For anyone hoping to work in the United Kingdom, the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is the bridge between getting a job offer and starting your visa application. It’s not just another piece of paperwork, it’s the foundation that makes your work visa valid. Understanding how the CoS system works will help you avoid mistakes, speed up your visa process, and secure your move to the UK with confidence.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Certificate of Sponsorship, what it is, how employers issue it, the costs involved, and what to do if errors occur.
What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship isn’t a printed certificate, it’s a digital record issued by a UK employer to confirm your job offer. It includes all the details UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) needs to decide whether your role qualifies for a visa.
Each CoS has a unique reference number, which you’ll need to submit during your visa application. This number links to an electronic record that includes your employer’s details, your job title, your salary, the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, and your employment start date.
The CoS system operates entirely online through the UK government’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS). Your employer assigns the certificate electronically, and you’ll receive your CoS reference number by email. This digital process is faster and eliminates the risks of misplaced paperwork or postal delays.
Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
There are two main types of Certificates of Sponsorship in the UK. Knowing which one applies to your case helps you understand how your application will be processed.
1. Defined Certificate of Sponsorship
A defined CoS is used for applicants applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK.
Employers must request each defined certificate individually from the Home Office. Once approved, the employer can assign it to the selected candidate.
Although there’s an approval process, the turnaround is usually quick. Defined CoS are prioritized since they apply to international hires relocating to the UK.
2. Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
An undefined CoS applies to:
- Candidates already in the UK switching to a Skilled Worker visa from another category (such as a Student visa).
- Skilled workers extending their visa with the same or a new employer.
Employers with active sponsor licenses receive an annual allocation of undefined CoS that they can issue as needed. This system makes it faster for those already in the UK to continue or change employment without reapplying from abroad.
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Information Included in a CoS
Every Certificate of Sponsorship holds around 40 data points, giving UKVI a complete picture of your employment situation. Here’s what’s typically included:
Personal Details
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number (must match your passport exactly).
- Contact details such as address and email.
Job and Employer Information
- Employer’s name, sponsor license number, and Home Office rating.
- Job title, job description, and the occupation code (which determines eligibility and salary thresholds).
- Start date, work location(s), and job type (full-time, part-time, or temporary).
Salary and Benefits
The salary must meet or exceed the minimum salary requirement for the role based on the occupation code.
The CoS also lists whether the job qualifies for a “new entrant” rate, which allows younger workers or recent graduates to apply with a slightly lower salary threshold.
Visa Duration
Your CoS will indicate how long your employer intends to sponsor you usually matching your job contract. For most Skilled Worker visas, this can be up to five years.
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How Employers Obtain a Sponsor License
Before a company can issue any CoS, it must hold a valid Sponsor License from the Home Office. Here’s what the process looks like from the employer’s side.
Becoming a Licensed Sponsor
Employers must prove that they:
- Are a legitimate, law-abiding business.
- Have genuine roles that meet skill and salary requirements.
- Have HR systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.
The application fee is £536 for small businesses or charities and £1,476 for large organizations.
Processing usually takes around 8 weeks, but delays can occur if additional documents are requested.
Sponsor Ratings and Compliance
Sponsors receive ratings based on compliance:
- A-Rated Sponsors: Fully compliant and authorized to issue CoS freely.
- B-Rated Sponsors: Under review due to compliance issues and face restrictions.
Employers must maintain accurate records, report employee changes, and cooperate with Home Office audits to retain their rating.
You can verify whether an employer is licensed by checking the Home Office’s public list of approved sponsors, which is updated regularly.
Costs Involved for Employers
Employers pay specific fees when issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship:
- CoS issuance fee: £239 (or £25 for small/charitable sponsors).
- Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000 per year (or £364 for small/charitable sponsors).
Certain roles such as PhD-level positions, healthcare, and teaching jobs are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge, reducing costs and making employers more open to sponsorship.
How You Can Get a Certificate of Sponsorship
As an applicant, you can’t apply for a CoS yourself. Only your employer can issue one. Your main task is to secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Find Licensed Employers
Use the UK government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors to identify companies that are approved to sponsor Skilled Workers. Focus your job applications on these employers.
Look for phrases like:
- “Visa sponsorship available.”
- “We welcome international applicants.”
Avoid job ads that say “must have right to work in the UK.”
Secure the Job Offer
During the hiring process, make your visa needs clear early on.
Highlight your unique skills, international experience, and value to the company. Employers are more likely to sponsor candidates who fill essential skill gaps.
Employer Assigns the CoS
Once you receive the job offer, your employer will issue your CoS through the Sponsorship Management System and send you the reference number. This reference is what you’ll use to apply for your Skilled Worker visa.
Common Certificate of Sponsorship Issues
Errors in your CoS can delay or even invalidate your visa application. Below are some common problems and how to fix them.
Incorrect Personal Information
Typos in your name, passport number, or date of birth can lead to visa refusal. Always double-check these details before applying. If you find an error, your employer must withdraw the incorrect CoS and issue a new one.
Wrong Salary Figures
Your salary must match the minimum going rate for your job’s occupation code. Bonuses and benefits usually don’t count. Verify that your employer lists the correct base pay.
Occupation Code Errors
If your job duties don’t match the chosen SOC code, your application may be rejected. Review your job description and ensure it aligns with the correct occupation code.
Start Date Conflicts
Make sure your start date gives you enough time to apply and get your visa. If the date is too soon, ask your employer to update the CoS with a realistic timeline.
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Avoiding Scams and Fraudulent Offers
Unfortunately, scams are common in the sponsorship process. Stay alert and protect yourself:
- Never pay anyone for a CoS. Real employers cover the cost.
- Verify every employer on the official government sponsor list.
- Avoid fake job offers that sound too good to be true or come without interviews.
- Do not buy or trade CoS numbers. This is illegal and can lead to visa bans or prosecution.
Always deal directly with licensed employers or registered immigration advisors.
From CoS to Visa and Beyond
After receiving your CoS reference number, you can begin your Skilled Worker visa application. You’ll need:
- Your passport.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Financial documents (unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance).
- Any health or background certificates if required.
Once approved, you’ll be allowed to work in the UK for the sponsoring employer. After five continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided your sponsorship remains valid and your employment stays consistent.
The Certificate of Sponsorship is the foundation of every successful UK work visa application. It confirms that a licensed employer values your skills enough to sponsor your stay and employment in the UK.
By focusing your job search on licensed employers, verifying every detail of your CoS, and maintaining communication with your sponsor, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth transition into your new role.
With careful planning and accurate documentation, your Certificate of Sponsorship truly becomes the key that unlocks your professional future in the United Kingdom.
