Licensed sponsors can no longer create Level 2 users on the Sponsorship management system (SMS) from 9 September 2026, and Level 2 users lose SMS access from 8 March 2027 unless added as Level 1 users.
Key facts
- Who: Licensed sponsors with Level 2 SMS users
- From: Level 2 users cannot be created from 9 September 2026; Level 2 access ends on 8 March 2027
- Source: SMS guide 1: introduction and managing user access (accessible)
UK Visas and Immigration updated SMS guide 1: introduction and managing user access on 5 October 2026. Guide 3 within it sets out two dates for Level 2 users.
From 9 September 2026, sponsors can no longer appoint Level 2 users. The guide says a Level 2 user cannot be created from that date.
From 8 March 2027, Level 2 users will no longer be able to access SMS. The guide says that if these users need to maintain access, the sponsor must add them as Level 1 users and deactivate the Level 2 user account.
The guide describes the difference between the two levels. Level 2 users have restricted access. They cannot view or use the Licence summary, applications and services menu or the Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) sub-menu, and they cannot view the message screen presented to Level 1 users on login. They can only report against or view CoS and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) records that they own.
Level 1 users can access all applicable SMS functions, subject to the status of the licence. When a Level 1 user logs in, they see relevant messages posted by the Home Office, targeted by route, and must read these before using SMS.
A request to add a Level 1 user is submitted for assessment. In Guide 3, the steps are: select Licence summary, applications and services, then Manage Level 1 and 2 users, then Request level 1 user. The guide also says at least one Level 1 user must be a settled worker, with listed exceptions.
A deactivated account cannot be reinstated, and a new Level 1 user request is then required. The guide also refers sponsors to SMS Manual 13, Multi-Factor Authentication.
What this means for applicants
Sponsors with Level 2 users who need to keep SMS access must add them as Level 1 users and deactivate the Level 2 accounts. Level 2 users who are not added as Level 1 users will not be able to access SMS after 8 March 2027.
Because a deactivated account cannot be reinstated, a new Level 1 user request is needed for anyone deactivated.
If a sponsor has no active Level 1 users, it must complete a Sponsor change of circumstances form.
Related guide: https://ukvisa.blog/sponsorship-requirements-skilled-worker/
Sources
- SMS guide 1: introduction and managing user access (accessible), UK Visas and Immigration, updated 5 October 2026