How do I sponsor a migrant worker?
General requirements
This page gives a brief overview of the requirements you must meet iof you want to be a licensed sponsor and the requirements a migrant must meet if they want to be sponsored under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system.
Requirements that all sponsors must meet
You must meet the following requirements to become a licensed sponsor:
- complete the appropriate online sponsor application;
- pay the correct fee;
- provide proof that you are based in the UK (see supporting documents);
- be able to provide original or certified copies of the documents listed in Appendix A, unless we say otherwise, to establish that you are genuine and operating or trading lawfully in the UK;
- meet the suitability criteria;
- show there are no reasons for us to believe that you represent a threat to immigration control; and
- agree to comply with the duties of sponsorship.
- if asked, be able to provide evidence of holding the appropriate planning permission or Local Planning Authority consent to operate your type/class of business at your trading address (where this is a Local Authority requirement);
- where you are a food business, if asked, be able to provide evidence of registration with or approval from a relevant food authority.
See the section on HR systems and compliance for more information on how we look at your processes.
Make sure you read the requirements for each tier and category for more information.
See also
Terms explained
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Certificate of sponsorship
A 'virtual document' assigned by a licensed sponsor to a migrant who wishes to work for them in the UK. The migrant must quote the certificate of sponsorship reference number when applying for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system or, where the migrant is a Croatian national, when applying for worker authorisation.
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Non-visa national
A non-visa national is a national or citizen of any country that is NOT listed in Appendix 1 of the immigration rules (nationals of countries listed in Appendix 1 are visa nationals). A non-visa national does not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom for less than six months, unless it is a requirement of the immigration category under which they are entering. A non-visa national coming to the United Kingdom for more than six months will need a visa.
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Settled
You are normally resident in the United Kingdom with no immigration restriction on the length of your stay. To be free of immigration restriction you must have the right of abode or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.