How do I sponsor a migrant worker?
A single body or a number of branches
This page explains the ways that you can apply for a sponsor licence under the points-based system if your organisation is made up of a number of branches.
On this page
If your organisation has a number of different offices, branches, locations or campuses (which we call branches), you can register in a number of ways. You can:
- apply for a single licence which includes your head office and any or all of your branches in the UK;
- apply for a separate licence for each branch; and/or
- group a selection of your branches in a single licence.
Single licence covering your head office and any or all branches
If you want to include any branches in your licence application, we may ask for evidence that they are all linked to you by common ownership or control, unless this is obvious from the supporting evidence you have sent.
For example, a large UK company may find it more convenient to register all of its operations in a particular region under a single licence.
You can show common ownership or control if:
- 1 entity controls the composition of the other entity's board; or
- 1 entity is in a position to cast, or control the casting of, more than half the maximum number of votes that might be cast at a general meeting of the other entity; or
- 1 entity holds more than half the issued share capital of the other entity (excluding any part of that issued share capital that carries no right to participate beyond a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital); or
- both entities have a common parent entity that itself or through other entities meets 1 of the requirements of the first 3 bullet points above in relation to both entities that are the subject of the intra company transfer; or
- 1 entity is related to the other entity as both entities are party to a joint venture agreement; or
- 1 entity is related to the other entity in that 1 entity is party to a joint venture agreement and the other entity is the entity formed by that joint venture agreement; or
- 1 entity is related to the other entity by agreement that would constitute a joint venture agreement other than for the fact that joint venture agreements are not permitted in the country of operation or 1 of the entities is not permitted to enter into joint ventures in the country of operation; or
- 1 entity is related to the other entity in that 1 entity is party to an agreement that would constitute a joint venture agreement other than for the fact that joint venture agreements are not permitted in the country of operation or that entity is not permitted to enter into joint ventures in the country of operation and the other entity is the entity formed by that agreement; or
- where both entities are either accountancy or law firms, 1 entity is related to the other entity by agreement which allows both entities to use a trademark which is registered or established under the laws of the UK and the jurisdiction of the other entity's country of operation; or
- where both entities are either accountancy or law firms, 1 entity is related to the other entity by agreement which allows both entities to operate under the same name in the UK and in the jurisdiction of the other entity's country of operation.
In the case of unincorporated associations, we may also consider the receiving entity to be a linked company if it is a registered company and its articles of association with the sending entity indicate a relationship of control (for example, 1 member has the power to appoint the other's trustees).
You should be aware that, if we withdraw or downgrade your licence, this will apply to all branches covered by the licence. If the licence is withdrawn, all your sponsored migrants will be affected.
Similarly, if a Tier 4 sponsor has named a 'partner' institution on its licence and we remove the partner institution's own licence, we will consider all the circumstances and may consider taking action against any sponsor who has named them as a partner.
Licence covering a group of branches
If you want to register a number of branches using the same application, we may ask you for evidence that all the branches named in the application are linked by common ownership or control.
For example, a UK-wide language school can apply to register all its London branches in a single licence.
You should be aware that, if we withdraw or downgrade your licence, this will apply to all branches covered by the licence. If the licence is withdrawn, all your sponsored migrants will be affected.
Separate licence for each branch
If your branches are licensed separately and we later downgrade or withdraw the licence of one of them, we will not automatically do the same to the other branches' licences. However, we may wish to visit those other branches.
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 the same organisation.