What is TUPE transfer?

 

TUPE stands for the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.
 

It is a legal bridge that protects employees when a business changes hands. Instead of the staff being fired by the old owner and rehired by the new one, their contracts, start dates, and original terms of employment automatically “move” to the new company. For Skilled Worker employees, TUPE is the only way they can stay employed at the same business without having to apply for a brand-new visa immediately.

Business Takeovers, Asset Purchases, and TUPE Compliance

 

There are frequent commercial instances where an organisation acquires the assets or the entire business
operations of another entity via a Business Sale Agreement. When structured to run as a going concern, the
trading operations of the business continue seamlessly under new ownership.

 

When a business transfer involves a workforce that includes sponsored migrant workers, TUPE regulations are
automatically triggered. Under UK immigration rules, TUPE provides vital continuity. It safeguards the
immigration status of sponsored employees, allowing them to legally transition to the new employer without the
need to apply for a new visa or pay costly certificate fees.

 

However, this protection is strictly conditional upon immediate, proactive corporate compliance.

The Critical 20 Working Day Rule

 

A sponsor licence is non transferable. Therefore, the purchasing company cannot simply inherit the seller
licence. The Home Office enforces a strict statutory window of 20 working days from the legal transfer date,
within which the purchasing company must formally report the takeover and submit a fully compliant application
for a brand new Sponsor Licence.

 

Failure to submit a valid application within this tight 20 day timeframe breaks the legal chain of sponsorship. This
renders the employees right to work invalid and exposes the business to civil penalties.

Our Expertise in Strategic Restructuring

As immigration specialists help clients who are navigating complex corporate mergers and asset transfers, we provide the depth of expertise required to steer businesses through this process when it comes to immigration compliance.

A TUPE linked sponsor licence application bypasses standard recruitment pathways but triggers heightened Home Office scrutiny regarding business genuineness. We ensure that your Business Sale Agreements, Employee Liability Information disclosures, and Authorising Officer declarations are seamlessly aligned to satisfy Appendix A requirements, fully protecting your newly acquired workforce from day one.

Why choose us?

End-to-End Immigration Support

Tailored, Bespoke Solutions

Specialist Expertise in Sponsor Licences

Full Compliance & Risk Management

Parties involved in the TUPE Process and their duties

The Seller (Transferor)

The buyer of the original company

Sponsor Licence Specialists (SLS)

Sponsor Licence Specialists (SLS)

Provides the buyer’s tax/financial evidence

We're proud to work with our preferred partners

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

The confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is a reference number, provided by your educational institute. The CAS is legitimate proof that you have been inducted by the respective institute, in a particular course. You have to put this reference number in your Tier 4 Student Visa application.

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    Common questions
    answered

    At the heart of our commitment to providing
    exceptional immigration solutions stands our trusted

    • What services do you offer?

      Sponsor Licence Specialists offers support to UK businesses with hiring overseas workers and staying compliant with immigration rules. Their services include:

      • Sponsor licence applications
      • Licence management and compliance support
      • Mock audits and Home Office preparation
      • Skilled Worker visa assistance
      • Licence renewals
      • HR training and immigration advice
    • What is the consultation process like?

      With Sponsor Licence Specialists, the consultation process is simple and structured:

      • Initial consultation – discuss your business needs and assess eligibility
      • Advice & planning – get tailored guidance on the best approach
      • Next steps – clear plan on documents, process, and chances of success

      The goal is to give you a clear understanding of your options before moving forward.

    • How do I get started with your services?

      At Sponsor Licence Specialists, getting started is simple:

      • Contact us via our website or by phone
      • Book a consultation so we can understand your needs
      • Receive tailored advice and a clear action plan
      • Instruct us to proceed, and we’ll handle the process for you

      We’ll guide you every step of the way to make the process smooth and stress-free.

    • What is your success rate with visa applications?

      At Sponsor Licence Specialists, we focus on maximising your chances of approval the first time by ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and fully compliant.

      While we don’t advertise a fixed success rate, this is because every case is different and outcomes ultimately depend on the Home Office.

      We pride ourselves on strong preparation and attention to detail—especially important given that a significant number of sponsor licence applications are refused each year due to errors or non-compliance .

      Our goal is simple: to give you the best possible chance of success through expert guidance and tailored support.

     

    Regulated to provide immigration advice or services by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner Ref No. F202100225. Sponsor Licence Specialists is a trading name of SLSPEC LTD a company registered in England and Wales no. 12982813, registered office: Office 2, T&L Business Park, Winterstoke Road, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 3YS. Regulated by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) No: ZA869799