How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

An application for a License must be made to UKBA. However, with the grant of a License comes tough new ‘Sponsor Duties'. UKBA will not grant a License unless it is satisfied that a Prospective Sponsor has adequate systems in place to meet these Duties throughout the term of the License.

Sponsor Duties include.

- Extensive record keeping on students.

- Extensive reporting obligations to UKBA on student's changes of circumstances.

- Extensive duty to cooperate fully with UKBA on all issues relating to such students.

UKBA has extensive powers to ensure Compliance. It can:

- Thoroughly investigate a Prospective Sponsors background for any past breaches of Immigration law.

- Conduct on-site Compliance Visits.

- Demand extensive disclosure of information and carry out check with various other bodies, (e.g. HMRC, CSCI, NARIC, DFES and Health & Safety Executive).

UKBA can refuse to grant a License if it is not satisfied that a Prospective Sponsor will be able to meet its Compliance responsibilities.