Introduction to Sponsorship Certificates
Sponsorship Certificates, commonly referred to as ‘CoS’, are electronic documents essential for every migrant employee you recruit. Every CoS is identified by a distinct reference number, facilitating the potential employee’s visa application process.
Prerequisites for a Sponsorship Certificate
The UK Home Office requires sponsors or employers to properly fill out a CoS application in order to get a Sponsorship Certificate. The application collects information such as the migrant’s name, contact information, employment location in the UK, job description, work hours, pay, and length of employment. The information on the migrant’s passport must match exactly what’s written on the Sponsorship Certificate absolutely.
Classification of CoS: Defined & Undefined Certificates
There are primarily two categories of CoS:
- Undefined Sponsorship Certificates: For people who want to move to the Skilled Worker segment from within the UK or for people who want to stay longer in the UK under categories like T5, T2, T5, or Tier 2 (General)/Skilled Worker. If there is an Undefined CoS available, it can be given to a UK applicant right away. If not, a request for allocation to the Home.
- Defined Sponsorship Certificates: Tailored for Skilled Workers residing overseas. These certificates must be applied for via the sponsorship management system (SMS). Approval typically takes a day, barring instances requiring additional UKVI scrutiny. Once approved, it can be allocated to the potential migrant.
Employers must let potential workers know about CoS allocation. Each CoS can only be used once, and if it’s not used within three months of being given out, it loses its value.
CoS is an important part, but it doesn’t guarantee visa approval. After being given a CoS, the applicant still has to successfully complete the points-based visa application process for their category.
Need assistance? Reach out!
To explore how Highwood Solicitors can guide your business in procuring a sponsorship license, connect with our business immigration wing at +44 (0) 1206523714 or fill in our contact form.
Understanding Sponsorship Certificate Allocation
- Undefined Sponsorship Certificates: No cap exists on the number of available Undefined certificates. While applying for a Sponsor License, an estimation of the required certificates for the inaugural year is necessary. Supporting documents detailing the roles and migrants are mandatory.
- Defined Sponsorship Certificates: There isn’t a restriction on the quantity, and applications aren’t confined to specific times. These can be applied for any time the migrant worker needs them.
For both types, it’s crucial to detail the intended roles. For Undefined Certificate requests, migrant details and the recruitment strategy should be provided.
Fees Associated with Sponsorship Certificates
There are fees to get a Sponsorship Certificate: £199 for a Worker and £21 for a Temporary Worker. However, people from certain European countries don’t have to pay for the CoS. It’s also possible that an Immigration Skills Charge payment will be needed to assign a COS to a skilled worker or an intra-company transfer migrant.
Highwood Solicitors regularly help employers apply for and give out sponsorship certificates in a way that follows the Immigration Rules and Sponsor Guidelines.
No matter if your need is undefined, defined, or through SMS, our skilled lawyers are here to help.
We are known for being proactive and putting the needs of our clients first. We are devoted to offering businesses direct, accurate, and trustworthy immigration advice, and our commitment to being courteous and professional supports this.