What Is Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) UK? Sponsor Licence
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.
Deluxe Law Chambers solely specialises in UK visas & immigration and therefore we provide high-quality UK visa and immigration services to our clients. The quality service provided by our UK immigration lawyers is self-evident from our 5-star Google Reviews.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship: Step-by-Step Instructions
We understand that the rules of issuing a certificate of sponsorship CoS letter to migrant workers are complex and difficult. Any mistake made during allocating or assigning a CoS could lead to a refusal and a compliance visit by the Home Office.
Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you to allocate and assign a certificate of sponsorship to your sponsored migrant worker. Our qualified immigration lawyers can help you to avoid Home Office penalties.
If you require Immigration Advice Services or help with an immigration problem, please contact +441614644140 or email us at info@deluxelawchambers.co.uk for fast, professional, and affordable immigration advice from our highly experienced UK immigration lawyers. You can book an appointment online for a detailed immigration consultation.
Contents
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
To discuss your certificate of sponsorship CoS, you can call our experienced business immigration lawyers on 01614644140 or 07827126843. You can book an appointment with our business specialist immigration lawyers to discuss your immigration matter.
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 £239 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 £25 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.
How can we help with your skilled worker sponsor licence application?
We understand that efficiency, both in terms of money and workforce is important to any successful business. At Deluxe Law Chambers, our commercial awareness and experience in dealing with sponsor licence applications sets us apart from other immigration law firms.
We understand what needs to be done to secure a Sponsor Licence allowing you to do what you do best, run your business to ensure it is profitable. We take the stress away from applying for a Sponsor Licence which can be complex in nature giving you confidence of a successful outcome.
- We conduct a review of your organisation and HR structure.
- We advise you on the required documents to apply for a sponsor licence application.
- Our legal team advise you on skilled worker sponsor licence requirements.
- We can find out the priority slot for your sponsor licence application.
- We work with you to build a robust system for your organisation to comply with the Home Office requirements.
- We prepare your application form.
- We advise you about your duties and responsibilities as a sponsor licence holder.
- We maintain a high reputation for being understanding, tenacious, and flexible in dealing with our clients to ensure the best result possible.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after a CoS is assigned?
Once the CoS is assigned, you will be able to make a visa application using the unique CoS number.
How long is a Certificate of sponsorship valid for?
The CoS is generally valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Can I apply for a skilled worker visa without CoS?
The CoS is a reference number that the Skilled Worker visa applicants will need to provide with their Home Office application. Without CoS number, you cannot make your visa application.
Who issues the Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is assigned by a sponsor licence holder (employer) using sponsor management system (SMS) to enable sponsored visa applicants to apply for their work visa.
