As of 19 June 2023, anyone wishing to be appointed as a Level 1 User must now provide their National Insurance numbers before they can be added as key personnel on a pending or active sponsor licence.
These details must now also be provided when submitting a sponsor licence application. Further, if existing Level 1 Users log onto the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to update or amend their personal details they will also be required to provide their National Insurance number at the same time.
Existing or proposed Level 1 Users who do not have a National Insurance number will be required to explain why they are exempt from having one. The Home Office has warned that failing to provide a Level 1 User’s National Insurance number could delay or prejudice a sponsor licence application or request to add a Level 1 User.
It is expected that a similar requirement for all key personnel will be rolled out later this year. The Home Office are therefore encouraging all authorising officers, key contacts, Level 1 and Level 2 Users to proactively log onto the SMS and input their National Insurance numbers now. We recommend that all key personnel log on shortly to input their National Insurance numbers. If we are set up as Level 1 Users on your sponsor licence, please let us know the National Insurance numbers for each of your key personnel so that we can log onto the SMS and input these details on your behalf.
Kerry Garcia