Phase 3 of Tier 4 Sponsorship Management System (SMS) implemented today

The UK Border Agency has today successfully implemented ‘Phase 3′ of Tier 4 of the Points Based System.  

Phase 3 is the voluntary trial period of the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) for Tier 4 sponsors.

Sponsors are able to continue using paper based Visa Letters while gradually adopting the use of the Sponsorship Management System to issue Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

CAS will completely replace Visa Letters in February 2010. 

Until February 2010, sponsors will be able to issue CAS, Visa Letters, or a combination of both to students who are applying for a visa from within the United Kingdom.

Would-be students applying from outside the United Kingdom will still have to apply with a Visa Letter until February 2010. 

For more information on the Sponsorship Management System or the phased implementation approach to Tier 4 of the Points Based System please visit the UK Border Agency Website.

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk