How to Amend a Certificate of Sponsorship After Assignment

Can You Amend a Certificate of Sponsorship Once Assigned?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a UK employer to support a visa application for a sponsored worker under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa. It includes essential information about the employee’s job role, salary, and employment conditions.

Once assigned, the CoS cannot be freely edited — but some amendments are allowed, depending on the type of CoS and the nature of the change. Other alterations may require notifying UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or even issuing a new CoS. Understanding which option applies is crucial for maintaining sponsor compliance and avoiding delays in the visa process.

Understanding the Types of Certificates of Sponsorship

There are two main types of CoS under the UK sponsorship system:

  • Defined CoS: For visa applicants applying from outside the UK.
  • Undefined CoS: For applicants already inside the UK who are switching, extending, or changing employment.

The type of CoS determines what changes can be made and how they are processed. For instance, minor corrections can usually be made directly in the Sponsor Management System (SMS), but more substantial updates often require approval from UKVI.

Common Situations That Require Changes to a CoS

Employers may need to amend a CoS for several common reasons, including:

  • Correcting Mistakes: Fixing errors in job titles, names, or salaries.
  • Updating Salary or Job Role: Adjusting for a pay rise or small job description changes.
  • Extending Start Date: Postponing the employment start date due to operational delays.
  • Switching to a New Role: If the employee’s role changes substantially, a new CoS may be needed.

Understanding which category your change falls into helps determine the proper process.

How to Make Changes to a Certificate of Sponsorship via the SMS

Some updates can be made directly within the Sponsor Management System (SMS) — the online platform used by licensed sponsors.

Steps to amend details via SMS:

  1. Log in to the SMS: Only users with the correct access permissions can make changes.
  2. Find the CoS: Select the assigned CoS requiring amendment.
  3. Choose “Amend Details”: Make minor adjustments, such as correcting typographical errors or updating start dates.
  4. Save and Submit: Review the details and save changes. UKVI will automatically be notified if further review is required.

Note:
Only minor corrections are permitted via SMS. Substantial changes — such as to salary, job code, or job description — typically require a new CoS.

When to Notify UKVI of Changes

Certain amendments cannot be made directly in SMS and must be formally reported to UKVI. You can do this by adding a Sponsor Note to the CoS.

You must notify UKVI when:

  • Job Title or Duties Change Significantly: Affecting the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code or visa eligibility.
  • Start Date is Delayed Beyond 3 Months: Especially for Skilled Worker visas.
  • Employment Location Changes: If it alters pay or working conditions.

Adding a Sponsor Note ensures transparency and protects your sponsor licence from compliance issues.

When a New Certificate of Sponsorship is Required

Certain situations go beyond what can be updated — these require issuing a new CoS.

You must assign a new CoS if:

  • The employee switches to a new role with a different occupation code.
  • There are major changes to salary, working hours, or employment terms.
  • The worker transfers to a new sponsor (i.e., a different employer).

In these cases, the old CoS cannot be modified, and a new one must be assigned through the SMS system.

Steps for Adding a Sponsor Note on the SMS

If the change requires clarification rather than a full amendment, a Sponsor Note can be added:

  1. Log into SMS: Use your sponsor account credentials.
  2. Locate the CoS: Find the correct certificate in the system.
  3. Add Sponsor Note: Select “Add Sponsor Note” and clearly explain the change.
  4. Submit the Note: Once saved, the note becomes visible to UKVI officers reviewing the application.

This process ensures UKVI is informed about any relevant updates and maintains compliance with reporting obligations.

Potential Impact of Changes on the Worker’s Visa Application

Changes to a CoS can sometimes affect the worker’s ongoing or future visa application:

  • Minor Corrections: Usually have no impact on the visa decision.
  • Delayed Start Dates: May cause UKVI to question the validity of the employment offer.
  • Role or Salary Changes: Can lead to reassessment of visa eligibility or refusal if not properly documented.

Employers should always confirm the impact of a change before amending or reissuing a CoS.

Important Deadlines and Timeframes

To remain compliant with UK immigration rules, employers must follow these reporting deadlines:

  • 30 Days for Role Changes: Report any major change in job title or duties within 30 days.
  • 3-Month Start Date Rule: The worker’s start date must not be delayed by more than 3 months.

Failure to meet these timelines may result in non-compliance penalties, suspension of the sponsor licence, or visa refusal for the worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the salary after assigning a CoS?
Minor adjustments are acceptable via a sponsor note, but major salary changes may require issuing a new CoS.

What if I made a mistake on the CoS?
Small typographical errors can be corrected through the SMS. Larger mistakes must be reported with a sponsor note or corrected via a new CoS.

Can I delay the start date?
Yes, but if delayed more than three months, you must notify UKVI and provide an explanation.

Do I need to inform UKVI if the employee’s location changes?
Yes, especially if the move affects their pay, working hours, or job conditions.

Can a CoS be reused if withdrawn?
No. Once withdrawn, a CoS cannot be reassigned or reused. A new one must be created.

What happens if I don’t report changes on time?
Failure to report may lead to compliance action from UKVI, including fines or suspension of your sponsor licence.

Conclusion

Amending a Certificate of Sponsorship after assignment requires a clear understanding of what changes are permitted, which must be notified to UKVI, and when to issue a new CoS entirely. By following the proper reporting steps and keeping detailed records in the Sponsor Management System, employers can ensure full compliance with immigration requirements and avoid costly errors or visa refusals.

For fixed-fee legal help with your case,
contact Martin Taggart — your trusted UK legal partner.

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