Once a business has been granted a Sponsor Licence, it will have access to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). This online tool allows Sponsors’ to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to migrants who wish to come to or stay in the UK. As a Sponsor, the SMS allows you to fulfil reporting duties for sponsored migrants.
Our business immigration solicitors are regularly instructed by businesses to undertake the functions of a Level 1 User and essentially undertake the businesses day-to-day sponsorship activities. This includes assigning CoS to migrants, applying for and assigning restricted CoS and renewing sponsor licences.
Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A CoS is not a paper certificate but a virtual document which can be obtained by completing an online form on the SMS. When you assign a CoS, a reference number is generated and this must be given to the migrant as they will need this when they make their application for a visa. Once a migrant has a CoS they should make an application for a visa within 3 months; if unused, the CoS will expire and a new one must be issued.
Using the Sponsorship Management System
You can use the Sponsorship Management System to:
- Change details of your organisation such as the address, name, details of an existing key contact or authorising officer;
- View your licence renewal date;
- View all CoS you have assigned; and
- Report a worker’s activities in accordance with the sponsorship duties.
Our immigration lawyers understand that these tasks can be time-consuming for busy organisations and are regularly instructed to act as Level 1 Users so they can manage these activities on behalf of the organisation with their instructions. If you wish to discuss the services we offer in this regard, please contact a member of our dedicated team today. We can then arrange for you to meet with one of our experienced business immigration solicitors who will put a package together which suits your needs.
We are an immigration government department based in Middle Temple, London and our solicitors are fully authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Contact our specialist immigration team today and we can offer you a consultation in person or via telephone or WhatsApp so we can explore your options. You can leave us a message on our Contact Form or give us a call on 02032860857.