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Updated 2 July 2025

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This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/manage-your-sponsorship-licence-sms-user-manual/sms-guide-2-manage-your-sponsorship-licence-accessible
There are 12 SMS user manuals available, plus a supplementary policy guide for completing a CAS. The guides are grouped into three categories: common, CAS and CoS. The table below describes the purpose and audience of each manual.
You should read all manuals applicable to your licence before contacting the relevant helpdesk.
Follow the step by step instructions to replace your AO or KC.
Sponsors registered in the GBM UK Expansion Worker route do not have access to these functions if the licence is rated as ‘provisional’. Provisional-rated sponsors should use the function detailed in Guide 4 of this manual to notify us of changes to key personnel.
You must only use the function to replace an AO or KC if the AO or KC role is to be assumed by a different person. If you want to amend your current AO or KC details you must use the Amend your current Authorising Officer’s details or Amend your current Key Contact’s details function.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before replacing your AO or KC.
Follow the step by step instructions to amend the details of your current AO or KC.
Sponsors registered in the GBM UK Expansion Worker route do not have access to these functions if the licence is rated as ‘provisional’. Provisional-rated sponsors should use the function detailed in Guide 4 of this manual to notify us of changes to key personnel.
On 6 April 2014 we introduced new functionality in SMS to automatically apply changes to the address of your existing AO and KC. If you meet the criteria, changes will be applied immediately and the new details will be instantly visible on SMS.
You must only use these functions to amend the details of your current AO or KC. If you wish to replace your current AO or KC you must use the Replace your Authorising Officer or Replace your Key Contact function.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before amending details of your AO or KC.
Follow the step by step instructions to amend your details.
On 6 April 2014 we introduced new functionality in SMS to automatically apply changes to the address of your organisation. If you meet the criteria, changes will be applied immediately and the new details will be instantly visible on SMS.
This function can be used to notify us of changes to your details, such as changes to your address and/or organisation name.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before amending your licence details.
Follow the step by step instructions to request others changes (not listed in the guide above) to your details.
You should use this function to surrender your whole licence or in specific routes. You can also use this function for other changes to your licence including:
This function must only be used to request changes that cannot be notified using the Amend your licence details, Amend your current Authorising Officer, Amend you current Key Contact, Replace your Key Contact and Replace your Authorising Officer functions.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before surrendering your licence or requesting other changes to your details.
Follow the step by step instructions to view and withdraw a change of circumstances request.
Change requests can only be submitted, viewed and withdrawn by Level 1 users. Any Level 1 user can view and withdraw a request submitted by any other Level 1 user.
The withdraw option is only available up to the point at which we start considering your change request. Once we have started considering your request, this option is no longer available. Also, the withdraw function does not apply to changes that take effect automatically. If these changes are no longer necessary, a new application for change must be submitted to reverse the original change.
Change of circumstances requests that can be withdrawn (subject to the above conditions) are:
Follow the step by step instructions to view the Licence summary which displays your CoS/CAS allocation, key licence dates and licence details. The Licence summary screen can only be viewed by a Level 1 user.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before viewing your licence details and CAS/CoS allocation.
Follow the step by step instructions to request an increase in your allocation of CoS and/or CAS during an allocation year, and to withdraw a request. This action can performed at any point during the allocation year.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before requesting additional CoS and CAS or withdrawing a request.
Follow the step by step instructions to request a renewal of your annual allocation of CoS or CAS.
On 6 April 2014 we introduced new functionality in SMS to automatically create an annual allocation of CoS based on the number of CoS you assigned in the preceding 12 months. We will write to you if you meet the criteria and automation has been granted.
If you are set to receive automated annual allocations, you will not be required to submit a renewal request. To determine if you are due to receive an automated annual allocation, see Step 2 below.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before requesting renewal of an annual allocation of CoS or CAS.
From the 1st of December 2020 PAYE information must be provided on CoS assigned in Skilled Worker and Intra-company Routes.
Follow the step by step instructions to add a PAYE reference number to your licence. When added to a licence, PAYE reference numbers are available to select when creating a CoS in a route where PAYE details must be provided.
From the 1st of December 2020 PAYE information must be provided on CoS assigned in Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility Routes.
Follow the step by step instructions to delete a PAYE reference number to your licence. When deleted from a licence, PAYE reference numbers are not available to select when creating a CoS in a route where PAYE details must be provided.
From the 11th of April 2022 organisations applying for a sponsor licence in any Global Business Mobility (GBM) route must supply details of overseas linked entities (OSE).
In addition, from this date organisations applying for a sponsor licence in the GBM Service Supplier and/or GBM Secondment Worker routes must supply details of contracts. Contract details must be provided when a CoS is assigned in either of these routes.
Follow the step by step instructions to view details of overseas linked entities and contracts associated with your licence.
See Guide 4 of this manual for information of how to request changes to OSE and contract details.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
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