the issuance of notice. It remains vital to check your correspondence regularly for this specific document.

You should contact the Home Office directly if you suspect your status has not been communicated properly. Knowing your precise status allows you to calculate exactly how many days you have left to submit. Without this confirmation, you risk inadvertently overstaying your leave, which carries severe long-term consequences for any future applications. Accurate information is your most valuable asset during this transition period.

Many professionals mistakenly believe they can continue working during the notice period after a CoS is cancelled. Once your sponsorship is withdrawn, your right to work for that specific employer effectively ceases unless serving notice. Continuing to work without valid sponsorship can be classified as illegal working, potentially barring you from future visa routes. You must cease all work activities immediately upon the official termination date recorded in the SMS. UK sponsors are strictly monitored on this compliance requirement.

Securing a new role requires finding an employer who holds a valid licence and has allocation. Unlike your initial application from overseas which used a Defined CoS, switching from within the UK requires Undefined CoS. You should explicitly ask potential employers during interviews if they have sponsorship loss UK protocols in place. This distinction is crucial because requesting a new annual allocation can take up to 18 weeks to process. Sponsors draw these certificates from their annual allocation which must be renewed every April.

The new role must meet all standard eligibility criteria including the minimum salary threshold of £38,700. You cannot rely on the salary conditions of your previous cancelled offer, as the new application is assessed. Your new sponsor must issue a fresh CoS that you will use to submit a change of employment.

You must be prepared for the financial impact of submitting a completely new visa application immediately. The Home Office does not refund the Immigration Health Surcharge or application fees from your previous cancelled visa. You will need to pay the full application fee, the healthcare surcharge again, and potentially priority service fees. Some applicants successfully negotiate with their new sponsor to cover these unexpected costs as part of a package. It is essential to budget at least £3,000 to £5,000 for these immediate expenses.

Legal recourse against a former sponsor for cancelling a CoS is complex and depends heavily on contracts. If the withdrawal breaches a signed employment contract, you may have a claim for damages in an employment tribunal. Immigration rules give sponsors absolute discretion to withdraw sponsorship at any time, meaning the Home Office will not intervene. Your focus should remain primarily on securing valid immigration status rather than lengthy legal battles. Verified sponsor company databases can help you quickly identify reputable employers who are actively hiring.

If securing a new Skilled Worker sponsor proves difficult within the 60-day window, you must evaluate alternatives. The Global Talent visa offers a flexible alternative for leaders in digital technology, science, or arts without sponsorship. Alternatively, if you have a partner who is a British citizen or settled person, switching to a family visa works. You should also check if your occupation appears on the UK sponsoring employers list for shortage roles. Exploring these options concurrently with job hunting maximizes your chances of remaining in the UK.

Students who have had a graduate role offer withdrawn may still be eligible to apply for the Graduate route. This route provides two years of unsponsored permission to work, giving you ample time to find a permanent role. However, you must meet the specific eligibility criteria regarding successful course completion before applying. Skilled Worker visa applicants often overlook this flexible option which can serve as a vital bridge between sponsored roles.

Navigating the sudden cancellation of a Certificate of Sponsorship requires immediate, calm, and strategic action to protect your status. By understanding the 60-day curtailment timeline and verifying the specific reasons for withdrawal, you can effectively position yourself for success. The UK job market remains active for skilled professionals, and many sponsors are accustomed to hiring individuals already in country. Your priority must be maintaining continuous lawful residence by submitting a valid new application before your current leave expires. Acting quickly ensures you remain compliant with all Home Office regulations while securing your future.

Do not wait for the official Home Office curtailment letter to begin your search for alternative sponsorship routes. Proactively engaging with sponsor companies and preparing your documentation immediately will give you the best chance of resolving the situation. Remember that thousands of professionals successfully navigate this challenge every year by acting quickly and utilizing verified resources to find employers. Your career in the UK can continue uninterrupted if you manage this transition with precision and speed.