Quick reference
The sponsor compliance glossary
A plain-language reference for terms you will encounter in guidance, audits and sponsorship systems.
- Authorising Officer
- The person with senior responsibility for sponsor activity and the conduct of relevant sponsor users. Check the applicable guidance for eligibility and responsibilities.
- BCA
- Basic Compliance Assessment: the Student sponsor assessment using defined visa-refusal, enrolment and completion cohorts and applicable transitional rules.
- CAS
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies: an electronic sponsorship reference for a Student or Child Student application. It does not itself grant permission.
- CoS
- Certificate of Sponsorship: an electronic sponsorship record used for applicable work routes. It is not a visa or a paper certificate.
- ECS
- Employer Checking Service: the official service used in specified circumstances to verify a person’s right to work.
- eVisa
- An online record of immigration status. The correct official checking route depends on the purpose and circumstances.
- Evidence index
- An internal register identifying where controlled evidence is held, who owns it and when it was reviewed.
- Key Contact
- A named sponsor contact for communications with UKVI. The appointment and eligibility rules are in the applicable sponsor guidance.
- Level 1 user
- An authorised SMS user with access determined by the sponsor framework and system permissions.
- Level 2 user
- A limited SMS user role being phased out under the published transition arrangements. Check the current SMS manual for timing.
- RAG
- Red, amber and green. Internal review colours on this site must be distinguished from the official Student BCA framework.
- SMS
- Sponsor Management System: the official system sponsors use for specified sponsorship and reporting functions.
- Statutory excuse
- A legal protection against a civil penalty that can arise from a prescribed right-to-work check. Its availability depends on completing the correct checks and retaining evidence.
- Track record of compliance
- A Student sponsor status with specific requirements and associated privileges. It is not a general promise that every control is compliant.
- TUPE
- Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment). Business transfers can also create sponsorship reporting and licence issues requiring separate assessment.
- Working day
- A term whose application must be checked in the relevant rule or notice. The planner on this site uses its disclosed weekend and holiday assumptions.
Definitions are introductory. Check the applicable primary source for the full scope and current requirements.