These developments have recently been incorporated into the Home Office's SMS user manuals.
Phase-out of Level 2 users
Level 2 users' permissions are limited to creating and assigning certificates of sponsorship (CoS) and reporting worker activity on a CoS they have assigned, or that has been transferred to them by a Level 1 user.
Since 9 September 2026, it's not been possible to appoint new Level 2 users.
Manual 1 of the Home Office's SMS manuals has recently been updated to confirm that if you're an existing Level 2 user and you need to maintain access to the SMS from 8 March 2027, a Level 1 user must add you as an additional Level 1 user and deactivate your Level 2 account.
This change forms part of wider changes the Home Office is making to the SMS. Notably, Multi-Factor Authentication is being applied to sponsors' SMS access on a phased basis from 3 September 2026.
Correcting a user's date of birth for SMS Multi-Factor Authentication
Manual 13 confirms that if your date of birth is incorrect on your SMS account and is not corrected before MFA is enabled, you'll need to inform the Home Office using the Sponsor Change of Circumstances form.
To complete the Sponsor Change of Circumstances form for date of birth changes only:
• In Section A, select 'Update Level 1 User date of birth – for Multi-Factor Authentication purposes only';
• Complete Section B with your licence details;
• In Section C, provide your first name(s), last name, e-mail address and date of birth; and
• Complete Section G.
You should send the completed form as an attachment by e-mail to SCOC@homeoffice.gov.uk using the subject line 'DOB change request'.
Need more information?
If you have any specific queries about these changes or other SMS-related matters, a member of key personnel on your sponsor licence can request assistance from the Home Office's Business Helpdesk at BusinessHelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk.
If you need more help with applying for or maintaining a sponsor licence, please contact a member of our Immigration Team.
