How do I sponsor a migrant?
Apply for a licence online
This page explains what information you need for all the questions in the sponsor application online to get a licence to sponsor migrants under the points-based system.
Changes to sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5
Changes to sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5
On this page
What else you must do when applying
Before you complete the application form you must read How to get a licence to find out who must apply for a licence to sponsor migrants under the points-based system. You can only apply for a licence online.
You will need to pay the appropriate fee when you make your application. This fee will not be refunded if your application is refused because you do not meet the requirements. Read the section on costs to find out what application fee you must pay.
You must make the application yourself, although you can use a legal representative to help with your application. Any applications submitted by a legal representative will be rejected.
The information you need to fill in the application
The form has a number of questions and will take you approximately 25 to 30 minutes to complete. You can download a copy of the sponsor application form (PDF 459k - opens in a new window) in order to help prepare your application. This copy of the form is only for your reference. You can only apply for your licence online.
To fill in the form, you will need the following information:
- organisation details and names of the authorising officer, key contact, level 1 user, and other users;
- the number of certificates of sponsorship you need and your reasons for this number;
- the names and trading dates of your organisation if it has traded under another name in the last four years;
- your organisation's size and sector;
- the name and registration number of any accrediting or governing body;
- the name and registration number of any stock exchange your organisation is registered with;
- your PAYE, VAT or National Insurance numbers;
- details of any staff criminal convictions or civil penalties;
- your supporting documents; and
- payment details - either a cheque or details of a credit or debit card.
Make sure you fully understand the process and what supporting documents you must send with your application before applying.
How to fill in key questions
You must read the following as it gives important advice on the information we need for certain questions in the online application.
Under what category is your organisation applying to become a sponsor?
If you are applying for tier 4 - students, you should show in the reasons box, under the number of confirmations of acceptance for studies, whether you are registering under the general student category and/or the child student category.
Is your organisation registering as a head office, a United Kingdom branch, a single body or another type of body?
If you are registering as 'group of branches', you must list all the branches that you wish to include in this registration and give their addresses. Where necessary, use a separate sheet and send this in with your submission sheet.
If you are registering as 'other', please give details of who will be included in this registration. Where necessary, use a separate sheet and send this in with your submission sheet.
If your organisation is a charity in England, Scotland or Wales, select whether you are registered, excepted or exempt according to the legislation in your country. Select the Northern Ireland option if you are based in Northern Ireland.
- If you are registered charity, give your charity registration number in the box.
- If you are excepted, exempt or none of the above, please give reasons why.
- If you are based in northern Ireland, give details of charitable status from HMRC.
- If you are an ecclesiastical corporation (either corporation sole or body corporate) established for charitable purposes, give details.
Select the sector your organisation works in. Choose the one that explains your organisation's main economic activity.
If you are unsure which sector to select please see the UK Statistics authority website.
For the tier 2 - sports people category, select your sport and then the appropriate sporting body that you are endorsed by. For tier 5, select other if not applicable.
Please read full guidance for the tier 2 - sports people category and the tier 5 - creative and sporting category before you submit your application.
You can only select one sport on the online application. For example, if you want to sponsor migrants under football and rugby, you must select one sport on the online application and when giving reasons for the number of certificates of sponsorship needed, you must list the other sports to be covered in that licence and give the appropriate governing body endorsement for each of these sports.
If you are registering for the tier 2 - sports people category and the tier 5 - creative and sporting category using the same application, please fill in the details of your sport for tier 2 in the online application and for and the tier 5 - creative and sporting category, please use a separate sheet to give us the name of your sport, and send in with your submission sheet.
Select the faith that you are a member of
Please read full guidance for the tier 2 - ministers of religion category and the tier 5 - religious worker category before you submit your application.
If you select 'other', give details your faith in the reasons for the number of certificates of sponsorship.
If you are registering for the tier 2 - ministers of religion category and the tier 5 - religious worker category using the same application, please fill in the details of your faith for tier 2 on the online form and for the tier 5 - religious worker category, please use a separate sheet to advise us the name of your faith, and send in with your submission sheet.
Supporting documents
When completing the online application form the list of documents to submit with your application is incorrect.
Please choose the necessary documents from that list to continue with your application, but always check and submit the documents listed in Appendix A of the full policy guidance on the guidance for sponsor applications. This is the most up-to-date list of required documents for your type of organisation.
Submission sheet
After you have submitted your application, you are taking to the submission sheet page, which you must print, fill in, and send with your payment and documents selected earlier for your supporting evidence. You must send it all to the address on the submission sheet. We advise you to keep a copy for your records.
If you have a specific query about your particular application, contact the Sponsor Licensing Unit on sponsorlicensing@ukba.gsi.gov.uk. For general advice on sponsorship, contact the Sponsorship and Employers' Helpline, which you can find on the right of this page.
Do it online
Terms explained
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Authorising officer
The authorising officer is one of the roles required within organisations that wish to sponsor migrants under the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. The authorising officer is responsible for the activities of anyone acting on behalf of the sponsor to issue certificates of sponsorship.
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Certificates of sponsorship
These are virtual documents (unique reference numbers) 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.
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Civil penalties
A requirement to pay money that can be imposed for an offence without the need for a court conviction.
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Criminality checks
Checks we make with authorities to find out if someone has a criminal record.
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Key contact
The key contact acts as the main point of contact between us and an organisation that sponsors migrants under the points-based system.
Policy & Law
Related documents
- Copy of the sponsor application formPDF 470K opens in a new window