What is a Certificate of Sponsorship and how to use it in your UK visa application

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required by all foreign nationals applying for work visas in the UK. The 11-character long reference number can only be provided by an employer registered on the Sponsorship Management System and in possession of a valid sponsor licence.

A CoS is an electronic digital reference number which demonstrates that a licensed sponsor is offering a job to the worker and is willing to sponsor their visa. The CoS is an eligibility requirement for all applicants of sponsored work visas, including the Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker and Graduate Trainee visas. Whilst having a CoS does not guarantee a successful visa application, it is required for the application to be considered.

There are two types of CoS – defined and undefined. A defined CoS is to be used by applicants who are submitting Skilled Worker visa applications from outside of the UK. An undefined CoS can be used for Skilled Worker applicants applying from the UK, or for any other applicants for a CoS-requiring visa. The certificate costs £525 for assignments taking longer than 12 months and £55 for assignments under the Temporary Worker and International Sportsperson visas requiring a stay of less than 12 months.

The CoS contains key details about the job role and the applicant. It will state the personal details of the applicant, such as the job title, job description, SOC code, salary, working hours and the place of work, as well as key details about the employer, such as their licence details. Applying for the wrong type of CoS, providing the incorrect SOC code or a salary below that which is applicable for the specific role are common reasons for a refusal of a CoS allocation (for employers) or a visa application (for applicants). It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all details are filled out correctly and kept up-to-date, as they will be assigning the CoS and have access to the Sponsorship Management System.

Once an applicant has received their CoS, they must submit their visa application within three months, inserting the CoS number, so that the Home Office can link them. The visa application may require documentation additional to the CoS, such as proof of English proficiency, passport and financial evidence. Once submitted, the Home Office will assess the validity of the CoS and whether the applicant’s qualifications and circumstances make them suitable for the job.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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