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How do I sponsor a migrant?

An interview panel

Tier 5 - government authorised exchange

This page explains how points are awarded to migrants under the tier 5 (temporary workers) - government authorised exchange category of the points-based system.

For more information, read the full policy guidance (which you can find on the right of this page) and the page on specific requirements for Tier 5 - government authorised exchange.

You should check that the migrant will score a total of 40 points across the different criteria before you issue a certificate of sponsorship.

Criteria for points

What we award points for

Points awarded

Sponsorship

(30 points available)

The migrant will be taking part in a work experience scheme.

The migrant will not be filling a genuine vacancy.

The migrant's work will be in addition to the normal staffing needs.

The migrant will be undertaking skilled work at S or NVQ level 3 or above.

The migrant's work will conform with relevant United Kingdom and European legislation.

30

Maintenance

(10 points available)

£800 if the migrant is applying from inside the United Kingdom

or

the certificate of sponsorship is issued by an A-rated sponsor who will certify that:

  • they will maintain and accommodate the migrant until the end of their first month in the United Kingdom; and
  • they have informed the migrant that they must not claim state benefits.
10


If you are confirming maintenance (funds)

If you are an A-rated sponsor at the time you assign a certificate of sponsorship under tier 5 - temporary workers, you can confirm (certify) that you will maintain and accommodate the migrant until the end of their first month of employment in the United Kingdom, instead of the migrant having to show that they have £800 available.

You should indicate this when you assign the certificate of sponsorship using the sponsorship management system.

You can limit the amount that you will certify, but the limit must be at least £800.

You cannot confirm maintenance for either the migrant or their dependants if you are a B-rated sponsor when you assign the certificate of sponsorship.

It is your duty to tell the migrant that they cannot claim state benefits. If they do claim benefits and you know about it, we may take action which could mean that your licence is downgraded or withdrawn.

Terms explained

  • Certificate of sponsorship

    This is a virtual document (a unique reference number) that an organisation gives to migrants they want to employ, and that the migrant uses when applying.under the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. Also known as confirmation of acceptance for studies.

  • Resident labour market

    The pool of workers who qualify as resident workers. A resident worker is a person who is a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or is legally settled in the United Kingdom with permission to work here. 

  • S/NVQ level 3

    This refers to either the Scottish Vocational Qualification or the National Vocational Qualification at level 3. A qualification at this level is one that shows competence that involves the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities performed in a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often required.

All glossary terms