How do I sponsor a migrant?
A single body or as a number of branches
This page explains how you should apply for a licence to be on the register of sponsors for the points-based system if you are registering as a single body or have a number of branches.
Changes to sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5
Changes to sponsor guidance for Tiers 2, 4 and 5
How you can register
If you have a number of different offices, branches, locations or campuses (which we call branches), you can register in a number of ways, including by:
- applying for a single licence that includes the head office and all branches in the United Kingdom;
- each branch applying for a separate licence; or
- grouping a number of branches in a single licence. For example, a chain store might choose to register all its branches in London in a single licence.
Group of branches
If you want to register a group of branches using the same application, you must send a covering letter listing the names and addresses of all the branches you want to include in the group, along with the supporting documents.
Head office
If you are licensed as a head office and all United Kingdom branches and we remove your licence or downgrade you to a B rating, this will apply to all your branches. If we remove you from the register, none of your branches will be able to sponsor migrants who are not settled in the United Kingdom.
If you have existing migrants who are not settled in the United Kingdom at the time, we will cut (curtail) the permission those migrants have to be in the United Kingdom and remove them from the country, because they will no longer be working for or studying with a licensed sponsor.
If any of your branches apply for an individual licence later, we will take into account any evidence of previous abuse or non-compliance, and the reasons for it, when we consider your application.
Branches registered separately
If you have registered branches separately, and we later remove the licence from one of those branches, we will not automatically remove the licence from the other branches. However, if a number of branches of the same organisation are individually licensed, and we remove the licence from one of those branches or downgrade the sponsor to a B rating, we may wish to investigate other branches of your organisation.
Terms explained
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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.
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Branches
Branches are different offices, locations, or campuses of an organisation that has two or more of these.