How do I sponsor a migrant?
The number of certificates you can issue
This page explains how we decide on the number of certificates of sponsorship you can issue each year, when we will review this number and what happens to unused certificates at the end of the year.
On this page
How many certificates you can apply for
When you apply for a licence, we ask you to give us an estimate of the number of certificates of sponsorship you expect to issue each year in each tier or category that you applying for a licence in. The number must include existing migrants who will apply for extensions of their permission to stay and any new migrants you want to sponsor. We ask you to justify the number of certificates of sponsorship needed. This could, for example, be based on future business needs.
Your allocation of certificates
When we approve your licence application, we decide what limit to set on the number of certificates of sponsorship you can issue. We will set a limit for all organisations. This may be:
- your requested number of certificates of sponsorship; or
- a lower limit if you are B-rated, a start-up organisation or have any history of not complying with immigration rules.
When you request an allocation of certificates of sponsorship on the sponsor application online, you should make sure you have evidence to support the number you request.
When we set the limit, we take into account all the circumstances, including your estimated requirements and other factors, for example:
- your previous record in dealing with us (including your previous dealings with the work permits arrangements);
- your type of business;
- the size of your business; and
- the length of time that you have been trading for.
You will not be able to assign certificates if you have used up the limit you were allocated when you got your licence.
Unused certificates of sponsorship
Any certificates of sponsorship that are unused at the end of each year will be removed from the sponsorship management system and you must apply for a new allocation for the following year. It is not possible to carry over any unused certificates of sponsorship.
See the section on costs to find out the fees for certificates of sponsorship.
Do it online
Terms explained
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B rating
This term is applied to a sponsor under the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It is the rating awarded by us when a sponsor joins the register of sponsors. A B rating is a transitional rating for a sponsor who is under a sponsorship action plan.
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Sponsorship management system
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.