ILR Application - Employer acquired by another company

[tpham]

Hello,

I'm applying for my ILR after working 5 years in the UK.

- I was originally employed by Company A from August 2017 under Tier 2 (General) visa
- Company A was then acquired by Company B in 2019
- My visa was officially transferred to Company B's sponsorship licence in 2021
- I've had continuity of employment since 2017.

I asked Company B if I needed a new Certificate of Sponsorship and they said no. I was also advised that I should provide Company A’s sponsors licence number in my ILR application as my Certificate of Sponsorship with which my visa was granted is still technically linked to that licence. However, when I provided this number, the application portal said: "Licence number not found". I also couldn't find Company A anymore on the government's list of sponsors.

What should I do? Should I provide Company B's sponsor licence number in the application and ask them to issue a new CoS for me instead?

Thanks in advance!

[zimba]

When you go through Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) arrangements or an equivalent statutory transfer scheme, you do not need a new COS.

[tpham]

When you go through Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) arrangements or an equivalent statutory transfer scheme, you do not need a new COS.

Hi Zimba, thank you for your answer! In the application, I was asked to provide the "sponsor license number as shown on the most recent CoS". So in this case, I could only provide Company A's sponsor licence number. But this number is flagged as invalid so I'm in a limbo situation Would you recommend any action?

[zimba]

Can you proceed with the sponsor number entered ?

[tpham]

Can you proceed with the sponsor number entered ?

I cannot

[zimba]

Ask your current sponsor for their license number. It does not mater that your old CoS has a different license number

[tpham]

Ask your current sponsor for their license number. It does not mater that your old CoS has a different license number

Thanks Zimba! I'll do so!

Will post an update of application result for others' reference