- What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a UK employer, authorized by the Home Office, to a foreign worker. It’s a mandatory requirement for applying for a UK work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or the Temporary Worker Visa.
- Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Defined CoS | For Skilled Worker Visa applicants applying from outside the UK. |
| Undefined CoS | For Skilled Worker Visa applicants already in the UK and for all Temporary Worker visas. |
- Who Needs a Certificate of Sponsorship?
You need a CoS if:
- You are applying for a work visa in the UK, such as:
- Skilled Worker Visa.
- Global Business Mobility Visas (e.g., Senior or Specialist Worker).
- Temporary Worker Visa (e.g., Charity Worker, Creative Worker).
- Your employer is a licensed sponsor authorized to issue CoS.
- How Employers Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
Step 1: Obtain a Sponsorship License
- Employers must apply for a Sponsorship License from the Home Office.
- Prove they are a genuine employer capable of meeting sponsorship obligations.
Step 2: Assign the CoS
- Employers use the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to assign a CoS.
- They must include details about the worker, job role, salary, and compliance with visa requirements.
- Information Included in a Certificate of Sponsorship
| Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Worker’s Personal Details | Confirms identity and eligibility for sponsorship. |
| Job Title and Description | Ensures compliance with visa requirements. |
| Salary Information | Verifies minimum salary thresholds are met. |
| Work Location | Confirms where the worker will be employed. |
| CoS Reference Number | Needed for the visa application process. |
- Requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensed Employer | Only employers with a valid Sponsorship License can issue CoS. |
| Genuine Job Role | The job must meet the skill and salary thresholds set by the Home Office. |
| Job Eligibility | The role must be on the list of eligible occupations for the visa type. |
- Costs of a Certificate of Sponsorship
| Fee Type | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship License Application | 536 (small business/charity) or 1,476 (large business). |
| CoS Issuance Fee | 199 (per CoS). |
| Immigration Skills Charge (If Applicable) | 364–1,000 (per year, depending on the business size). |
- How to Use a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Visa Application
Step 1: Receive CoS Details
- The employer provides the worker with the CoS reference number and details.
Step 2: Submit the Work Visa Application
- Include the CoS reference number in the online visa application.
Step 3: Meet Visa Requirements
- Ensure the job meets eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum salary thresholds).
- Provide supporting documents like proof of qualifications and English language proficiency.
- Key Points About the Certificate of Sponsorship
- Validity: A CoS is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
- Single Use: Each CoS is tied to one visa application and cannot be reused.
- Job-Specific: The CoS is job-specific; changing employers requires a new CoS.
- FAQs About Certificate of Sponsorship
- Can an individual apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship?
No, only licensed UK employers can issue a CoS. - Does a CoS guarantee a work visa?
No, a CoS is required but doesn’t guarantee visa approval; the applicant must meet all visa criteria. - How long does it take to get a CoS?
Employers can issue a CoS within days if they are already licensed. Sponsorship license applications take 8–12 weeks. - What happens if the CoS is incorrect?
The employer must cancel and reissue the CoS; mistakes can delay visa applications. - Can a CoS be used for multiple jobs?
No, each CoS is specific to one job and one visa application.
- Conclusion
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an essential document for skilled workers and temporary workers applying for UK work visas. It ensures compliance with UK immigration laws and links the worker to a specific employer. By understanding its requirements and process, both employers and employees can navigate the system effectively and avoid delays.