How do I sponsor a migrant?
Register of sponsors
This page explains what the register of sponsors for the points-based system is, and how your organisation can be added to the register.
On this page
What is the register of sponsors?
The register of sponsors lists all organisations that the UK Border Agency has licensed to employ migrant workers or sponsor migrant students. On 31 March 2009, the register of sponsors replaced the register of education and training providers published by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (and previously by the Department for Education and Skills).
Under the points-based system, if you are an employer or education provider who wants to act as a sponsor, you will need a licence. When you get a licence, you are added to the register of sponsors.
The register of sponsors lists the name, location and sponsor rating (see below) of every registered organisation. You can download the current register from the right side of this page.
How can we be added to the register of sponsors?
You will be added to the register of sponsors if you successfully apply for a sponsor licence. You can apply foer a licence if:
- you are a legitimate organisation working within the law in the UK;
- there are no reasons to believe that you are a threat to immigration control; and
- your organisation will meet its sponsorship duties.
These criteria are to ensure that those working or studying in the UK do so legally. If you are awarded a sponsor licence, you will be given a sponsor rating - this will be an 'A rating' or a 'B rating', and will be listed on the register.
For more information, see the Applying for a licence section.
Closure of the register of education and training providers
Any education institution in the UK that wants to admit students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must now apply to the UK Border Agency for a sponsor licence. If we award it a licence, it will be allowed to sponsor students.
If you are a student from within the EEA and you want to check that an education provider complies with the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006, you can download the archived register of education and training providers (PDF file 1.2MB opens in a new window) as last published by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills on 30 March 2009.
If you have any queries relating to the closure of the DIUS register, please email LETP.enquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk.
Do it online
Terms explained
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Legitimate organisation
An organisation that is working legally.
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Sponsorship duties
The responsibilities organisations have when they sponsor migrants under the points-based system. The duties are record keeping, reporting, compliance, co-operating with us and tier specific duties.
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Work permit
Permission to work in the United Kingdom that is given to someone who has no automatic right to work here but has met the requirements to be allowed to do so.
Policy & Law
Related documents
- Register of sponsors - employersPDF 2.5MB opens in a new window
- Register of Tier 4 sponsors (approved education providers)PDF 254KB opens in a new window