Expanded Right To Work Checks Mandated For Sponsors

The Home Office has published updated sponsor guidance which expands the scope of right to work checks expected of work route sponsors from 8 April 2026. The new requirement is imprecisely drafted and may have significant operational implications. This means that some businesses may not be readily able to comply. 

A surprise change to right to work check requirements

Updated sponsor guidance published on 8 April 2026 states:

S1.40. You must check that any worker you wish to sponsor (including a worker who is not your direct employee), or any worker you otherwise wish to employ or directly engage, has permission to enter or stay in the UK and can do the work in question before they start working for you. This applies even if the worker is, or appears to be, a British citizen or other settled worker. If you fail to carry out a right to work check, or any necessary follow-up checks, you will be in breach of your sponsor duties and may be liable for a civil penalty under illegal