Non-recognised sponsors. A non-recognised sponsor can be a:
Private sponsor (individual person): a sponsor of a family member. It is not possible for a private sponsor to also be a recognised sponsor.
Business sponsor: employers who have foreign employees in paid employment, for seasonal labour, traineeship or holders of a European blue card.
Recognised sponsors. A recognised sponsor can be a:
Mandatory recognised sponsor: for the purposes of study, exchange (including au pairs), scientific researcher within the meaning of Directive 2005/71/EC and highly skilled migrants.
Voluntary recognised sponsor: employers who have foreign employees in paid employment, for seasonal labour, traineeship or holders of a European blue card can apply for recognition voluntarily. Recognition is then not obligatory, but it is optional.