Sponsor Management System (SMS): What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 User?
- 29 January 2020
- Immigration
Essentially a level 1 user carries out the day-to-day sponsorship activities using the SMS. Both level 1 and 2 users can administer the SMS and are usually HR personnel. Each level 1 and level 2 user will have their own log-in details which will enable them to access and manage the system. The main difference between a level 1 and 2 user is the level of accessibility granted. A level 2 user has far less permissions compared to a level 1 user.
Level 1 and 2 Users
A level 1 or 2 user must be one of the following:
A level 1 or 2 user cannot be any of the following:
Level 1 User
The Authorising Officer is usually a level 1 user to begin with as you can only assign this to one person when you first apply for a sponsor licence. However, additional level 1 users can be appointed via the SMS thereafter.
In essence, you can nominate as many level 1 users as you would like, however many businesses tend to limit this to two or three level 1 users. The reason for this is predominantly because the Authorising Officer has the overriding responsibility for their conduct. It is difficult to oversee level 1 activity on the SMS, if there are too many level 1 users. Nevertheless, it is recommended that there is more than one level 1 user, to ensure there is cover in the event a level 1 user is on leave or sick.
Does the level 1 user have to be a settled worker?
Usually at least one Level 1 user must be a settled worker, but there are certain exceptions:
Essentially a level 1 user carries out the day-to-day sponsorship activities using the SMS.
What can they action on the SMS?
LEVEL 1 FUNCTIONS | LEVEL 2 FUNCTIONS |
Request further Level 1 users and add Level 2 users to the SMS or remove them | Assign CoS to a migrant |
Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to migrants | Report worker activity to UKVI |
Request an increase in the number of CoS you can assign | |
Inform UKVI of any minor changes to details | |
Inform UKBI of any change of circumstances via SMS | |
Report worker activity to UKVI | |
Withdraw a CoS | |
Inform UKVI of any changes for work addresses | |
To use the bulk data transfer feature | |
Change user details | |
View information about licence and key personnel. | |
Access key messages that we post from time to time | |
Apply to renew licence and track progress of application | |
Apply for premium customer service and track progress of application | |
Apply for Tier 2 and/or 5 premium sponsor status and track the progress of application |
Keep up to date with the latest tips, analysis and upcoming events by our legal experts, direct to your inbox.
Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.