Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) UK

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document issued by an employer in the UK to a foreign worker, which allows them to apply for a visa to work in the UK.

The CoS includes information about the job title, salary, and other details of the sponsored job, as well as the unique reference number that foreign workers need to include in their visa application. It is mandatory for most non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals to have a valid CoS to be eligible to work in the UK as a skilled worker.

What is a CoS?

The CoS is not a paper document but a reference number which allows the migrant worker to apply for skilled worker visa. You will need a certificate of sponsorship number when applying for a skilled worker visa. This guide highlights the differences between defined and undefined CoS.

There are a lot of factors to consider when issuing the CoS and any mistakes could result in a visa refusal.

Certificate of sponsorship support and guidance

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we offer detailed legal support to UK employers to manage their sponsor licence. Our team of specialist immigration lawyers offer legal advice and guidance with setting up the compliance management system.

Our immigration lawyers can deal with the followings:

• Advice on allocating and issuing the right type certificate of sponsorship
• Advice if there is an error or mistake with the CoS
• Requesting further CoS from the Home Office
• Advising on the relevant job role, salary requirement and SOC code
• Advice on licence downgrades and revocations

Types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

In December 2020, restricted and unrestricted certificates of sponsorship were replaced with defined and undefined CoS.

Defined CoS

A defined certificate of sponsorship, also known as DCOS, is issued by a sponsor who is licenced to hire migrant workers from outside the UK. If you need to issue a defined CoS, you will need to apply online using your Sponsorship Management System (SMS) once your sponsor licence application is approved. If the defined CoS is granted, you will them assign the defined CoS to the migrant worker, who will make a visa application using the CoS number.

Undefined CoS

Undefined certificates of sponsorship are for the migrant workers applying for a skilled worker visa from inside the UK. Similarly, you will need to allocate and assign the CoS online using your Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

How much a certificate of sponsorship cost?

It costs £525 to assign a CoS under standard service for a skilled worker. However, you can pay additional £200 and apply for CoS under priority service.

It costs £55 for a CoS for temporary workers.

How long does it take to get defined certificate of sponsorship UK?

An application for defined certificate of sponsorship is usually approved within one working day. It may take longer if UKVI need to carry out further checks on the information in your application. Defined certificates will appear in your SMS account once they have been approved.

Can you assign a CoS to a family member?

UKVI says SMS users must not assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to themselves or assign a CoS to a close relatives.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Cos?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document for non-UK nationals looking to apply for a UK work visa. It is issued by a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The CoS essentially confirms that the job offer and the applicant meet the UK government’s visa requirements for a particular work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Who needs a CoS?

Non-UK nationals applying for work visas (like the Skilled Worker visa) generally need a CoS to prove that their prospective employer is sponsoring them.

How to apply for a CoS?

You, as the employee, can’t apply for it directly. Your prospective UK employer applies for and assigns it to you if they meet the visa requirements.

What’s included in a CoS?

The CoS contains:

• Job title, salary, start date, job location.
• Personal details like your name and passport number.
• A unique reference number (which you need for your visa application).

Defined vs. Undefined CoS:

• Defined CoS: For those applying from outside the UK (like a new hire).
• Undefined CoS: For people applying within the UK (e.g., people switching visas or extending their stay).

CoS validity:

The CoS is usually valid for three months from when it’s issued. If you don’t use it to apply for your visa in that time, it expires.

Reusability:

Each CoS is unique and can only be used once. If your visa application is denied or you need to reapply, a new CoS will be required.

Costs:

The CoS comes with a fee:

• £525 for a Worker CoS.
• £55 for each Temporary Worker CoS (this rate is valid until 9 April 2025).

Mistakes on CoS:

If there’s a mistake on your CoS, it must be corrected by your employer before submitting the visa application to avoid delays or refusal.

Immigration Skills Charge:

Employers might have to pay an additional Immigration Skills Charge. This fee supports skills training for UK workers and varies based on the size of the business and the length of the employment.

Changing jobs:

If you switch employers or job roles, you’ll need a new CoS from your new sponsor and may need to reapply for a visa.

Internships or short-term roles:

If you’re coming to the UK for an internship or short-term work (e.g., under a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa), you’ll also need a CoS issued by your sponsoring employer.

Family members:

An employer can sponsor a family member for a work visa if they meet the requirements, but the process is the same as for any other worker.

Refusal of CoS:

If your CoS is refused, the employer should review the reason for the refusal and make any necessary corrections. In some cases, you might need to reapply.

CoS vs. Work Permit:

A CoS is not a work permit. It is only a reference number that allows you to apply for a visa. The visa, once granted, gives you the legal right to work.