Page Contents

• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Varieties of Certificate of Sponsorship
• Rights and Limitations
• Why Do You Need a CoS?
• Who Can Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship?
• Details Included on a CoS
• How Much Does a CoS Cost?
• The Validity Period of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Why Choose VisaLiv?

Varieties of Certificate of Sponsorship

For applicants seeking visas under the T5, ICT, and Skilled Worker categories, there are two main types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) available: defined Certificates of Sponsorship and undefined Certificates of Sponsorship.

The defined CoS is specifically issued for individuals applying through the Skilled Worker Visa route. Formerly referred to as a ‘restricted’ CoS, the term was updated to ‘defined CoS’ following immigration rule changes in 2020. To issue a defined CoS, a UK sponsor must utilize the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) once their license is confirmed. Typically, the UKVI takes just one day to approve a sponsor’s request for a defined CoS. Upon approval, the CoS becomes visible in the SMS, allowing the sponsor to assign it to the applicant.

On the other hand, an undefined CoS is issued for Skilled Worker Visa applications for individuals already residing in the UK, and it is also applicable to other visa categories. When applying for a license, a UK sponsor must estimate the annual requirement for undefined CoS. If the sponsor exhausts its CoS allocation, it has the option to apply for an additional allocation.

Should you find yourself uncertain about the type of CoS required for your visa application, our team of visa solicitors specializing in hiring foreign workers can provide guidance. Consult with an immigration lawyer from our law firm to determine the most suitable type of CoS for your individual case.

Who Can Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be issued by any business or organization located in the UK, provided that it holds the status of a licensed sponsor. The entity issuing the CoS is also the employer extending the job offer associated with the certificate.

However, certain criteria must be met by the sponsor before issuing a CoS:

1. The sponsor must possess a valid license and be listed as an A-rated entity on the Home Office’s list.
2. The sponsor must have authorization to hire overseas workers for eligible UK positions.
3. The sponsor’s permission to hire overseas workers should be specific to the particular area or industry for which the CoS is being issued.
4. The job associated with the CoS must meet the minimum skill level requirements.

To ensure that the CoS issued for your visa application includes all necessary details, our team of hiring foreign workers visa solicitors can assist both you and your UK sponsor. Collaborating with an immigration lawyer from our law firm ensures that your CoS is accurate and free from errors that could lead to CoS rejection or visa refusal.

Details Included on a CoS

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) contains crucial information related to you, your financial responsibilities, and your prospective job in the UK. These details encompass:

1. Personal Details: The CoS includes your personal information, such as your name and contact details, aligning with the information on your passport.
2. Work Details: This section is pivotal, outlining the start and end dates of your intended role in the UK. It specifies the job you are applying for, along with the associated occupation code.
3. Job Details: In addition to work details, the CoS provides further specifics about your intended job, including the expected number of hours and the annual salary offered by your employer. The salary must meet the minimum threshold for your particular occupation code.
4. Financial Details: Many visas require proof of a specific amount of funds to support yourself in the UK. Alternatively, your UK sponsor can assume this obligation, and this must be indicated on the CoS, along with proof of the availability of these funds.

Other details may be necessary for your specific CoS. Seeking guidance from a Certificate of Sponsorship solicitor at our law firm ensures accuracy and helps you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your CoS and lead to a visa refusal. The expertise of an immigration lawyer is invaluable in this process.

How Much Does a CoS Cost?

The fee for issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for an ICT worker or a Skilled Worker is £199. This same fee applies when issuing a CoS for an International Sportsperson with a visa duration exceeding 12 months. However, if the International Sportsperson CoS has a duration of 12 months or less, the certificate fee is reduced to £21.

For Certificates of Sponsorship issued for all Temporary Worker visas, the cost per certificate is £21.

Notably, UK sponsors do not incur any fee for issuing a certificate if the applicant, intending to take up a job in the UK, is from the following countries:

Turkey, Denmark, Italy, North Macedonia, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Austria, Netherlands, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, Sweden, Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Republic of Cyprus, Iceland.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification on the certificate issuance fees.

The Validity Period of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is typically valid for 3 months unless the issuing UK sponsor or the Home Office suspends it. This means that even if you possess a valid CoS, you must submit your visa application within 3 months of receiving it.

Should you file for a visa more than 3 months after your CoS was issued, the Home Office will reject your application. In such a scenario, you may need to request a new CoS from your UK sponsor.

It is essential to understand that you cannot apply for a new CoS while you have an active CoS that has not yet expired. If you wish to obtain a CoS from a different employer, you must first ask the employer who issued your previous CoS to cancel it. Regardless, the CoS will naturally expire after three months have passed.