The UK’s Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is a crucial requirement for anyone applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or other sponsored work routes. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor a foreign worker or a skilled migrant hoping to secure a job in the UK, understanding the COS process is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK COS sponsorship, including eligibility criteria, employer requirements, processing time, common mistakes, and tips for a successful application.
1. What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) in the UK?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is an electronic document issued by a UK employer with a valid Sponsor Licence. This document is necessary for skilled foreign workers to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa or other work-related visas.
Types of COS
There are two main types of COS:
- Defined COS – For workers applying from outside the UK.
- Undefined COS – For workers already in the UK switching visas or extending their stay.
A COS contains details about the job role, employer, salary, and other relevant information required for the visa application.
2. Who Needs a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)?
A COS is required for most work-related visas in the UK, including:
✅ Skilled Worker Visa (for professionals in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, finance, and engineering)
✅ Health and Care Worker Visa (for doctors, nurses, and social care workers)
✅ Global Business Mobility Visa (for overseas employees transferring to UK branches)
✅ Scale-Up Visa (for high-growth companies sponsoring skilled workers)
If you are applying for a UK work visa under these categories, your employer must assign you a COS before you can proceed with your visa application.
3. How Employers Can Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
Employers in the UK must be licensed sponsors to issue a COS. Here’s how they can obtain one:
Step 1: Apply for a Sponsor Licence
- Employers must apply via the UK Home Office and meet eligibility criteria.
- A processing fee applies (£536 for small businesses and charities, £1,476 for large organizations).
- Employers must demonstrate they can comply with sponsorship duties.
Step 2: Request a COS for the Employee
- Once licensed, the employer logs into the Sponsor Management System (SMS) and assigns a COS.
- The job must meet the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold (usually £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, but exceptions apply).
- Healthcare and shortage occupation roles may have lower salary requirements.
Step 3: Issue the COS Reference Number
- After assigning the COS, the employer provides the unique COS reference number to the worker.
- The worker uses this reference when applying for their UK visa.
4. How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)?
⏳ Standard Processing Time:
- The employer can typically assign a COS within 1-2 working days if they have an available allocation.
- If an employer requests a Defined COS, processing usually takes 1-4 weeks.
⏳ Priority Service:
- Some employers can opt for priority processing at an additional cost for faster approvals.
Since delays can occur, it’s advisable for employers and workers to start the process well in advance.
5. Costs and Fees for Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
💰 Employer Costs:
- Sponsor Licence Fee: £536 (small businesses/charities) or £1,476 (large companies)
- COS Assignment Fee: £239 per certificate
- Immigration Skills Charge: £364–£1,000 per year per employee, depending on the company size
💰 Employee Costs:
- Visa application fees depend on job type and duration (£610–£1,500 for Skilled Worker Visas).
- The Health Surcharge Fee (£624 per year) applies unless exempt.
Employers often cover the COS and sponsorship fees, but workers should confirm this before accepting a job offer.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid in COS Applications
🚨 For Employers:
❌ Applying for a COS without a valid Sponsor Licence
❌ Assigning a COS for an ineligible job role
❌ Not meeting the minimum salary requirements
❌ Failing to maintain compliance with sponsorship duties
🚨 For Employees:
❌ Accepting a COS from an unlicensed employer
❌ Providing incorrect details on the visa application
❌ Not checking whether the job qualifies for a work visa
Avoiding these mistakes can save time, money, and potential visa rejections.
7. Tips for a Successful UK Work Visa Application Using a COS
✔️ For Employers:
- Ensure job roles meet Home Office requirements before assigning a COS.
- Keep proper records of sponsored employees to maintain compliance.
- Use priority processing for urgent cases if available.
✔️ For Employees:
- Check that your job meets salary and skill level requirements.
- Double-check your COS reference number when applying for a visa.
- Gather all required documents (passport, qualifications, TB test results if needed).
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UK COS Immigration
Q1: Can I apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa without a COS?
No, a valid COS reference number is mandatory to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Q2: How long is a COS valid for?
A COS is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned. You must apply for your visa within this timeframe.
Q3: Can I change employers after getting a COS?
Yes, but you must obtain a new COS from your new employer and apply for a visa update.
Q4: What happens if my employer’s sponsor licence is revoked?
Your visa may be curtailed, and you’ll need to find a new sponsor within 60 days or leave the UK.
Q5: Can my family join me in the UK under a COS-sponsored visa?
Yes, dependents (spouse and children) can apply for a visa under the Skilled Worker Dependent Visa route.
Final Thoughts
The Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is the foundation of the UK Skilled Worker Visa system. Whether you’re an employer seeking global talent or a skilled worker aiming for a job in the UK, understanding COS requirements is essential.
With rising demand for skilled workers in healthcare, IT, and engineering, securing a COS sponsorship job in the UK can open doors to long-term opportunities. By following the right steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying updated with policy changes, both employers and employees can navigate the UK work visa process smoothly.
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