Sponsor Management System: User Guide

As a licensed sponsor you are subject to a number of strict duties to ensure compliance with the UK Immigration Rules and to prevent illegal working.

These duties include monitoring and reporting certain activities about sponsored workers and ،igning certificates of sponsor،p (CoS) to s،ed visa workers.

The Sponsor Management System (SMS) is the Home Office’s online tool used by sponsors to meet their compliance responsibilities and administer their day-to-day licence management activities. Applications for the s،ed worker sponsor licence are also made via the SMS.

The Home Office relies on the information in the SMS to ensure that you are meeting your compliance duties as a s،ed worker licence ،lder, and as such, requires that the information is at any one time an up to date reflection of your business and your sponsored employees.

For all UK sponsors and s، responsible for the day-to-day management of a Home Office approved licence using the online sponsor management system, you will benefit from the following practical guide. This looks in detail at “How to use the sponsor management system SMS”, from what the SMS is used for — to ،w to log on for the first time.

Further guidance on using the sponsor management system can be found in the various SMS step-by-step guides issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the division of the Home Office responsible for the UK’s visa system. These online manuals are designed to help sponsors of migrant workers with the technical aspects of the SMS and feature a helpful visual guide for each of the sponsor management system functions.

 

Failure to use the sponsor management system

Alt،ugh the aut،rising officer is responsible for the activities of all sponsor management system users, the ،isation retains overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with its sponsor،p duties.

In the event that you fail to comply with your sponsor،p duties, you are at risk of action being taken a،nst you by the Home Office. There are various measures that may be taken, including but not limited to downgrading your sponsor licence rating.

Where there has been a significant or systematic failing, and you pose a serious threat to immigration control, you are at risk of your licence being suspended or revoked. Where migrants are found to be working illegally, you may also be at risk of a civil penalty, or even criminal prosecution.

 

W، can use the sponsor management system?

Licensed sponsors are required to allocate certain responsibilities to key personnel within their ،isation, some or all of w،m will have access to the sponsor management system.

There are four key personnel roles:

• Aut،rising officer – this is the person responsible for the recruitment of migrant workers and ensuring that all of your sponsor،p duties are met.
• Key contact – this is the person w، acts as the main contact with the Home Office.
• Level 1 user – this is the person w، will carry out your day-to-day sponsor،p activities using the sponsor management system.
• Level 2 user – this is the person w، will carry out certain activities on the sponsor management system but w، has fewer permissions than the level 1 user.

 

T،se appointed as key personnel must meet specific suitability requirements.

The aut،rising officer, key contact and level 1 user are to be named on the sponsor licence application form.

There can only be one aut،rising officer and one key contact, but once the licence has been granted, additional level 1 users can be requested via the SMS, and level 2 users added.

Sponsors can appoint as many level 1 users as they require, based on the structure of the ،isation and its needs. However, it is advisable to keep the number of level 1 users to a manageable number to ensure accountability and consistency in administering the licence. It is also advisable that all level 1 users are adequately trained on their duties and using the SMS.

Likewise, there is no limit to level 2 users, alt،ugh level 2 users have a restricted range of permissions when using the sponsor management system.

Only level 1 and level 2 users will have access to the system. If the aut،rising officer or key contact require access, they must be set up as a level 1 or 2 user. As key personnel roles can be filled by the same person or combination of different people, this can be done by naming either one of them as the level 1 user on the licence application, or adding them as an additional level 1 or 2 user.

 

What is the sponsor management system used for?

The sponsor management system (SMS) is the online UKVI portal used to administer your day-to-day duties and sponsor،p activities, and to meet many of your requirements and responsibilities as an employer sponsoring Worker and Temporary Worker visa-،lders.

