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How do I sponsor a migrant?

An interview panel

The application process

This page explains how you get a licence to sponsor migrants under the points-based system, and the process for applying.

You must apply for a licence if you wish to employ migrant workers under the points-based system. In doing so, you agree to meet a number of sponsorship duties.

The tiers and categories of workers you can apply for licences for now

You can apply for licences to sponsor migrants in tiers 2, 4 and 5.

You can apply for licences for the following categories within tier 2:

  • skilled workers;
  • intra-company transfers;
  • sports people;
  • ministers of religion.

You can apply for licences for the following categories of tier 4:

  • general;
  • student.

You can apply for licences for the following categories within tier 5:

  • creative and sporting workers;
  • charity workers;
  • religious workers;
  • international agreement workers.

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If you already have a licence

If you have already got a licence for tier 2 and want to get a licence for additional tiers, you must apply again using the sponsor application online giving your sponsor licence number where asked. You should select the tiers, categories and sub-categories that you want to add. You will need to send in any additional mandatory documents that may be required along with any additional fee.

See the section on costs to find out what fee you must pay, and supporting evidence on what addtional documents you may have to send.

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The process for applying

The process for applying is:

  1. Register online with your name and email address;
  2. Read all the information in Applying for a licence and the policy guidance; 
  3. Fill in the online application - you can download a copy of the sponsor application form (PDF 459k - opens in a new window) in order to help prepare your application.
  4. Submit your application online, print off your submission sheet and send it to us with your fee and supporting documents; 
  5. We process your application, making any checks that are necessary; 
  6. We send you notification of our decision; 
  7. If we give you a licence, your organisation name and rating are published on our register of sponsors.

If we give you a licence, you will be able to issue certificates of sponsorship using the sponsorship management system.

If you have a specific query about your particular application, contact the Sponsor Licensing Unit, which you can find on the right side of this page.

For general advice on sponsorship, contact the Sponsorship and Employers' Helpline, which you can find on the right of this page.

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