How do I sponsor a migrant?
B-rated sponsors with sponsorship action plans
This page explains how we deal with B-rated sponsors under the points based system. It also explains the sponsorship action plans that we draw up to help you comply with your sponsorship duties and obtain an A-rating under the points-based system.
On this page
This page explains how we deal with B-rated sponsors under the points based system. It also explains the sponsorship action plans that we draw up to help you comply with your sponsorship duties and obtain an A-rating under the points based system.
Sponsorship action plans
A B- rating is a transitional rating. This means that we expect you to have improved your performance enough to be upgraded to an A- rating within a relatively short time. If you do not, you risk having your licence withdrawn.
If you are a B-rated sponsor, you will be set an action plan which you must comply with, within a set time. The plan sets out the steps you need to take to get an A rating. If you do not comply with this plan, it is likely you will have your licence withdrawn.
How the sponsorship action plan is created
The plan will be drawn up jointly by us and you, but we have the final say on its contents and may set an action plan even if you do not agree.
To help you, the plan will explain the steps you must take to become fully compliant with your duties and get an A rating. For example, this might include making specific improvements to your recordkeeping, improving your control over the staff employed to issue certificates of sponsorship or improving communication between different branches of your business so you know when a migrant has not turned up for work. If you do not comply with this plan, it is likely you will have your licence withdrawn.
How long the sponsorship action plan lasts
The action plan will usually cover a period of about three months, but this may be longer or shorter in appropriate circumstances. At the end of this period, we decide whether you should be upgraded to an A rating. If not, we normally withdraw your licence. However, in exceptional circumstances, where significant progress has been made, we may decide to keep you on a B rating and create a further action plan. In deciding whether to create a new action plan, we will take into account all the circumstances, including whether you have:
- made genuine attempts to meet the requirements of the action plan; and
- shown that circumstances outside your control prevented you from meeting the requirements.
These are not the only reasons for creating a further action plan and you will need to prove why circumstances justify it.
The maximum length of a sponsorship action plan
The maximum period that you can be under an action plan is 12 months. We will review the position every three months. If you are still B-rated after 12 months, you will automatically lose your licence.
Inspecting B-rated sponsors
If you are a B-rated sponsor, we will inspect you more frequently and extensively. When deciding what monitoring is necessary, we assess the potential risk you pose to immigration control, like a limit on the number of certificates of sponsorship you may assign.
Other consequences of a B rating
If you are a B-rated sponsor, you may have to meet additional duties. For example, we may need you to tell us when a migrant arrives for work or study, rather than simply telling us if they do not turn up. We will inform you of any additional duties you must meet.
See also
Terms explained
-
A 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.
-
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.
-
Branches
Branches are different offices, locations, or campuses of an organisation that has two or more of these.