UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK Introduces Changes to Immigration Sponsorship Management System

Monday, 22 August 2011

UK Border Agency (UKBA) will introduce changes to the sponsorship management system (SMS) on 1 October 2011, which will change how people apply for Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship (RCoS) under Tier 2 General visa category.

Those who already have a sponsorship management system account can submit or withdraw applications for RCoS under Tier 2 General category, track the progress and outcome of their applications, or make a new RCoS application. Existing account users will also be able to view their RCoS allocation, including the number of RCoS assigned.

Transitional arrangements for the use of the sponsorship management system between 6 September 2011 and 9 October 2011 will be implemented and the final dates for RCoS granted prior to 30 September 2011 will also be affected.

Here are details of the transitional arrangements:

• There will be no acceptions for applications for the September monthly allocation meeting after 5 September 2011. UKBA will consider all valid applications received by that date on 8 September.
• On 6 September 2011, UKBA will accept online applications for requests for exceptional consideration for RCoS that, if granted, will be assigned before 1 October 2011.
• 30 September will be the deadline for assigning RCoS granted prior to this date under existing application process. Online application form will be withdrawn after close of business.
• From 1 October 2011, people can use sponsorship managements system to make applications for October monthly allocation meeting. The final day for receipt of applications will be extended to 9 October 2011.
• From 10 October 2011, people can use sponsorship managements system to make applications for November monthly allocation meeting. UKBA will consider all valid applications received between 10 October and 5 November 2011 at the November allocation meeting.
• On 11 October 2011, October monthly allocation meeting will be taken place. All valid applications received by 9 October 2011 will be decided and applicants can see the decision updated on sponsorship management system.
• On 11 November 2011, November monthly allocation meeting will be taken place. All valid applications received between 10 October and 5 November 2011 will be decided and applicants can see the decision updated on sponsorship management system.

In case applicants do not assign their granted RCoS before 1 October 2011, they will have to take further action to reclaim it using the sponsorship management service. Therefore, to avoid any unnecessary delays, applicants are highly recommended to assign it before this date. If applicants do not wish to assign their RCoS before 11 November 2011, they are advised not to submit their application before 9 October 2011.