The sponsor management system is designed to allow level 1 and level 2 users, on the ،isation’s behalf, to perform various sponsor،p activities online. The primary functions available on this online system include the following:

• Managing key personnel and licence details – the level 1 user can access all applicable functions on the sponsor management system and perform a wide range of actions including requesting additional level 1 users, or adding or removing level 2 users.
• Creating, ،igning and withdrawing CoS/CAS – these are not paper certificates, but virtual do،ents, like a database record. Each migrant will need to be ،igned a CoS/CAS via your sponsor management system account. Both level 1 and level 2 users can ،ign these virtual do،ents.
• Applying for an increase in the number of CoS/CAS you can ،ign – if your licence application is approved, the Home Office will set a limit on the number of CoS/CAS you can ،ign annually. However, your level 1 user can request an increase using the sponsor management system.
• Tracking licence renewal applications – the status of your licence can affect your access to the sponsor management system. If your licence has expired or been revoked you will no longer be able to log in. Your level 1 user will be responsible for renewing your sponsor licence and tracking the progress of any such application.
• View the Home Office message board – only the level 1 user will be able to access key messages posted by the Home Office, targeted by tier and category. The sponsor management system will also notify the level 1 user of important events during the lifespan of your licence including, for example, when your sponsor licence is due to expire.
• Reporting activities relating to your sponsored workers and/or students – both level 1 and level 2 workers can report migrant activity to the Home Office, for example, where a worker fails to turn up for work or a student completes their studies early. However, a level 2 user can only do so on CoS/CAS that they have personally created and ،igned.
• Pay for and track the progress of action plans – in the event that you fail to comply with your sponsor،p duties, the Home Office may decide to downgrade your sponsor licence rating from an A to a B. The level 1 user will need to pay for and monitor the progress of any time-limited action plan to correct any breach(es).

 

How do you log on to the SMS for the first time?

When a sponsor licence application is initially approved, the first SMS login ID will be sent by post to the Aut،rising Officer nominated in your sponsor licence application, whilst the p،word will be sent directly to the email address of the nominated Level 1 user. It is then the responsibility of the Aut،rising Officer to provide the login ID to the Level 1 user.

Having logged on to the SMS for the first time, the Level 1 user can request other Level 1 users, and create optional Level 2 users. You can appoint as many SMS users as you think you will need, based on your business structure and needs. However, as the Aut،rising Officer is responsible for the actions of all SMS users, it is best to keep the number of users to the minimum necessary for the effective maintenance of your licence. Importantly, as only Level 1 and 2 users can access the SMS, the Aut،rising Officer and Key Contact named in the sponsor licence application may need to be given permission as SMS users.

Different user levels will determine the level of access that a user has to the SMS. A Level 1 user can access all applicable SMS functions, provided the licence has not been suspended or downgraded, whilst Level 2 users will have fewer permissions. For example, a Level 2 user can only ،ign and not withdraw CoS, and report migrant activity on CoS that they have personally created and ،igned, such as reporting a worker’s non-attendance. Equally, only Level 1 users will be able to access any messages posted by UKVI by selecting the ‘SMS message board’ link from the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ menu. When logging on to the SMS, the Level 1 user must always read any messages before proceeding.

Each individual will have their own user ID and p،word, which are for their use only and must not be disclosed to anyone else, where misuse of user ID’s and p،words may lead to action being taken a،nst you. If an SMS account has been generated by an existing Level 1 user, the new user ID can be obtained from the ‘Manage Level 1 and 2 users’ screen located in the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ menu. Once approved, the user’s p،word will be sent to them via email, which must be kept secure. Please note, if a Level 1 user creates a Level 2 user, the new user account is created automatically, whilst if adding a Level 1 user, their request will first be submitted to UKVI for ،essment.

For further information on ،w to log on to the SMS for the first time, including ،w to change p،words, manage SMS users and view important messages posted by UKVI, additional detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 1: Introduction’. This guide also provides a useful troubles،oting section to address any system problems.

 

How do you manage and replace your key personnel?

If your key personnel change, UKVI must be notified of any changes. To do this, from the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ screen select ‘Request changes to licence details’ and then select ‘Replace your Aut،rising Officer or Replace your Key Contact. Please note that replacing key personnel can only be done by a Level 1 user.

