Tier2 Sponsorship FAQs

The purpose of the guideline is to give you a brief overview of the rules regarding dependants of students under the old category coming to the UK.

Please note: This category applies to you if you are the dependant of student who has applied ie. submitted his/her application to the Home Office/Embassy before April 1st 2008

How can we be added to the register of sponsors?

You will be added to the register of sponsors if you successfully apply for a sponsor licence. You can apply for a licence if:

you are a legitimate organisation working within the law in the UK;
there are no reasons to believe that you are a threat to immigration control; and
your organisation will meet its sponsorship duties.

These criteria are to ensure that those working in the UK do so legally. If you are awarded a sponsor licence, you will be given a sponsor rating - this will be an 'A rating' or a 'B rating', and will be listed on the register.

How does the application process work?

The application consists of an online and hardcopy application with supporting documents. The Home Office also might conduct an on-sight visit for further checks.

How long does the application process take?

The Home Office currently states the processing time as 4-8 weeks

How many overseas workers can I sponsor?

You request the required number of workers with your application but you will need to explain why this number is needed.

How much does the Certificate of Sponsorship cost?

£170

How much does the UKBA charge for the Licence?

Organisations less than 50 employees: £300
Organisations more than 50 employees: £1000

What are the requirements for senior carers to be accepted under the occupation shortage requirements?

The following requirements need to be fulfilled:

By Applicant:

At least 2 years relevant experience (this does not include experience gained during a work placement as part of a qualification)
Relevant NQF Level 2 or equivalent qualification in care (e.g. NVQ 2)

By Employer:

Provide migrant with supervisory position
Pay you a wage of at least £7.80/hour and for at least 30 hours/week
Able to answer the following questions:
- Why does the job require someone with at least two years' previous experience?
- What elements of the job require this experience and why?
- Why could the job not be carried out to the required standard by someone with less experience?
- How would you expect a settled worker to gain this experience before being appointed to the post

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is not a paper certificate like a work permit. It is a 'virtual document', with a unique reference number which you issue to a migrant so that they can apply for permission to enter the UK if they are overseas (known as 'entry clearance'), or permission to stay in the UK if they are already here (known as 'leave to remain').

What is the register of sponsors?

The register of sponsors lists all organisations that the UK Border Agency has licensed to employ migrant workers or sponsor migrant students.

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. When you get a licence, you are added to the register of sponsors.

The register of sponsors lists the name, location and sponsor rating of every registered organisation. You can download the current register from the right side of this page.

The information above is given in good faith and has been carefully checked. Forgate, however, does not accept any legal responsibility for its accuracy (Source: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk)

0208 626 4469

Tier2 Sponsorship FAQs