How do I sponsor a migrant?
Reporting
This page explains your reporting duties as a sponsor 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 information you must report to us
You must report the following information or events about sponsored migrants to us within the time limit given:
- if they do not turn up for their first day at work, or do not enrol on their course at the expected time, you must report this within 10 working days. You must include the reason the migrant gives for non-attendance or enrolment, for example, a missed flight;
- if they are absent from work or study for more than 10 working days, without your reasonably granted permission, you must tell us within 10 working days of the tenth day of absence;
- if they stop their studies, or if their contract of employment or registration ends (including where they resign or are dismissed), you must tell us within 10 working days of the event in question, and give us the name and address of any new employer or institution that they have joined if you know it;
- if you stop sponsoring them for any other reason, for example, if they move into another immigration category, like the highly skilled tier of the points-based system, that does not need a sponsor;
- if there are any significant changes in their circumstances, for example, change of job or salary or the length of a course of study;
- if you have suspicions that they are breaching the conditions of their leave;
- if there are any significant changes in your circumstances, for example, if you stop trading or become insolvent, substantially change the nature of your business, are involved in a merger or are taken over, you must tell us within 28 working days;
- details of any third party or intermediary, in the United Kingdom or abroad, that helped you recruit employees or students.
How to report information
We will give you more details about how to report migrant activity when you are able to employ migrants.
Terrorism or any other criminal activity
If you suspect they are engaging in terrorism or any other criminal activity you must give the police any information you have.
How we use the information you report
Information about migrants' non-attendance, non-compliance or disappearance will be used to proceed with enforcement action against them.
Terms explained
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Immigration category
A category of our immigration rules. The term usually applies to a person who has been given permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom under one of these categories. The person's rights while in the United Kingdom will normally depend on the category concerned.
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Working days
Monday to Friday are counted as working days. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are not counted as working days. Ten working days may be two weeks or less, depending on where the weekends fall.