Issuing certificates of sponsorship

This page explains how to issue a certificate of sponsorship, and how many you can issue under the points-based system.

How to assign a certificate of sponsorship

You assign a certificate of sponsorship using the sponsorship management system, which you get access to once you are a licensed sponsor.

Find out what information you need (PDF 580K opens in a new window) to assign a certificate of sponsorship in the sponsorship management system.

To assign a certificate, you fill in the migrant and sponsorship details which include salary, skill level, and whether the job meets the resident labour market test, is an intra-company transfer or is a shortage occupation.

A certificate of sponsorship can only be assigned by an employee of the sponsoring organisation or a representative who has been given access to the sponsorship management system, and who is based in the United Kingdom. Once a certificate of sponsorship has been assigned, the sponsor must give the migrant the reference number. The migrant must then apply for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom and quote the certificate of sponsorship number on their application form. Please note that a migrant cannot apply for initial permission to enter the United Kingdom more than three months in advance of the date they are due to start work.

The fact that a certificate of sponsorship has been assigned does not guarantee that the migrant will succeed in getting permission to enter or stay. The migrant must meet certain requirements for the relevant tier and category, and apply for permission to enter or stay.

If you are thinking about assigning a certificate of sponsorship to migrants already in the United Kingdom, you should understand the effect the migrant's current immigration status may have on their application for permission to stay because of the rules on switching. See the section on how long workers can stay for for more information on switching.

How to assign a confirmation of acceptance of studies

The arrangements for assigning confirmation of acceptance for studies will be phased in over time. See the tier 4 implementation plan for more information.

How you should send the certificate of sponsorship to the migrant

You must forward the certificate of sponsorship number to the migrant and treat it as you would a secure and confidential document. You print and send the details of the certificate of sponsorship on the system to the migrant, as they may need the information when applying, like the details of the resident labour market test.

The migrant will need the certificate of sponsorship number to apply for permission to enter (entry clearance) or stay in the United Kingdom. Some migrants (non-visa nationals travelling for under three months) do not need to apply for permission to enter before travelling to the United Kingdom.

See initial applications to the creative and sporting category of tier 5 for more information.

How long is the certificate of sponsorship valid for?

A certificate of sponsorship under tier 2 and tier 5 is valid for three months from the date of issue.

A confirmation of acceptance for studies under tier 4 will be valid for six months from the date of issue.

The certificate of sponsorship will automatically become invalid if the migrant does not use it within this time to apply to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. During this time the migrant cannot be assigned another certificate of sponsorship by any other sponsor. If a migrant does not want to do the job or join the course, they should contact their sponsor to cancel or withdraw the certificate of sponsorship before applying for another job or course.

Certificates of sponsorship in the creative sector

In the creative sector, at times a migrant is needed to perform a number of engagements at various venues. If you are sponsoring a single migrant, for example if you are an agent, and there is no more than a maximum of fourteen calendar days between each engagement, you can issue a single certificate of sponsorship to cover the whole period.

If the migrant is sponsored by the individual venues, producers or promoters, then it is still possible for each sponsor to issue a certificate of sponsorship to cover its own show.

These certificates of sponsorship must not overlap. If there is no more than a maximum of fourteen calendar days between each engagement, then entry clearance will be granted to cover the whole period. However, if there is a gap of more than fourteen calendar days between engagements in either of the scenario mentioned above, then migrant will have to leave the United Kingdom and apply for entry clearance again or apply of in country change of employment or extension.

These certificates of sponsorship can include any rehearsal periods required. You must make sure that you issue certificates of sponsorship only for the period required. If we find on a visit that a certificate has been issued wrongly, we will take appropriate action against you.

What happens if you issue a certificate of sponsorship outside the sponsorship rules

If you issue a certificate of sponsorship, you are held fully responsible for the actions of an employee or legal representative who acts on your behalf. Any non-compliance with the rules on issuing or allocating certificates of sponsorship may result in us withdrawing your licence or downgrading it to a B-rating.

If we find you are employing an illegal migrant worker because your recruitment practices are negligent, we may issue you with a civil penalty and may refer the case for prosecution. See the section on illegal working for more information.

Multiple entry certificates of sponsorship

Multiple entry certificates of sponsorship may be issued under any category of tiers 2 or 5. These allow migrants who are based overseas to enter the United Kingdom on a regular basis within the period specified on the certificate, to work for the same sponsor. This type of certificate is not required by a migrant who wants to travel overseas for leisure or domestic purposes.

Multiple entry certificates of sponsorship means there is no need for you to issue a fresh certificate every time the migrant is required to work in this country. Multiple entry certificate holders must get permission to enter before they come to the United Kingdom, irrespective of the length of leave.

A group certificate of sponsorship may also be issued under the tier 5 - temporary workers - creative and sporting category, where it is appropriate to do so.

See the section on costs to find out the fees for certificates of sponsorship.

An IT system used by organisations that sponsor migrants under the points-based system. It allows sponsors to allocate certificates of sponsorship to migrants, carry out the administrative functions necessary to comply with their sponsor obligations and duties, and communicate information to us.This is the process an employer must follow before employing a person who is not a permanent resident of the United Kingdom if he/she is first required to show that no resident worker could be found to take a job.A non-visa national is a national or citizen of any country that is NOT listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules (nationals of countries listed in Appendix 1 are visa nationals). A non-visa national does not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which they are entering. A non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months will need a visa.