Securing a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) quickly is crucial for professionals looking to fast-track their UK Skilled Worker Visa application. With immigration policies tightening in 2025, understanding how to get a UK work visa faster can give you a competitive edge.
This guide will cover how to find a UK employer offering COS sponsorship, how to speed up the COS process, and tips for a successful visa application.
1. What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for a UK Work Visa?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is a digital reference number issued by a UK-licensed employer to a skilled foreign worker. Without a valid COS, you cannot apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa.
Types of COS for UK Work Visas:
📌 Defined COS – For workers applying from outside the UK. This requires employer approval from the UK Home Office.
📌 Undefined COS – For workers already in the UK switching visas (e.g., Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa). This is immediately available to licensed employers.
Since processing times for COS approvals vary, knowing how to speed up your application is key to securing a UK work visa quickly.
2. How to Find a UK Employer Offering Fast COS Sponsorship
To get a fast-track COS for a Skilled Worker Visa, you need a UK employer with a Sponsor Licence who is willing to sponsor you.
Step 1: Search for UK Employers with a Sponsor Licence
🔍 Use the UK government’s list of licensed sponsors to find employers approved to issue COS.
🔗 Check the official UK Sponsor List
Step 2: Apply for Jobs That Offer Fast COS Sponsorship
Many UK companies advertise Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship jobs on job boards. Search using keywords like “Visa Sponsorship,” “COS available,” or “Tier 2 Visa.”
📌 Best Job Boards for UK COS Sponsorship Jobs:
✔️ GOV.UK Find a Job – Official UK government job site
✔️ LinkedIn Jobs – Search for “UK visa sponsorship” and filter by industry
✔️ Indeed UK – Use “Tier 2 visa sponsorship” or “COS jobs” in your search
✔️ Reed.co.uk – A reliable UK job board with work visa filters
Step 3: Target Sectors That Process COS Quickly
The fastest way to get a COS is to apply for jobs in sectors with high demand and shortage occupations, such as:
✅ Healthcare & NHS Jobs – Nurses, doctors, care workers, paramedics
✅ IT & Tech Jobs – Software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, AI professionals
✅ Engineering Jobs – Civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers
✅ Finance & Accounting Jobs – Auditors, actuaries, tax advisors
Jobs in shortage occupation lists are processed faster and may have lower salary requirements.
Step 4: Connect with Recruiters Specializing in Visa Sponsorship
💼 Many UK recruitment agencies specialize in fast-tracking Skilled Worker Visa jobs. Some top agencies include:
- Hays Recruitment (Healthcare, IT, Engineering)
- Michael Page (Finance & Business)
- GlobalHire UK (General Skilled Worker Sponsorship Jobs)
💡 Pro Tip: Networking on LinkedIn and attending UK job fairs can increase your chances of finding an employer who will sponsor you quickly.
3. How Employers Can Fast-Track a COS for You
Once you receive a job offer from a UK employer, they will need to issue a COS before you can apply for your visa.
How Employers Speed Up the COS Process:
⏩ Priority COS Request – Employers can request a priority COS for an additional fee to reduce processing time.
⏩ Pre-Allocated COS – If the employer has an existing COS allocation, they can assign it immediately without waiting for Home Office approval.
⏩ Expedited Sponsor Licence Application – If an employer is not yet a licensed sponsor, they can apply for a fast-track Sponsor Licence, which takes 10 working days instead of several months.
💡 Employers in healthcare, IT, and finance often process COS faster due to labor shortages in these sectors.
4. How to Fast-Track Your UK Skilled Worker Visa Application
Once your employer assigns a COS, follow these steps to speed up your UK work visa process.
Step 1: Gather All Required Documents in Advance
📌 Documents needed for a Skilled Worker Visa:
✅ Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) reference number
✅ Valid passport
✅ Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or UK degree)
✅ Job offer letter with salary details
✅ Proof of maintenance funds (£1,270) (unless covered by employer)
✅ Tuberculosis test results (if required)
Step 2: Use Priority or Super Priority Visa Services
📌 Standard processing time: 3–8 weeks
📌 Priority visa processing: 5–10 working days (£500 extra)
📌 Super Priority Visa Service: 24 hours (£1,000 extra)
💡 Use priority services to reduce UK visa waiting times and get a decision faster.
Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment Quickly
Your visa application won’t be processed until you attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Booking this early helps avoid delays.
Step 4: Track Your Visa Application Status
📌 Once submitted, you can track your Skilled Worker Visa application through:
🔗 UK Visa Application Portal
5. Common Reasons for COS and Visa Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
🚨 Common COS Delays:
❌ Employer doesn’t have a Sponsor Licence → Solution: Only apply to licensed sponsors
❌ COS not assigned quickly → Solution: Ask employer to request a priority COS
❌ Salary below required threshold → Solution: Apply for shortage occupation jobs with lower salary limits
🚨 Common Visa Delays:
❌ Incomplete documents → Solution: Double-check requirements before applying
❌ Issues with biometric appointment → Solution: Book early to avoid processing backlogs
❌ Background checks taking too long → Solution: Use Priority or Super Priority Visa Services
6. Final Thoughts: How to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) Quickly
🔹 Target high-demand industries like healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance.
🔹 Apply to UK employers who already have a Sponsor Licence to avoid delays.
🔹 Use job boards and recruitment agencies specializing in COS sponsorship.
🔹 Ask your employer to apply for a priority COS to fast-track your visa process.
🔹 Use priority visa services to get your Skilled Worker Visa decision faster.
By following these steps, you can fast-track your UK work visa application and start your career in the UK as quickly as possible.
💬 Got questions about UK work visas or COS sponsorship? Drop a comment below!