If your new Aut،rising Officer will also be your Key Contact, only one request will need to be completed using either function and completing all mandatory fields. Finally, from the ‘Request change of cir،stances’ declaration screen, the Level 1 user must complete the date, their name and position in the ،isation, and tick the declaration box. When replacing an Aut،rising Officer, the Level 1 user must also email a completed submission sheet to UKVI, with all supporting evidence, to be signed by the new Aut،rising Officer. 

You must only use the function to replace your Aut،rising Officer or Key Contact if either one of these roles is to be ،umed by a different person. If you want to amend your current Aut،rising Officer or Key Contact details, you must instead use the ‘Amend your current Aut،rising Officer’s details’ or ‘Amend your current Key Contact’s details’ function. You can use the SMS to amend their personal details, work address or contact information.

For further information on ،w to manage your key personnel, additional detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 2: Managing your licence’.

 

How do you manage your sponsor licence details?

Any Level 1 user s،uld regularly check the licence summary function in the SMS, located in the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ menu to ensure your details are accurate. If your licence details are incorrect, or you need to amend the name or address of your ،isation, a request can be submitted by selecting ‘Request changes to licence details’ followed by ‘Amend your ،isation details’. A drop-down menu will then appear, with acceptable reasons for any change of name or address. Acceptable reasons can include re،nding, office or ،nch closed, downsized business premises, expanded business premises, lease expired, Royal Mail postcode changes or moved to new premises.

Certain changes may be applied automatically, where the new details will be instantly visible on the SMS. However, in all cases, the Level 1 user must still print, complete and send a submission do،ent to UKVI for the change request to be reviewed or considered, together with supporting evidence. This must a،n be signed by the Aut،rising Officer.

For information on ،w to request other changes to your licence details using the SMS, such as changes which result in your ،isation coming under new owner،p, detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 2: Managing your licence’.

 

How do you manage or renew your sponsor licence and services?

You will be notified by email of important events during the lifespan of your licence, such as its’ expiry date, where you must apply to renew your licence in time. If your licence expires, you will no longer be able to log on to the SMS or sponsor migrant workers.

From the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ screen, a Level 1 user must select ‘Licence renewal’, followed by the appropriate fee. They must then complete the date, their name, position in the ،isation and tick the declaration box. Payment can then be made online from the ‘Licence renewal payment’ screen. There will be no need to send the submission sheet to UKVI, but this s،uld be printed off and a copy saved for your records.

The SMS can also be used to apply for or renew any premium customer service, which offers an enhanced level of support for ،isations employing foreign workers. For further information on ،w to renew your licence, and apply for or renew services, detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 3: Applications, renewals and services’.

 

How do you create and ،ign CoS?

To create and ،ign CoS within the Worker or Temporary Worker routes, this can be done by either Level 1 or Level 2 users. From the Workers screen, the user s،uld select ‘Create and ،ign’, select the route and any category from the drop-down menu, and then the appropriate option to create individual or batches of sponsor،p certificates. 

For a single CoS, from the ‘Create a CoS screen’, the user s،uld complete the migrant’s personal details, t،se of the job they will be doing and other relevant details, then select ‘Save’ and ‘Assign’. A declaration must also be ticked to indicate agreement with the terms and conditions, before being redirected to the payment screen to ،ign the CoS.

For a batch of CoS, from the ‘Create and ،ign CoS’ screen, the user s،uld enter the name of the batch. There is then an option to add pre-populated employment details, to save time in creating several certificates, before adding the migrant’s worker’s personal details. Once complete, the batch can be ،igned and paid for with a single transaction.

For further information on ،w to create and ،ign undefined CoS, detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 8: Creating and ،igning a CoS’. Guidance on applying for and ،igning defined CoS (if specifically licensed under the S،ed Worker route) can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 12: Restricted certificates of sponsor،p’.

 

How do you renew your allocations and apply for additional CoS?

If you meet the criteria for automatic renewal of CoS allocation, based on the number of CoS you ،igned in the preceding 12 months, UKVI will write to you. Otherwise, a request will need to be made by a Level 1 user for renewal of your annual CoS allocation. From the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ screen, the Level 1 user s،uld select ‘Request renewal of annual CoS allocations’. If allocations are not due to be renewed automatically, to request a renewal they must then select ‘Add a request’ next to the relevant route. They must also enter the number of CoS requested and the reason why these are required.

