Certificate of Sponsorship UK
Assign Compliant CoS to the Right Talent with Our Help!
What is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document issued by a UK-licenced sponsor to confirm that a job offer has been made to a foreign national in line with the requirements of a sponsored work visa. It is not a physical certificate, but an electronic reference number used by the applicant when submitting their UK visa application to the Home Office.
A CoS is required before any migrant worker can apply for a Skilled Worker visa or other relevant routes. Employers must assign the certificate only after offering a genuine role that meets visa eligibility. The timing, accuracy, and type of CoS issued are critical so, any mistakes can result in delays, refusals, or even penalties from the Home Office.
At Westend Consultants, we help UK employers comply with the rules around Certificates of Sponsorship. With our legal immigration support, you can ensure that your CoS assignments meet Home Office standards, helping you avoid compliance issues and maintain a sponsor licence effectively.
Who Needs a CoS?
- Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
Anyone applying under the Skilled Worker route must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK-licenced employer.
- Scale-Up Visa Holders (Initial Period)
During the first six months of a Scale-Up visa, sponsorship is mandatory. A CoS must be assigned by the approved UK employer before the visa application is submitted.
- International Sportspersons
Athletes and coaches joining UK teams or clubs must obtain a CoS, verifying their role is recognised and supported by the relevant governing body.
- Seasonal Workers
A CoS is necessary for temporary workers in sectors like agriculture under the Seasonal Worker visa, typically issued by approved scheme operators.
- Global Business Mobility Routes
Professionals transferring to a UK regional office under routes like Senior or Specialist Worker will need a CoS issued by their sponsoring organization.
- Religious Workers and Ministers of Religion
Those coming to the UK for religious roles, whether full-time ministry or temporary assignments, require sponsorship to validate the purpose and nature of their stay.
- Creative Sector Workers
Individuals in film, music, or theatre professions need a CoS when coming to the UK under the Creative Worker visa route for temporary assignments.
- International Agreements
Those employed under international treaties or exchange programmes also require a CoS to support their visa application and confirm the terms of entry.
CoS for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a mandatory requirement when applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
- It confirms that the applicant has a genuine job offer from a UK-licenced sponsor.
- The sponsoring employer must assign the CoS before the visa application can be made.
- The CoS includes details such as job title, salary, and work location, which must meet Home Office criteria.
- It must be used within three months of being issued, and the role must start no more than three months after the application.
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the relevant skill and salary thresholds.
- Employers must ensure all information in the CoS is accurate to avoid delays or refusals.
- The CoS is electronic and issued through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) by Level 1 users.
- Using the wrong type of CoS or submitting incorrect information can lead to compliance issues or visa rejection.
Get Advice from Our Immigration Consultants for Your CoS!
UK Certificate of Sponsorship Processing Time
- The processing time for a Certificate of Sponsorship depends on whether it is a defined or undefined CoS.
- Undefined CoS under standard processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for new sponsors.
- With the priority service, processing for an undefined CoS can be reduced to around 10 working days.
- Defined CoS are generally processed within one working day, though it may take up to 4 weeks in some cases.
- There is no priority or fast-track service available for defined CoS applications.
- Processing can be delayed if the application is incomplete or if further checks are needed by UKVI.
- Busier periods and high demand can also result in longer processing times.
- New sponsors applying for a licence often face extended processing times compared to existing sponsors.
Certificate of Sponsorship Costs
- A fee is required when a certificate is assigned to a worker, with the cost depending on the type of sponsor licence held.
- For Worker visas (except International Sportsperson), the cost per certificate is £525.
- For Temporary Worker visas, the cost per certificate is £55.
- For International Sportspersons, if the certificate is assigned for more than 12 months, the fee is £525.
- For International Sportspersons, if the certificate is assigned for 12 months or less, the fee is £55.
- For certificates assigned for Skilled Worker or Senior or Specialist Worker visas, the immigration skills charge may apply.
Common CoS Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect or Incomplete Information on the CoS
Errors in job titles, salaries, start dates, or employee details can lead to mismatches between the CoS and the visa application. Always double-check that every detail is accurate and matches the information in the employee’s visa form.
Breaching Sponsor Licence Compliance Requirements
Failing to report changes in job roles, salaries, or employee details can lead to penalties. Stay compliant by regularly updating records and reporting changes through the Sponsor Management System.
Selecting Incorrect SOC Code
Using the wrong SOC code can make the role seem ineligible for sponsorship. Choose the code that truly reflects the job duties, not just the title, to avoid visa refusals.
Applying for the Wrong Type of CoS
A Defined CoS is for overseas applicants, while an Undefined CoS is for those applying from within the UK. Using the wrong one can delay the process, so always confirm the applicant’s location and visa path first.
Failure to Meet Salary Thresholds
Salaries that fall short of the visa category’s minimum requirements can invalidate the CoS. Make sure the offered salary meets or exceeds the correct threshold before assigning the CoS.
Delays in Assigning the CoS
Once approved, a CoS must be assigned quickly. If not used within its validity period that is 3 months, it expires, meaning a new application and added costs.
How Our UK Immigration Specialist Assist You?
CoS Eligibility Review
We assess your business and job roles to confirm if they meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Guidance on SOC Code Selection
Our team helps you select the most suitable SOC code based on the actual job responsibilities, not just the title.
Salary Benchmarking
We verify if your offered salary meets the minimum threshold for the relevant visa category.
CoS Type Clarification
We guide you on whether a Defined or Undefined CoS is required based on the applicant’s circumstances.
Sponsor Licence Compliance Support
We assist in keeping your sponsor licence compliant with UKVI reporting duties and record-keeping obligations.
Application Accuracy Checks
We review all CoS details to ensure they are complete, accurate, and aligned with the visa application.
Ongoing Immigration Advice
We provide tailored advice throughout the sponsorship process to help avoid delays and refusals.
How West End Consultants Can Help?
West End Consultants is a UK-based OISC-regulated immigration consultancy firm with over 15 years of experience in supporting businesses and individuals through visa processes. We specialise in UK expansion worker visas, offering comprehensive assistance to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Our professional team assists businesses in navigating the complexities of obtaining and maintaining sponsor licences, ensuring that you comply with all regulatory standards. We handle all aspects of the application process, from gathering and verifying documentation to managing communications with immigration authorities.
For individual applicants, we provide you with support throughout the visa application process. This includes help with preparing necessary documents, proving English language proficiency, and securing valid job offers.
How We Work?
STEP 1
Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers by phone,
email, web form, or in-person at our office.
STEP 2
Confidentially discuss your
legal problem with our lawyers and learn about the approach they will take to your case.
STEP 3
We get to work and
we will keep you updated on every stage.
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