Tier 5 (Temporary worker - government authorised exchange)
Certificate of sponsorship
This page explains what a certificate of sponsorship is including the difference between a live and valid certificate under the points-based system to work in the UK.
On this page
Full details of all requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraphs 245ZM to 245ZR of part 6 which you can find on the right of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
The points awarded for sponsorship
You will score 30 points for your certificate of sponsorship.
Government authorised exchange certificates of sponsorship
The overarching body is the sponsor and once you have a certificate of sponsorship the body must guarantee that:
- you want to come to the UK for a short time to work or train through an approved scheme;
- you do not plan to set up a business in the UK; and
- you meet the requirements of the individual exchange scheme.
You can download a list of approved schemes from the right side of this page.
See Working and conditions for more information about the conditions of your stay.
What is a certificate of sponsorship?
A certificate of sponsorship is not an actual certificate or paper document, but is a unique reference number, which holds information about the job and your personal details.
Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number. They will also need to give you some of the information they used to assign the certificate for you to use the point-based calculator and apply, for example, the wage of the job.
Having a certificate of sponsorship alone does not mean you will be successful in applying to come or stay in the UK. You must meet the requirements of the tier and category you are applying under as well.
What is a live certificate of sponsorship?
Sponsors assign certificates using the sponsorship management system, and you can only have one live certificate of sponsorship in the system at any one time. A live certificate of sponsorship is one that the sponsor has assigned to you, but that you have not used yet to apply.
If you have given your personal details to a prospective sponsor and that sponsor assigns a certificate of sponsorship to you, then no other sponsor can assign a certificate of sponsorship to you during the time the certificate gives you permission to come or stay. So it is very important that you only give your personal details to a sponsor you intend to work for.
What your certificate of sponsorship must show?
Your certificate of sponsorship must:
- have the same details as in your passport;
- be assigned to you by your sponsor no more than 3 months before the date you apply;
- has not been withdrawn by your sponsor or us.
The certificate of sponsorship will run out if it is not used by you to apply within 3 months of the sponsor assigning it to you. If you apply using a certificate of sponsorship that has run out, your application will be refused. You must get a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.
See also
Terms explained
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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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Sponsorship management system
An IT system used by organisations that sponsor migrants under the points-based system. It allows sponsors to allocate certificates of sponsorship to migrants, carry out the administrative functions necessary to comply with their sponsor obligations and duties, and communicate information to us.
Policy & Law
Related documents
- Approved government authorised exchange schemesPDF 375KB opens in a new window