30 Mar Changes in updating and managing your sponsor license
The Home office has announced some changes in connection with the operation of the sponsor license system via email.
These significant improvements which are to be effective from 23 March 2023 can ease the work of sponsors and make the management more efficient.
Update the details of AO and KC and Replace them
Requests for updating the details of Authorising office, Key contact, Level 1 Users and your organisation as well as replacing them will be fulfilled immediately once submitted to the SMS. However, it is subject to certain criteria as follows:
- your license is fully active
- you are an A-rated sponsor
- the postcode of the address stated for the new AO, KC, or Level 1 User matches either the postcode of your main organisation address or that of your head office address – or, for KCs and Level 1 Users, the postcode of a legal representative organisation that you have told us is acting on your behalf
The general information above is visible on the license summary screen in SMS.
If you failed to meet the above standards, the request will still be processed and considered by the Home Office. You may check the status of the progress by logging in to SMS.
Necessary checks can still be conducted on those immediately fulfilled checks. The Home Office will reach out to you for the results and act accordingly.
For replacing an AO, it is still mandatory to send your submission sheet and any required supporting evidence digitally.
Renewal of Allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
A-rated sponsor in an eligible route could have a renewed annual CoS automatically if it is “active” and due to expire in more than 3 months.
The automated allocation can only be granted the number of CoS you assigned from the last annual allocation.
Please refer to the below chart for the eligibility of different routes.
| Eligible routes | Non-eligible routes |
| Skilled Worker (undefined only) | GBM- UK Expansion worker |
| GBM- Senior or Specialist Worker | GBM- Service Supplier |
| GBM- Graduate Trainee | GBM- Secondment Worker |
| GBM- Service Supplier | Seasonal Worker |
| GBM- Secondment Worker | Student |
| Minister of Religion | Child Student |
| International Sportsperson | |
| Charity Worker | |
| Creative Worker | |
| Government Authorised Exchange | |
| International Agreement | |
| Religious Worker | |
| Scale Up |
Contact Our Immigration Team
For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075
