CHANGES TO SPONSOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SMS)

4th February 2010

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) will make a number of modifications to the SMS effective 22nd February 2010.

SMS will have the following enhancements:-

  • The ability for Tiers 2 and 5 Sponsors to create, assign and pay for certificates in batches;
  • A "Sponsor Note" facility allowing the sponsor to inform UKBA of minor changes to a certificate before it is used by the overseas worker. UKBA staff will then be able to view this information when assessing the workers application for leave to enter or remain in the UK;
  • A facility to assist the sponsor in the input of overseas worker details into the SMS when creating new certificates for workers who have previously been issued a certificate by that sponsor. This will enable data to be transferred into the new Certificate without the need to enter each individual piece.
  • A facility allowing the sponsor to input the details of a group or batch certificate based on the details of the previous certificate within the group or batch. Again, this will allow the transfer of data.
  • A facility allowing a level 1 user to transfer single, group or batch certificates between the sponsors other users.
  • The ability for Tier 2 A rated sponsors to confirm that they will support the overseas worker in order that they do not claim public funds. Currently, Grade A sponsors provide a "maintenance letter" confirming that they will guarantee maintenance and accommodation for the overseas national during the first month of his/her period of entry to the UK. The SMS will obviate the need for the letter to be issued, however letters will still be required for dependant family members.

FEES - CHANGES FOR 2010/11

UK Border Agency has undertaken a review of fees applicable to Immigration and Nationality Services for 2010/11.

For the majority of application routes, UKBA proposes a maximum increase of 2.5%, but they have also introduced some new chargeable services.

Fees for acting as a sponsor under the PBS will be frozen at the same level as 2009. UKBA will also maintain existing concessions for small business, charities, education providers and the arts and entertainment sectors.

UKBA proposes introducing a new premium fee covering a limited pilot service of mobile biometric enrolment and caseworking at a location in the UK to be determined by the customer. This private biometric service will be charged at £15,000 per application. Given the cost, it is unlikely to be a service in high demand.

Additionally a new charge will be introduced for dependants in the UK of 10% of the main applicant's fee. This new fee reconciles the UK based application fee structure with those prices that apply for entry visas.