Immigration News, News, Visas
What does a UK Sponsor License Level 1 User Do?
A level one user is the person within your business who is responsible for the day to day management of your sponsor license. They will use the sponsorship management system (SMS) to fulfil this role.
They might also act as your authorising officer (responsible for all staff and representatives who use the SMS) and your key contact (your main point of contact with UK Visas and Immigration). You can also appoint an immigration adviser to act as your level 1 user.
If they are employed internally they are normally HR personnel. They must be one of the following:
- A paid staff member within your organisation
- An employee of a third party organisation which delivers all or part of your HR function
- A UK-based representative.
They cannot be independent contractors, project-specific consultants, or temporary staff supplied by an employment agency. They also cannot be bankrupt.
When you apply for the sponsor license the Authorising Officer is normally your level 1 user because you can only assign one person during the application process. After the sponsor license has been granted, they can then add additional users using the SMS.
You can have as many level 1 users as you like but the Authorising Officer is responsible for their conduct, and it can be difficult to oversee level 1 activity for a large number of people. For this reason it is normally best to have 2-3 level 1 users. This ensures they can be supervised appropriately, but also means that in the case of illness or annual leave somebody will be available to perform level 1 duties.
Under normal circumstances at least 1 of your level 1 users must be a settled worker, ie they have the right to reside and work in the UK free from immigration restrictions. They might have Indefinite Leave to Remain or be a British Citizen.
If you need help managing your sponsor license or employing overseas workers, we can help. Get in touch for a consultation on 01403 801 801 or email us at [email protected]