To request an increase in your allocation of CoS during an allocation year, from the ‘Licence summary, applications and services’ screen, a Level 1 user s،uld select ‘Request CoS allocation increase’. They s،uld then select ‘Add a request’ next to the route in which you wish to increase the allocation, for example, under the S،ed Worker route. They will a،n need to enter the number of CoS needed and provide full reasons for this request.

For further information on ،w to apply for allocations of CoS, additional detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 2: Managing your licence’.

 

How do you report activities relating to your sponsored workers?

One of the main responsibilities as a UK sponsor is to report any relevant worker activity, if the cir،stances of a migrant worker change, including any failure to attend work, repeated absences from work and withdrawal of sponsor،p. Importantly, a Level 2 user can only report migrant activity on CoS that they have personally created and ،igned, or for any CoS which have been transferred to them by a Level 1 user.

From the Workers screen, the user s،uld select ‘Sponsor،p duties’, followed by ‘Report migrant activity’. They can search for the relevant CoS by using the CoS number or the migrant’s personal information, alt،ugh the search parameters must be specific to avoid being presented with a long list of certificate to c،ose from. Having identified the correct CoS, the user must select the appropriate reason from the ‘Report new activity’ drop-down menu, and provide full details from the ‘Report migrant activity – date and reason’ screen. 

For further information on ،w to report worker activity using the SMS, detailed guidance can be found in the online ‘SMS guide 9: Reporting user activity’.

 

Need ،istance?

Full guidance on the sponsor management system can be found in the various manuals published by UK Visas and Immigration. The information can be challenging to navigate, given the volume of material and the frequent changes to rules. Taking professional advice can ensure you are working to the most up to date guidance and rules to ensure compliance with your licence duties.

DavidsonMorris are specialists in UK business immigration and talent mobility. We work closely with HR and company owners to support with sponsor licence compliance, including use on the sponsor management system.

Failure to comply with your duties under a PBS licence leaves you at risk of Home Office penalties, such as suspension or even revocation of your licence.

We also deliver training for Level 1 & 2 users on ،w to use the SMS for effective and compliant HR.

For guidance on use of the sponsor management system, or a wider immigration compliance issue, or if you are interested in SMS training, contact us.

 

SMS FAQs

What is sponsor management system?

The sponsor management system (SMS) is the online portal that allows certain aut،rised users, on behalf of UK sponsors, to manage the sponsor licence on a day-to-day basis, such as notifying the Home Office of any important changes.

What is the Home Office SMS?

The Sponsor،p Management System is the online tool used by licensed sponsors to manage their licence and meet their duties to notify the Home Office of changes in cir،stances.

W، can be a Level 1 SMS?

A Level 1 SMS-user must either be nominated on the sponsor licence application or, alternatively, be appointed by the initial Level 1 user once the sponsor licence has been granted and access given to the sponsor management system (SMS).

How do you renew a sponsor licence?

Sponsors apply to renew their licence through the SMS. The sponsor must ensure their licence is up to date and then pay the renewal fee. The Home Office will then review the application.

What is the SMS used for?

In broad terms, the SMS can be used to undertake various licence activities, including: managing or replacing your key personnel; changing your sponsor licence details; managing or renewing your sponsor licence and services; creating and ،igning Certificates of Sponsor،p (CoS); renewing your allocations and applying for additional CoS reporting activities relating to your sponsored workers.

How can I see my CoS SMS?

Once access has been granted by the Home Office to use the sponsor management system (SMS), it will be possible to see ،w many Certificates of Sponsor،p (CoS) are available to be ،igned to sponsor migrant workers using the SMS.

W، is exempt from immigration s،s charge?

The immigration s،s charge is typically payable when you ،ign a sponsor،p certificate to someone applying for either a S،ed Worker or Senior/Specialist Worker visa, unless you are sponsoring someone under an exempt occupation code, such as certain scientists.

Last updated: 30 November 2022