CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP (COS)
A sponsor licence holder can apply for a number of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), which they can then use for the applicants whom they intend to sponsor. A COS is not an actual certificate or paper document but is a virtual document, similar to a database record.
Sponsor must give this reference number to a migrant whom they wish to employ because it will be a key part of their application for permission to come to the UK if they are overseas (known as ‘entry clearance’), or permission to stay in the UK if they are already here (known as ‘leave to remain’).
A CoS can be following types under the Skilled Worker route – ‘Defined CoS’ and ‘Undefined CoS’.
Undefined Certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
The Undefined CoS can only be assigned to a Skilled Worker who will be applying for permission to stay from within the UK (in-country applications). A sponsor can have annual allocations of undefined certificates of sponsorship.
Defined Certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
A defined Certificate of sponsorship can only be assigned to a Skilled Worker who will be applying for entry clearance from outside the UK.
A sponsor cannot apply for an annual allocation of defined CoS. They can only apply for a defined CoS as and when they require one.
Any certificate of sponsorship is valid for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue. Once a Certificate of Sponsorship is issued, a sponsor is held fully responsible for the actions of the employee. Non-compliance of the rules may result in either the withdrawal of the Certificate or demoting the sponsor to a lesser rank.
Government fees
| Home Office fees for Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship | ||
| Tier | ||
| Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker | ||
| Immigration Skills Surcharge | ||
A company is usually a small sponsor if two of the following apply: annual turnover is £10.2 million or less; or total assets are worth £5.1 million or less; or have 50 employees or fewer. Immigration Skills Surcharge: – The fees will depend on how long the skilled worker will work, using the start and end dates on their sponsorship certificate. . There certain circumstances where a sponsor does not have to pay Immigration Skills Surcharge to sponsor a Skilled Worker. | ||
Processing Times
Defined CoS: –If the application for defined CoS is straightforward and the Home Office does not require any further information, then the application is decided within one (1) working day.
Undefined CoS: – If a sponsor does not have an allocation of COS available, then they need to apply for an increase of COS allocation. The Home Office may take anything up to 18 weeks to process this application. There is a priority change of circumstances service available where a decision will be made within 5 (five) working days. The cost of the priority service is £200.
How to Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship UK — Step by Step
Step 1 — Confirm Role Eligibility
First, verify that your role is eligible for the Skilled Worker route. Specifically, it must be at RQF Level 3 or above and appear on the
Step 2 — Identify the Correct SOC Code
Additionally, use the ONS occupation lookup tool to identify the correct SOC code for your role. Consequently, this determines the going rate salary and eligibility for sponsorship.
Step 3 — Confirm the Certificate Of Sponsorship Type Needed
Furthermore, determine whether you need a Defined CoS (worker applying from overseas) or an Undefined CoS (worker already in the UK). This single decision affects your entire recruitment timeline.
Step 4 — Log Into the Sponsor Management System
Access the SMS using your Level 1 User credentials. Only authorised personnel can create and assign a CoS.
Step 5 — Submit the Certificate of Sponsorship Request
For a Defined CoS, submit your request through the SMS, including the job details, SOC code, salary, and worker’s nationality. The Home Office typically processes this within 1 working day.
Step 6 — Pay All Required Fees
Pay the £525 CoS assignment fee and the Immigration Skills Charge in full at this stage. Moreover, ensure you budget for the full duration of the planned sponsorship period.
Step 7 — Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship to Your Worker
Once approved, assign the CoS and share the unique CoS reference number with your worker. They will need this to complete their visa application.
Step 8 — Worker Submits Visa Application
Your worker must then apply for their Skilled Worker visa within 3 months of the CoS being assigned. Furthermore, every detail in their application must match the CoS exactly.
Get Your Certificate of Sponsorship Right — First Time
A single error on your certificate of sponsorship UK can delay your hire by weeks and cost you thousands in wasted fees. Therefore, get expert help from the very beginning.
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