What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in the UK?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a vital electronic document in the UK immigration system. Both employers and prospective employees need to understand its role and everything in the requirements to work in the United Kingdom.

1. Definition and purpose of a CoS

The Certificate of Sponsorship is:

• An electronic record (not a physical document) issued by a licensed UK employer to a foreign worker
• A unique reference number that connects a specific job offer to a specific visa applicant
• The employer's confirmation of offering a genuine job that meets visa eligibility requirements
• A mandatory prerequisite for most UK work visa applications

The CoS proves that a licensed UK sponsor has offered you a job. The employer's CoS assignment tells the Home Office that the proposed employment meets the relevant visa category's requirements.

2. UK visas requiring a CoS

You need a Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for:

1. Skilled Worker visa : The most common work visa category replacing the old Tier 2 system
2. Global Business Mobility visas :  For international transfers and assignments
3. Scale-up Worker visa : For ever-changing UK businesses
4. Senior or Specialist Worker routes : For experienced professionals

The CoS remains valid for three months after assignment. Your visa application must be within three months of the job's start date on the certificate. The assigned CoS includes your job title, salary, start date, and personal details.

3. Difference between CoS and a work permit

People often mention "work permits," but this term no longer applies. Here are the key differences:

• Work permits belonged to the pre-2008 immigration system
• The points-based immigration system replaced the work permit scheme
• The CoS fits into the modern points-based system with specific criteria
• The CoS exists as a digital record in the UK Visas and Immigration system, unlike physical work permits

The current CoS system needs you to meet points-based criteria including job skill level, salary thresholds, and English language proficiency. The sponsor's responsibilities have expanded compared to the previous work permit system.

Note that a CoS assignment doesn't guarantee visa approval. You must meet all visa eligibility requirements, and your visa application details must match your CoS information exactly.

Types of Certificates of Sponsorship Explained

The UK immigration system categorizes Certificates of Sponsorship based on their purpose, application location, and specific visa routes.

1. Defined CoS for overseas applicants

• Skilled Worker visa applicants outside the UK need this certificate
• Employers must request these certificates through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) for each case
• The Home Office approval comes before assigning to workers
• Processing typically takes one working day unless additional information is needed
• Workers must receive their assignment within three months to prevent expiration
• The certificate includes specific details about job roles and salaries

2. Undefined CoS for in-country applicants

• This certificate helps Skilled Workers already in the UK who need permission to stay
• All other visa routes use this certificate regardless of application location
• Sponsor license holders receive their yearly allocation
• Employers can assign these certificates right away from their available allocation
• Certificates expire by the end of the "CoS year" if unused
• Organizations can ask for extra allocations throughout the year

3. Temporary Worker CoS and special categories

• These certificates suit jobs that do not need long-term UK residency
• Several specialized categories exist:

• Creative Worker visas serve artists and entertainers up to 2 years
• Charity Worker visas allow unpaid voluntary work up to 1 year
• Religious Worker visas support religious organizations up to 2 years
• Government Authorized Exchange offers work experience (1 year) or research/training (2 years)
• Seasonal Worker visas cover horticulture (6 months) or poultry work (October to December)
• Global Business Mobility routes include Graduate Trainee, Service Supplier, UK Expansion Worker, and Secondment Worker

Worker routes cost £525 per certificate while Temporary Worker routes cost £55 per certificate.

Eligibility and Requirements for Employers and Workers

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires employers and workers to meet specific criteria to get a certificate of sponsorship. A clear understanding of these requirements is vital for sponsorship applications to succeed.

1. Employer requirements to issue a CoS

• A valid sponsor license for the appropriate worker route
• Systems to monitor sponsored employees
• Financial stability to support sponsored workers
• Real job vacancies that meet skill and salary thresholds
• Full compliance with UK immigration laws and sponsorship guidance
• Staff members assigned to manage the sponsorship process
• Successful completion of UKVI pre-license compliance checks, which may include site visits

2. Employee Eligibility for CoS Sponsorship

• Points-based criteria alignment for the relevant visa route
• Right qualifications or experience for the role
• Skill level requirements (typically RQF level 3 or above)
• Salary thresholds for the specific job code
• English language proficiency as needed
• Clean immigration history and criminal records
• Skills to perform the job duties outlined in the description

3. Common Disqualifying Factors

• Active criminal convictions linked to immigration offenses
• Records of fraud, money laundering, or other serious crimes
• Sponsor license revocation in the past 12 months
• False or misleading information in applications
• Creation of fake job roles to make immigration easier
• Poor track record with immigration authorities
• Lack of proof for genuine employment needs

4. Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship UK

• Complete CoS application form with employment details
• Evidence of worker monitoring systems
• Proof of genuine vacancy and recruitment efforts
• Worker's personal details and ID information
• Qualification certificates and professional accreditations
• Job contract with role description and salary
• Criminal record certificates (for specific roles in healthcare, education, or social services)
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (when needed)

Note that UKVI thoroughly checks all applications. Getting all requirements right before submission helps you avoid delays or rejections that can get pricey.

How to Apply for and Manage a CoS

The UK's official systems require specific procedures to manage the certificate of sponsorship process. Here's a detailed guide that covers the steps you need to take when applying for and managing a CoS.

1. Steps to apply for a sponsor license

• The online application on the UK government website takes about 20-30 minutes
• Your core team should include an Authorizing Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User
• You'll need to estimate the number of workers for sponsorship in your first year
• Collect supporting documents listed in Appendix A of the sponsor guidance
• Submit your required documents within 5 working days after applying
• The fee structure varies: £574 for small businesses and £1,579 for larger employers
• Your HR systems might need a compliance visit for verification

2. Using the Sponsor Management System (SMS)

• Your sponsor license gives you SMS access
• SMS helps you manage and renew your organization's license
• You can create and assign sponsorship certificates to workers
• Report any changes in sponsored employees' circumstances
• Keep your organization's details current
• Staff access levels can be assigned as Level 1 and Level 2 users

3. Assigning a CoS to a worker

• Select "Create and Assign" from the Workers screen in SMS
• Choose the right route and category from the drop-down menu
• Enter the worker's personal details and job information
• Double-check all information entered
• Confirm the declaration and terms and conditions
• Complete the CoS fee and immigration skills charge payment

4. Making changes or cancelations

• SMS requires worker activity updates within 10 days of changes
• You can withdraw unused CoS through "Sponsorship duties" then "Manage live CoS"
• Minor errors need sponsor notes after assignment
• Major errors require CoS withdrawal and reissuance
• SMS users can transfer CoS ownership when needed

5. CoS validity and timing rules

• Visa applications must use the CoS within 3 months of assignment
• Workers can apply up to 3 months before starting their job
• You must assign defined CoS within 3 months of allocation
• Unused CoS allocations expire at your annual CoS year-end
• Defined CoS processing typically takes one working day
• Standard undefined CoS processing can take up to 18 weeks