Business helpdesk: guide for employers and sponsors
Updated 30 January 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employers-and-sponsors-make-a-query-to-the-business-helpdesk/business-helpdesk-guide-for-employers-and-sponsors
Purpose and remit
This guide is to ensure that we are able to provide organisations that sponsor workers from overseas with a timely and effective service.
Submitting an enquiry
Queries made on behalf of licenced sponsors must be from the Authorising Officer, Key Contact, Level 1 User or representative named on the sponsor licence.
To help us give you the right answer first time, please provide complete information in your email.
Within the email Subject Line, include:
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company name (as shown on your Sponsor Licence)
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licence number or sponsor licence application number (if applicable)
This helps us link previous correspondence and understand your requirements.
Information to include within the body of your email:
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Sponsor Licence Number or sponsor licence application number (if applicable)
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organisation name
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your name
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your contact details (phone number and email)
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certificate of Sponsorship Number (if applicable)
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a comprehensive description of your issue
It is important to note that we cannot answer hypothetical questions, and responses are based solely on the information you provide.
Answers are correct at the time of response but policies may change, and you must always check the latest guidance and Immigration Rules before acting.
Policy and guidance
When contacting us about policy or guidance queries, clearly explain your question, include relevant links, and quote guidance paragraphs.
The business helpdesk is unable to provide organisations with immigration advice but can direct you towards the appropriate policy.
For SMS IT issues, include screenshots that include the http address, the time that the issue occurred, and details of actions taken before the issue occurred.
Where your enquiry relates to illegal working concerns or allegations or the prevention of illegal working, provide as much detail as possible.
Fraud and scam alerts
If you receive an unexpected email, call, or letter claiming to be from the Home Office, it may be a scam.
The Home Office will never contact you to ask you for, or to verify your SMS user ID or password. We will never provide you with a link or password with which to log into SMS.
If you have received an email or telephone call that doesn’t seem genuine, or you have concerns that your SMS account has been compromised, you must report it to the Home Office as soon as possible so that action can be taken to secure your account.
Contact us at BusinessHelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk and refer to Fraud, tricks and scams: guidance - GOV.UK for advice.