UKVI published Version 08/26 of Sponsor Guidance Parts 1 and 3 on 28 August 2026, its third revision this year. The update focuses on tighter control of the Sponsor Management System (SMS):
- Level 2 Users: No new appointments could be made from 9 September 2026, and the role will be abolished on 8 March 2027. Before then, sponsors must convert existing Level 2 Users to Level 1 or deactivate them.
- Multi-factor authentication: MFA is now being rolled out across SMS accounts.
- Inactive accounts: An account that has not been used for 12 months will be deactivated if no action is taken. If a licence is left with no active Level 1 User, it can be suspended.
- Right to work checks: From 1 October 2026, the duty to carry out these checks also covers worker contracts, individual sub-contractors and online matching services.
Sponsors should audit their SMS users and update their contact details now.
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