The guidance has been reformatted to improve accessibility and redrafted for clarity. A description of the main differences between the current and previous versions can be found within the guidance.

The following changes have been made: table 1, row 4: clarification that diplomatic missions, consular posts and international organisations applying under routes other than International Agreement must submit any relevant route-specific evidence for those routes, as well as a letter from their Head of Mission or Head of Organisation; table 1, row 6: amended to reflect that, from 9 October 2023, organisations applying for a Scale-up sponsor licence under the endorsing body pathway no longer need to submit a copy of their endorsement letter; clarification added that, if applying at the same time to be licensed under any route other Scale-up, they must submit relevant documents for those routes; table 4, row 1: link to list of authorised insurers has been amended to point to the Financial Services Register, as this contains the most up-to-date information; table 4, rows 14 and 15: clarification on evidence required for audited accounts and annual statements; other minor housekeeping changes.

This version replaces version 04/23 (published on 14 April 2023). Full details of the changes are listed in the document.

Document updated as detailed on page 3.

Tables 1, 3 and 4 were updated to reflect the introduction of the new Scale-up route, clarification that the articles of association must be for overseas businesses and that VAT registration details can be checked online.

Guidance has been updated to remove references to obtaining an endorsement letter for the UK Expansion Worker route from another government department. Full changes detailed in the 'Changes from last version of this guidance' section.

Updated guidance for use on or after 6 April 2022.

Updated guidance reflects the introduction of the new International Sportsperson and Creative Worker routes, and the rebranding of the other former T5 (Temporary Worker) routes.

Updated guidance to add the specific requirement under T5 (Temporary Worker) Seasonal Worker to provide evidence of endorsement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Updated hyperlinks in document.

Accessible version of guidance published.

Updated appendix for all sponsor licence applications made or decided on or after 1 December 2020. It is published ahead of time so employers and businesses can familiarise themselves with the new arrangements in advance.

Immigration Rules updates

Updated appendix A.

Updated guidance for use on or after 11 January 2018.

Updated guidance.

Updated guidance.

Updated guidance for use on or after 24 November.

Updated guidance.

Updated guidance.

Updated guidance.

New version of sponsor guidance.

First published.