The Border and Immigration Agency(BIA) is responsible for issuing sponsorship licences to UK Institutions.

Please note under the Points Based System only a licenced sponsor can seek to employ non EEA residents whom have been granted a certificate of sponsorship.

The Sponsorship licences grades the Sponsors in two categories either 'A' or 'B'

The Sponsors grade 'A' or 'B' is based on an BIA risk assessments of an UK organisation to UK Immigration Law.

UK institutions may be demoted to grade 'B' and can be given an action plan to regain A status.

When a successful granted sponsorship licence or certificate is granted, the UK Institution has responsibility for compliance to the UK Immigration rules.

A sponsor must fully assess the criteria of sponsorship of the candidate.

A sponsor may apply for a number of certificates of sponsorship based on likely employment requirements. The Border and Immigration Agency may require the Sponsor to justify those particular needs.

A certificate of sponsorship application form covers areas such as the position, status, shortage occupation within the Resident abour Market test.

Feedback on the veracity of the employment of each person sponsored is given on official BIA audits which may be months or years later

Once a candidate is given a certificate of sponsorship they are then eligible to apply for UK entry clearance.

The sponsor must always notify the candidate when a certificate has been issued.

A certificate of sponsorship is an electronic document with a reference number which enables the candidate to progress their visa application