• Simplified Immigration
• 2024-09-16

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document required for non-UK nationals seeking to work in the United Kingdom. It is issued by UK employers who have been granted a sponsorship licence by the Home Office. The CoS serves as proof that a job has been offered to the applicant and that the employer is willing to sponsor their visa application. Without a valid CoS, non-UK nationals are not eligible to apply for a work visa.

The process of obtaining a CoS involves the employer assigning a unique reference number to the applicant, which they must include in their visa application. Understanding the role and requirements of a CoS is essential for both employers and prospective employees looking to navigate the UK's work visa system.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document issued by UK employers who hold a valid sponsorship licence from the Home Office. It serves as proof that an employer is willing to sponsor a non-UK national for a specific job role within their organisation. The CoS contains a unique reference number that the applicant must include in their visa application.

The purpose of a CoS is to ensure that non-UK nationals seeking to work in the UK have a genuine job offer and that the employer is responsible for their stay in the country. It also helps the Home Office to monitor and control immigration by ensuring that employers are complying with the rules and regulations set out in the sponsorship system.

Obtaining a valid CoS is a mandatory requirement for non-UK nationals applying for a work visa in the UK, as it demonstrates that they have a legitimate reason to be in the country and that their employment is in line with the UK's immigration policies.

Why Do You Require Certificates of Sponsorship?

1. Legal requirement for work visas: A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is mandatory for non-UK nationals applying for work visas in the UK. Without it, visa applications cannot be processed.

2. Proof of a job offer: The CoS serves as evidence that the applicant has a genuine job offer from a UK employer, ensuring that employment is legitimate.

3. Employer accountability:The CoS holds employers accountable for their sponsored employees, requiring them to comply with UK immigration laws and regulations.

4. Skill and salary verification: The CoS confirms that the job meets the necessary skill level and salary requirements set by the Home Office, protecting the UK labour market.

5. Facilitates immigration control: By requiring a CoS, the UK government can monitor and manage immigration effectively, ensuring that only qualified individuals enter the workforce.

6. Supports workforce planning: The CoS system helps employers plan their workforce needs while aligning with immigration policies.

Why Do You Require Certificates of Sponsorship?Types of Certificates of Sponsorship

There are two main types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) that UK employers can assign to non-UK nationals: Defined CoS and Undefined CoS.

• Defined Certificates

Defined Certificates are specific to a particular job role and a named individual. They are used for visa applications under the Skilled Worker route, which requires the applicant to have a job offer for a specific position that meets the skill and salary requirements set by the Home Office. Defined Certificates are valid for a limited period, usually up to 3 months and must be used within that time frame. If the applicant's visa application is successful, the Defined Certificate will be used up and the employer will need to assign a new one if the employee needs to extend their stay or change jobs within the UK.

• Undefined Certificates

Undefined Certificates, on the other hand, are not tied to a specific job role or individual. They are used for visa applications under the Intra-Company Transfer route, which allows multinational companies to transfer existing employees from overseas branches to their UK operations. Employers are allocated a pool of Undefined Certificates based on their previous usage and the size of their organisation. These Certificates can be assigned to multiple employees as needed, but the employer must still ensure that each employee meets the eligibility criteria for the Intra-Company Transfer route.

It is important to note that the type of CoS required depends on the visa route the applicant is applying under and their specific circumstances. Employers must carefully consider which type of CoS is most appropriate for each employee and ensure that they have sufficient Certificates available to meet their recruitment needs.

Who is eligible to get Certificate of Sponsorship:

To be eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Non-UK national:The applicant must be a citizen of a country outside the United Kingdom.

2. Job offer from a licensed sponsor: The applicant must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsorship licence from the Home Office.

3. Meets skill and salary requirements: The job offer must be for a position that meets the skill level and minimum salary requirements set by the Home Office for the specific visa route.

4. Passes the resident labour market test:If applicable, the employer must demonstrate that they have made efforts to recruit suitable candidates from the resident labor market before offering the job to a non-UK national.

5. Meets English language requirement:The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to the level required for the specific visa route.

6. Meets maintenance requirement: The applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in the UK.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is crucial for both the employer and the applicant to ensure a successful visa application. Employers must carefully assess each potential employee's qualifications and ensure that they meet the necessary requirements before assigning a CoS.

Process of Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship:

The process of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) involves several key steps that both employers and applicants must follow:

1. Employer applies for a sponsorship licence: The UK employer must first apply for a sponsorship licence from the Home Office. This involves providing information about the company, its operations and its recruitment practices.

2. Licence approval: Once the application is submitted, the Home Office will review it. If approved, the employer will receive a sponsorship licence, allowing them to issue CoS to eligible non-UK nationals.

3. Job offer: The employer must then offer a job to a non-UK national. This job must meet the skill level and salary requirements set by the Home Office.

4. Assigning the CoS: After the job offer is made, the employer can assign a CoS to the applicant through the online sponsorship management system. The employer will need to enter details about the job and the applicant.

5. Providing the unique reference number: The employer will receive a unique reference number for the CoS, which they must provide to the applicant. This number is essential for the visa application.

6. Applicant applies for a visa:The non-UK national can then use the CoS reference number to apply for a work visa. They must include the CoS in their application and meet all other visa requirements.

7. Compliance and record-keeping: Employers must keep records of all CoS issued and ensure they comply with Home Office regulations to maintain their sponsorship license.

Following these steps is essential for both employers and applicants to ensure a successful sponsorship process.

Costs Associated with Certificates of Sponsorship:

Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) involves several costs:

• Skilled Worker Visa: £239 per Certificate of Sponsorship.

• Temporary Worker Visa: £25 per Certificate of Sponsorship.

• International Sportsperson Visa (more than 12 months): £239 per Certificate of Sponsorship.

• International Sportsperson Visa (12 months or less): £25 per Certificate of Sponsorship.

These fees are paid by the employer when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to a non-UK national. It’s important for employers to budget for these costs when planning to hire international workers.

How long does it take to get a Certificate of Sponsorship?

The time it takes to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can vary. Once a UK employer has a valid sponsorship licence, assigning a CoS typically takes just a few minutes through the online sponsorship management system. However, the overall process can take longer if the employer is applying for the sponsorship licence, which may take several weeks for approval. Employers should also consider any additional time needed for preparing job offers and ensuring compliance with Home Office regulations. Therefore, it’s best to plan ahead to avoid delays in the hiring process.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for non-UK nationals seeking employment in the UK. Understanding the types of CoS, eligibility criteria and associated costs is crucial for both employers and applicants. For more detailed information, you can refer to official resources. Official resources provide comprehensive guidance on the sponsorship process, ensuring that both employers and potential employees are well-informed and prepared for a successful application.

Simplified Immigration is also one of the official resource through which you can get more information and assistance regarding Certificate of Sponsorship. You can consult with an experienced immigration lawyer or firm that specialises in Certificate of Sponsorship. Our team of immigration specialists can assist you with every step, from establishing your UK company and applying for a sponsor licence to obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship and submitting your Skilled Worker Visa application. We understand the nuances of the UK's immigration system and can help you maximise your chances of success.

Contact us today at 03301797675 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards realising your dream of working in the UK through self-sponsorship.