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Table of Contents
Visa Types That Require Certificate of Sponsorship
Any individual who is applying for a job in the UK requires a certificate of sponsorship to enter and leave the UK under its sponsored visa categories, which include:
- Scale Up visa
- Minister of Religion
- International Sportsperson
- Scale-up Worker
- Creative Worker
- Religious Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
- International Agreement
- Seasonal Worker
You can visit the official Gov.UK page for more details to work in the UK.
Types of Certificates of Sponsorships
After the updates in immigration rules in 2020, there are currently two main types of Certificates of Sponsorship for employers:
- Defined Certificate of Sponsorship
It is required for hiring foreign skilled workers with an eligibility requirement that the job offer is from a licenced employer, whilst the salary is according to the standard threshold. The sponsor must get this CoS from the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
This visa type is required for extending a visa, switching jobs, or hiring within the country. It is required to get a job offer from a licenced sponsor; however, this type is suitable only for individuals already in the UK. The Home Office assigns a yearly quota for employers in the undefined CoS category.
If you apply for the wrong CoS type, it can result in processing delays or visa refusals.
Eligibility Criteria to Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
Employers who want to get their hands on the CoS must:
- Have a current Sponsor Licence.
- Be at the UKVI skill and salary levels.
- Meet visa requirements, such as English language proficiency and qualifications in some instances.
Employers must ensure that jobs are added to the Home Office list of required professionals, such as engineers, IT experts, health care professionals, and education professionals.
The eligibility for UK visa sponsorship for employees is also detailed on the official website.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship
Before you apply for the CoS, it is important to comply with the relevant rules and regulations mentioned in the UK immigration law. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your CoS:
- Log in to the Sponsor Management System (SMS), accessible to Level 1 users only.
- Request a Defined CoS, which is required for overseas hires.
- Fill in the CoS Form, including job title, SOC code, pay, hours, and duration.
- After approval, issue the CoS and generate the Certificate of Sponsorship number, which the employee will use on their visa application.
Employers must apply with the UK certificate of sponsorship processing time in mind.
- An 8-to-10-week timeframe for applying for the sponsorship licence is required.
- A 1-to-2-week timeframe is needed to request Defined CoS.
- The certificate must be issued to the employee within 3 months of issuance.
Employer’s CoS Compliance Checklist
- Hold an active Sponsor Licence
- Choose the correct Defined or Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
- Check that the job is UKVI compliant
- Pay the required certificate of sponsorship UK fee
- Use the SMS platform correctly
- Keep records and report changes
- Check the candidate’s Right to Work
Assigning a CoS
Your sponsor must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before you can apply for your visa. Their Level 1 or 2 user on the Sponsor Management System (SMS) does this by submitting your details, generating a unique CoS reference number. As per the Home Office SMS guide, here are the steps to follow:
- Click the ‘Create and Assign’ from the workers screen.
- Choose the visa category as per the CoS.
- Add the employment details on the Application page for the defined CoS.
- After confirmation of your CoS application, verify the information. If there is any change, ‘Amend’ the changes.
- After you select ‘Assign’, tick all the boxes to confirm that you have read everything.
- Your screen will be directed to the online payment of the fee.
- Once the payment is complete, the screen will be directed to a screen that shows whether CoS has been assigned and allocated with a unique reference number.
- The application number will also be shown in the application for the defined CoS.
Certificate of Sponsorship UK Cost
The price of a certificate of sponsorship for the UK in the year 2025 is as follows:
- £525 for a Skilled Worker CoS
- £55 for Temporary Worker CoS
An additional Immigration Skills Charge is as follows:
- £1,000 annually for every sponsored worker
- £364 for registered charities or small sponsors
For more details, view our UK Visa Sponsorship Fees Guide.
How to Check if CoS is Genuine or Not
- The Sponsor Management System (SMS) is the major way on how to check CoS status.
- Applicants should ensure their CoS number is the same as the one provided.
- Look at red flags like wrong job titles, salary differences, and incorrect SOC codes.
For details, consult UKVI or regulated immigration solicitors or barristers for sponsor licence guidance.
Common CoS Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Some of the most common errors you need to avoid are:
- Assigning CoS for jobs that do not meet the eligibility criteria.
- Wrong selection of the SOC code.
- Avoiding Right to Work checks.
- Not informing UKVI about a change of job or an employee.
Employers must ensure they comply with the rules to avoid these mistakes, which can result in fines, investigations, or the suspension or revocation of their sponsor licence.
Need Assistance with Your CoS?
At Legend Consults, we help employers by:
- Applying for, or possessing, their Sponsor Licence
- Accurately allocating CoS and checking for compliance
- Responding to Home Office visits and enforcement action
Legend Consults is a trusted immigration consultancy firm in the UK that specialises in helping employers understand what is Certificate of Sponsorship and obtain one for their employees. Our team is committed to giving you the best advice in legal and business matters. Consult with our UK immigration lawyer today!
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the official record that UK employers must show and provide skilled visa workers to allow them to come through the sponsored route visa. It’s not about the paper, but the certificate’s reference number with all the information about the job and the sponsored worker. All foreign nationals seeking a job must show this certificate to enter the UK with a work visa.
The CoS is based on the eligibility criteria set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and confirms that the employer has a UK sponsorship licence. Any errors in the details can result in the refusal of a worker’s visa and the Home Office’s investigation into the employer, resulting in the cancellation of the licence. This blog helps you understand what Is Certificate of Sponsorship, when it’s needed, and how to avoid getting penalised.
