Tier 4 Sponsor Licence

Tier 4 is the main immigration route available to students to obtain entry clearance to study full-time in the UK.

Before a student can make an application to enter the UK to study under Tier 4, they must have a sponsor. The sponsor is the education provider that offers courses of study in the UK and which must have a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence in order to sponsor migrants.

Mulberry Finch has the relevant expertise to deal with all aspects of the Tier 4 Sponsor Licence application and broader responsibilities on behalf of education providers. This page explains the purpose and rankings of the Tier 4 Sponsor Licence.

The provision of sponsorship ensures that the benefits (and burdens) of migration are borne by sponsors, thus helping to ensure that the system is prevented from being abused. It also certifies that those applying to enter the UK to study are eligible to do so, providing evidence of what and where they are studying.

Applying for Tier 4 Sponsor Licence

Our solicitors will advise you on how to demonstrate that you meet the relevant requirements to obtain your licence. This includes showing that you are audited or inspected or hold valid accreditation with one of the UK Border Agency’s approved accreditation bodies.

It is now no longer possible to obtain a B Rated Licence. If your application for a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence is successful you will be given an A Rated Licence by the UK Border Agency. This is a transitional rating, which will last for 12 months.

Once 12 months have expired, it will be necessary for you to apply for Highly Trusted Sponsor status.

Highly Trusted Sponsors

We can assist you with your application for Highly Trusted Sponsor status if:

• You have had your licence for 12 months;
• You already have Highly Trusted Sponsor status, but this is due to expire;
• You have had your licence for more than 12 months, but have never had to apply for Highly Trusted Sponsor status before;
• You previously applied for Highly Trusted Sponsor status, but were unsuccessful;
• You applied for your licence between 1 March and 20 April 2011 and it was granted with a B rating as soon as you have had your licence for 12 months.

You must have an A Rating for the 6 month period immediately prior to your application. Further requirements also include the establishment of a good record of performance with the UK Border Agency whilst you are an A Rated sponsor and compliance with applicable Points Based System rules and the law.

Our solicitors can assist you to determine if you meet all necessary requirements to make your application.

Tier 4 Sponsor Licences Granted Before 5 September 2011

Before 5 September 2011, it was possible for some sponsors to be B Rated if the UK Border Agency’s requirements were met, but there was some degree of weakness to the application.

If you have a B Rated Licence, and your action plan is due for review, the UK Border Agency will carry out this review based on the guidance that was in place when you were provided with your action plan. We can advise you on what this review will entail and help to ensure that you meet all of the conditions of your licence in order to be re-rated to an A Licence.

Following your review, our expert immigration solicitors will advise you on the action required thereafter, concerning any re-application (if necessary), on-going duties and applying for Highly Trusted Sponsor status.

On-going Duties once Tier 4 Sponsor Licence Obtained

Our expert immigration solicitors will explain the monitoring methods which the UK Border Agency employs to ensure compliance with the on-going duties that come into effect following your successful application. We will provide guidance and advice on the best methods of ensuring compliance with your on-going duties.

Your on-going duties will include keeping up-to-date and complete records of the students’ contact information and attendance details.

The recent changes to the Tier 4 Sponsor Licence may appear overwhelming. However, our expert immigration solicitors will assist you to understand the new requirements and what is expected of you. So, if you would like to find out more about entering the UK and the need to have a licence, or if you need to apply for or have any queries on the Tier 4 Sponsor Licence and Highly Trusted Sponsor status, please call us today.