UK Implements Multi-Factor Authentication for Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

Current rules

The updated form provides a current interactive route for sponsors without SMS access to appoint a new Level 1 user or surrender their sponsor licence. The form is therefore intended for specific circumstances in which the sponsor cannot complete the relevant action through the SMS. Sponsors should not treat the form as a replacement for the SMS. Where the SMS remains available and the relevant change can be reported through it, the existing SMS process continues to apply. UKVI's sponsor guidance confirms that only limited changes require the separate Sponsor Change of Circumstances Form.

Overview

Recent visa changes have not impacted the ability of car washes and vape shops to sponsor skilled foreign workers. These businesses remain eligible sponsors under the current regulations, ensuring continued access to foreign talent for relevant roles.

What changed in the latest version

This update means that if you are a sponsor without SMS access and you need to action a change, you must now use the revised form. This is effective from 15 September 2026. Organisations must make sure they download and fill in the very latest version of the form for any submissions about appointing a Level 1 user or giving up a licence from this date onwards. If you don't use the updated form, it could lead to delays in processing or your submission being refused. This change affects the administrative process for managing sponsor licences in the UK for a particular group of sponsors.

Explained simply

Imagine you have a special club and you need to tell the main office about big changes, like who's in charge or if you're closing down. If you don't have the club's special computer system, you fill out a paper form. This form has just been updated, so if you need to tell the office something important, make sure you're using the newest version from 15 September 2026, otherwise, they might not accept it.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v6Effective 15 Sept 2026PublishedMedium impact
   UK Visas and Immigration Updates Sponsor Change of Circumstances Form for Sponsors Without SMS Access

   Follows v4 · UK Implements Multi-Factor Authentication for Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

   The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its 'Sponsor change of circumstances form', effective from 15 September 2026. This form is specifically for sponsors in the United Kingdom who do not have access to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). It permits them to appoint a new Level 1 user or to surrender their sponsor licence. The update primarily involves revisions to the form itself, though the specific nature of these revisions is not detailed in the available information.

2. v5Effective 4 Sept 2026PublishedMedium impact
   UK Visas and Immigration Updates Sponsorship Management System (SMS) Guidance with New Multi-Factor Authentication Manual and Glossary Terms

   Follows v4 · UK Implements Multi-Factor Authentication for Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

   UK Visas and Immigration updated its 'SMS guide 3: applications, renewals and services' on 4 September 2026, which took effect immediately. This guidance is now primarily focused on assisting sponsors with applying for Basic Compliance Assessment and managing action plans. It is now part of a more comprehensive suite of 13 SMS manuals. The update specifically details a step-by-step process for Student Route sponsors applying for or declining a Basic Compliance Assessment, including eligibility requiring 11 months as a 'Probationary sponsor'. It also provides instructions for Worker and Temporary Worker sponsors regarding payment or declining of action plans, removing previous references to the discontinued Premium service and adding a reference to new Manual 13.

3. v4Effective 3 Sept 2026PublishedLow impact
   UK Implements Multi-Factor Authentication for Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

   UK Visas and Immigration has updated its 'Multi-factor authentication for UK visa sponsors: SMS manual 13' guidance. This manual details the process for using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when logging into the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), including what MFA is, how it works, and its purpose. The update, effective from 28 August 2026 with subsequent revisions on 7 September, 1 October, and 2 October 2026, applies to all SMS users. It now includes specific instructions for date of birth changes, updated contact details in the FAQs, and new glossary terms for 'one time passcode' and 'multi-factor authentication'. All SMS users, specifically Level 1 and Level 2 users, must provide their SMS user ID, password, and a time-limited one-time passcode for login.

Timeline

1. Announced

   15 Sept 2026

   UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated the 'Sponsor change of circumstances form' on 15 September 2026. This interactive form, intended for sponsors without access to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), is used to appoint new Level 1 users or surrender a sponsor licence. The update primarily involves changes to the form itself, affecting sponsors who manage their licence without direct S

2. Takes effect

   15 Sept 2026

   The 'Sponsor change of circumstances form' has been updated for sponsors without access to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) for the purpose of appointing a new Level 1 user or surrendering their entire sponsor licence. The update occurred on 15 September 2026.