PBS - Certificates of Sponsorship

Sponsorship certificates are awarded to non-EEA nationals deemed suitable and eligible for immigration by their sponsor, in accordance with the requirements of the UK tier immigration structure.

A sponsorship 

certificate

 does not in itself guarantee UK entry clearance; instead it forms a prerequisite for all potential migrants wishing to immigrate to UK.

Once in possession of a sponsorship certificate, they can apply for UK visas.

Global Visas have more than twenty years experience in UK immigration law; our specialist team brings together immigration lawyers and ex-immigration officials putting us in a unique position to manage your migration needs.

We provide complete immigration services under the PBS including audit and compliance services to help you navigate the complexities of UK visa 

applications

.

We provide guidance and support at all stages and for all tiers ensuring that you reap the benefits of managed migration while avoiding the potential pitfalls.

Global Visas will ensure that your procedures are fully compliant with the requirements of the PBS allowing to you to secure and retain you're 'A' rating.

How Many Certificates?

The UK tier immigration system places greater responsibility with sponsoring organisations.

The sponsor, whether a UK business, 

college

, religious institution or otherwise will be responsible not only for assessing the suitability of each candidate but also for monitoring their conduct whilst in the country.

Sponsors will be held to account for non-compliance on the part of any individuals it sponsors, which could lead to a downgrading or withdrawal of their licence or a civil or criminal prosecution.

Sponsors apply to the BIA for a number of certificates based on an assessment of its immigration needs. The BIA may require sponsors to justify their estimates as part of their overall measures to control UK immigration.

When a sponsor issues a certificate to a candidate, they must complete the Certificate of Sponsorship application form.

Where appropriate it must also detail the position's status as a shortage occupation or demonstrate that it has passed the Resident Labour Market Test (RMLT).

When a certificate is issued it is the responsibility of the sponsor to inform the candidate.

Electronic documents only

It is important for both sponsor and candidate to be aware that an Immigration UK Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical document.

The certificate is an electronic document and comes in the form of a unique reference number, accessible to the candidate which allows them to progress to making a visa a application.

In the case of 

students

, a sponsorship certificate is referred to as a "Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies"; however, this too will be granted in electronic form.

Reviews and withdrawals

The BIA may review the performance of a sponsor at any time and after any number of certificates have been issued.

It may also impose 'soft' or 'hard' review points. Under the former, a sponsor will still be able to issue certificates while the BIA investigates its activities. Under the latter, further certificates may not be issued until the BIA gives its approval.

In circumstance where the BIA finds that certificates have been issued by a sponsor who was not entitled to do so, the certificates will be revoked.

In such cases, any application for entry clearance or leave to remain based on that certificate will also be refused.