A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an essential requirement for UK employers looking to sponsor foreign workers. It is a digital record that confirms the worker meets the eligibility criteria for their visa. Without a valid CoS, a migrant worker cannot apply for a sponsored visa to work in the UK.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical document but an electronic record issued by a licensed sponsor) Each CoS has a unique reference number, which the worker must use when applying for their visa.
A CoS is confirmation from you, as a licensed sponsor, that you:
- wish to sponsor the worker
- are satisfied the worker can meet the relevant immigration requirements
- are eligible to sponsor the worker on the relevant route
- agree to abide by the terms and conditions as stated on the SMS
Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
Home Office introduced two main types of CoS:
- Defined Certificates of Sponsorship (Defined CoS)
- Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship (Undefined CoS)
Defined Certificates of Sponsorship
Defined Certificates of Sponsorship are required for Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK. Employers must request a Defined CoS through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
How to Apply for a Defined CoS?
- Employers must submit an application via SMS for each overseas worker they intend to sponsor.
- The Home Office usually processes applications within one working day, although additional checks may cause delays.
- Once approved, the Defined CoS will appear in the employer’s SMS account and can then be assigned to the worker.
Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship
Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship apply to:
- Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from within the UK.
- Applicants on all visas.
When applying for a sponsor licence, employers must estimate the number of Undefined CoS they will need for Workers and Temporary Workers in the first year.
Certificates of Sponsorship for UK Expansion Workers
For businesses setting up a new UK branch under the UK Expansion Worker route, there are specific CoS requirements:
- If the sponsor licence has a provisional rating, the employer can only assign one CoS, which must be issued to the authorising officer to enable their entry into the UK.
- Once the authorising officer has obtained their visa, the company can upgrade the licence to an A-rating and request up to four additional CoS through SMS.
Temporary Worker Certificates of Sponsorship
A Temporary Worker CoS is required for workers coming to the UK under a Temporary Worker visa. This includes various subcategories such as:
- Creative and Sporting Workers
- Charity Workers
- Religious Workers
- Government Authorised Exchange Workers
- Seasonal Workers
Temporary Worker CoS are intended for short-term employment and do not provide a pathway to long-term residency in the UK.
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a crucial requirement for UK employers hiring foreign workers. Understanding the different types of CoS and their application process is essential for ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations. Given the strict rules surrounding sponsorship, businesses must stay up to date with any changes and report them promptly through the Sponsorship Management System to avoid penalties or licence revocation.
Morgan Smith Immigration, an award-winning firm with over 20+ years of expertise in UK Visa and Immigration, is here to assist you with all your visa and immigration needs. For any enquiries or assistance, please contact us at 0203 959 3335 or send an email to [email protected]. Stay informed and up to date by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Also, don’t forget to subscribe our channel on YouTube.
