The concept of sponsorship is at the heart of the points-based system. If you want to employ a migrant worker, you must be their sponsor during their stay in the UK (unless they are coming here for 6 months or less in certain circumstances). And before you can sponsor a migrant, you must obtain a sponsor licence.

Who does the system apply to?

The points-based system covers migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, who require leave under the Immigration Rules to work in the UK.

How the system works

Under the points-based system, most migrants must pass a points assessment before they can get permission to work in the UK.

Each of the system’s four current tiers has different requirements – the number of points the migrant needs and the way the points are awarded will depend on the tier they are applying under.

The role of the sponsor

Migrants in any tier except Tier 1 must be sponsored before they can apply. If a UK organisation wants to sponsor a migrant under Tier 2, Tier 4 or Tier 5 (Temporary workers), they must apply for a sponsor licence.

Under Tier 2 and Tier 5 (Temporary workers), the sponsor must be an employer based in the UK. Under Tier 4, the sponsor must be an education provider.

Migrants who want to come to the UK under Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme) do not need to be sponsored by a UK employer.

What are the tiers?

The points-based system consists of five tiers. These are:

Our highly experienced team will help you in all above cases, leaving your mind focused on what’s most important – your business.