Additional support for employers
This page explains the additional support we have put in place for potential sponsors planning to make an application for a sponsor licence.
The points-based system application process has been designed to be straightforward and transparent. This website includes comprehensive guidance as well as a number of supporting documents to show how the processes work in practice. Many who apply do so without any help from third-party organisations or continue to use their existing third-party representative. However, we are aware that a number of potential applicants would like further assurance on their readiness to make a points-based system sponsorship application.
The list of organisations assessed as advisers to prospective sponsors under the points-based system (PDF 55K opens in new window) includes organisations who have demonstrated to us a good understanding of the sponsorship arrangements and have provided us with evidence about the type of checks and services they will make when working with clients. They are able to provide prospective sponsors with a document which assesses their readiness to make a sponsorship application. Prospective sponsors can then choose whether to submit this document to us in support of their sponsorship application.
Where such documents are submitted to us, we will not normally duplicate the checks we expect these organisations to have already made. As such, we would expect to make decisions on applications supported by one of these documents well within the standard six-week turnaround. However, we reserve the right to carry out checks and to visit any prospective sponsor as part of the sponsorship application and management process at any time.
The list covers only those organisations that we have assessed satisfactorily to date. The fact that a particular adviser is not listed does not indicate that the firm is not eligible for inclusion in the future. Prospective sponsors are free to appoint any adviser they choose.
We have no formal relationship or contract with the listed organisations nor do we accredit them. There is no relationship with us which should have any impact on the normal operation of the client-adviser relationship. They are listed here to provide those prospective sponsors who need reassurance about their application with a range of possible providers who have demonstrated sponsorship services to our satisfaction.
Providing advice and support to prospective sponsors
If you are an adviser or representative and your organisation would like to be added to the above list you should read Providing advice and support to prospective sponsors.
Related documents
- List of organisations assessed as advisers to prospective sponsorsPDF 59K opens in a new window