Sponsor Licence for Educators
A sponsor licence is a permission given by the UKVI to an education provider to sponsor international students who wish to study in the UK. A licence is valid for 4 years, after which time it will need to be renewed if you wish to continue sponsoring students. Some sponsors get into difficulties in obtaining a licence or their licence may be downgraded, suspended or at worst revoked. Whatever stage you may be at, our professionals at Axiom Stone will guide you through the process step by step to ensure you are put at ease and maximise your chances of obtaining a favourable outcome.
You need to have a Tier 4 sponsor licence if you wish to sponsor non-EEA students who wish to study in the UK.
An education provider can apply for a licence in two categories:
- Tier 4 (General) student: This route is for migrants aged 16 or over wishing to come to the UK to study.
- Tier 4 (Child) student: This route is for students aged 4-17 wishing to come to the UK to study. Tier 4 (Child) students can only be educated at independent schools.
An education provider wishing to be a sponsor must demonstrate that all of its sites meet acceptable educational quality standards and is operating lawfully in the UK and further complying with all appropriate rules and regulations. An Educational Oversight body will make this assessment. A prospective education provider must apply to the relevant designated Educational Oversight body for a Tier 4 Educational Oversight inspection and pass it before they apply to the UKVI for a Tier 4 licence. Once they gain Educational Oversight, they must maintain their requisite rating through the life of the licence.
In order to apply for a sponsor licence, you need to submit an online application and supporting documentation to show that you are eligible, suitable and able to fulfil your sponsorship duties. It must be a genuine institution operating lawfully in the UK, hold a fire risk assessment, the appropriate planning permission or local planning authority consent, have HR systems and Key Personnel in place.
Once your application is approved, you will be granted with a sponsor licence valid for 4 years which can be renewed subject to meeting your sponsor duties and responsibilities and complying with the Immigration rules.
Making an application
At Axiom Stone, we can help you obtain a licence from the UKVI, manage your sponsor management system and ensure compliance with UK immigration law at all times.
We work closely with our clients’ needs and objectives and achieve results in an efficient and timely manner, aiming to continue the relationship once we have your requirements and beyond. Our immigration team will guide you through the process step by step to ensure you are put at ease and maximise your chances of obtaining a favourable outcome.
To apply for a sponsor licence or to make an enquiry, please contact us on 0207 016 9341 or by e-mail to immigration@axiomstone.co.uk to speak to our dedicated team of immigration professionals.
