How do I sponsor a migrant?
Register of sponsors
This page explains what the register of sponsors for the points-based system is and what you must do get on to the register.
On this page
What is the register of sponsors?
The register of sponsors lists all organisations that the UK Border Agency has approved to employ migrants or sponsor migrant students. On 31 March 2009, the register of sponsors replaced the register of education and training providers published by the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (and previously by the Department for Education and Skills).
Under the points-based system, if you are an employer or education provider who wants to act as a sponsor, you will need a licence. Once you get a licence, you are added to the register of sponsors.
The register of sponsors has the name, location and rating of the organisation, and the current register can be downloaded from the right side of this page.
Who can apply to join the register of sponsors now?
You can apply for licences for tiers 2, 4 and 5 now.
How do I get on the register of sponsors?
You must meet the following criteria to join the register:
- you are a legitimate organisation working within the law in the United Kingdom;
- there are no reasons to believe that you are a threat to immigration control; and
- your organisation will meet its sponsorship duties.
This is to make sure that those working or studying in the United Kingdom do so legally. You will be awarded an A rating or a B rating on the register.
See the section on Applying for a licence for more information on what you must do to get a licence.
Closure of the register of education and training providers
Since 31 March 2009 any education institution in the UK that wishes to admit students from outside of the European Economic Area must apply to the UK Border Agency for a licence to sponsor international students. If you get a licence, we will add your organisation to the register of sponsors and you can begin to issue visa letters to students.
If you are a student from within the European Economic Area and wish to check that the institution you are studying at complies with the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006, then you can download the archived register of education and training providers (PDF file 1.2Mb opens in a new window) - as last published by the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (DIUS) on the 30 March 2009.
If you have any queries relating to the closure of the DIUS register, please email LETP.enquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk.
Do it online
Terms explained
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Legitimate organisation
An organisation that is working legally.
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Sponsorship duties
The responsibilities organisations have when they sponsor migrants under the points-based system. The duties are record keeping, reporting, compliance, co-operating with us and tier specific duties.
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Work permit
Permission to work in the United Kingdom that is given to someone who has no automatic right to work here but has met the requirements to be allowed to do so.
Policy & Law
Related documents
- Register of sponsors - employersPDF 1.3M opens in a new window
- Register of tier 4 sponsors (approved education providers)PDF 211K opens in a new window