Sectors Based Scheme
How do I apply for an extension of a Sectors Based Scheme permit for people outside the European Economic Area?
This page explains how you can extend a sectors based scheme (SBS) permit for a worker from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
SBS permits are issued for a maximum of 12 months. If we issue an SBS permit to a worker from outside the EEA for less than 12 months and you want to continue to employ the worker beyond the end of the permit you will need to apply for an extension.
Workers from outside the EEA can only work in the United Kingdom under the SBS for a maximum of 12 months. At the end the 12 months, the worker is expected to return to his/her home country.
The application form
Applications for an extension of a SBS permit should be made on application form SB1X. This application form is available to download in word format from this site. You can request printed copies of the application form from our distribution centre:
Phone: 0117 344 1471
Open: Monday - Friday 0900 - 1700
Before you make an application you should make sure that you have read the information on the requirements that need to be met in order for us to issue a letter of approval under the SBS. You should also read the 'Sectors Based Scheme (Bulgarian and Romania nationals only) - guidance notes for employers'. These guidance notes can be downloaded from the right side of the page.
Application forms
Information and guidance for all work permit applications
- General informationPDF 157K opens in a new window
- Payment guidePDF 159K opens in a new window
- Service standardsPDF 98K opens in a new window
Sectors Based Scheme, extension of stay (non Bulgarian and Romanian nationals)
- Form SB1xDOC 1.5M opens in a new window
- SBS guide for recruiting non Bulgarian and Romanian nationalsPDF 182K opens in a new window
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.
Contact
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Work permits customer contact centre
0114 207 4074
Customer Contact Centre, UK Border Agency, PO Box 3468, Sheffield, S3 8WA