UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for United Kingdom

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital record issued by a UK business with a valid UK sponsor licence to sponsor a non-UK worker for a UK work permit, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa. The CoS confirms the job role, salary, and compliance with Home Office requirements. Jobbatical ensures your CoS UK process aligns with 2025 regulations, enabling you to hire global talent efficiently.

Benefits of a Certificate of Sponsorship

A CoS UK enables businesses to sponsor skilled workers, supporting growth while offering employees a pathway to work in the UK.

For Businesses

• Global Talent Access: Hire skilled professionals for roles on the Skilled Occupations List.
• Immigration Compliance: Jobbatical ensures CoS issuance meets Home Office standards.
• Competitive Edge: Attract top talent in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance.
• Employee Retention: Provide long-term roles with visa sponsorship, fostering loyalty.
• Flexibility: Issue CoS for various visa types (e.g., Skilled Worker, Intra-Company Transfer).

For Employees

• Legal Work Authorisation: Obtain a UK work permit for stable employment.
• Career Opportunities: Access roles in a global economic hub.
• Path to Residency: Sponsored visas can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Family Reunification: Bring dependents to the UK under family visa routes.

Types of Certificates of Sponsorship (2025)

There are two main types of CoS, depending on the visa category and role:

• Defined CoS: For Skilled Worker Visa applicants applying from outside the UK. Requires Home Office approval before issuance.
• Undefined CoS: For in-UK Skilled Worker Visa extensions, switches, or other Worker visa categories (e.g., Senior or Specialist Worker). Allocated annually based on business needs.

Verify details at GOV.UK. Jobbatical helps you choose the right CoS UK type for your hiring needs.

Eligibility for Issuing a CoS in the UK

To issue a CoS UK, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Valid Sponsor Licence: Hold an active UK sponsor licence (Worker or Temporary Worker).
• Genuine Role: The job must be on the Skilled Occupations List (RQF Level 3 or above) and meet salary thresholds (e.g., £38,700/year for Skilled Worker Visa).
• Compliance Capability: Maintain HR systems to track sponsored workers and report to the Home Office.
• Available CoS Allocation: Have sufficient Defined or Undefined CoS available in your Sponsor Management System (SMS).
• Key Personnel: Authorised staff (e.g., Level 1 User) to assign CoS via the SMS.

Requirements and Application Checklist for a CoS (2025)

Here’s what you’ll need to assign a CoS:

Jobbatical provides expert support to manage your CoS UK allocation and issuance process.

Process for Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship

1. Verify Sponsor Licence: Confirm your business holds an active UK sponsor licence.
2. Check CoS Allocation: Ensure you have sufficient Defined or Undefined CoS in your Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Confirm Job Eligibility: Verify the role meets Home Office requirements (e.g., salary, skill level).
4. Assign CoS: Log into the SMS on GOV.UK and enter worker and job details to assign a CoS.
5. Apply for Defined CoS (if needed): Request Home Office approval for Defined CoS for overseas applicants.
6. Provide CoS to Worker: Share the CoS reference number with the employee for their visa application.
7. Monitor Compliance: Maintain records of the sponsored worker and report changes to the Home Office.
8. Support Visa Application: Assist the worker with their UK work permit application (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).

Where to Apply for a CoS in the UK

• Sponsor Management System (SMS): Assign CoS via the SMS on GOV.UK.
• Defined CoS Requests: Submit requests for additional Defined CoS through the SMS.
• Document Verification: Ensure job and worker details are accurate and compliant with Home Office rules.

Processing Time for a Certificate of Sponsorship

• Undefined CoS: Instant issuance via the SMS if within your allocation.
• Defined CoS: 1–2 weeks for Home Office approval (longer during peak periods).
• Visa Application: Worker’s visa processing takes 3–8 weeks after CoS issuance.

Jobbatical ensures timely CoS assignment and visa support to avoid delays.

Certificate of Sponsorship Fees (2025)

• Worker CoS Fee: £239 per CoS (e.g., Skilled Worker, Senior or Specialist Worker).
• Temporary Worker CoS Fee: £25 per CoS (e.g., Seasonal Worker, Creative Worker).
• Additional Costs: Visa application fees (£719–£1,552) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) for workers.

Jobbatical provides a transparent cost breakdown and budgeting support for CoS and visa processes.

Compliance and Responsibilities for CoS Holders

Businesses issuing a CoS UK must:

• Assign Accurate CoS: Ensure job and worker details match Home Office requirements.
• Maintain Records: Keep records of sponsored workers’ passports, contact details, and work status.
• Report Changes: Notify the Home Office of changes (e.g., job role, address, or non-compliance) within 10–20 days.
• Comply with Audits: Cooperate with Home Office compliance visits or checks.
• Meet Salary Thresholds: Ensure workers meet visa salary requirements (e.g., £38,700/year for Skilled Worker).

Non-compliance may lead to sponsor licence suspension or CoS-related visa rejections. Jobbatical offers compliance training and support.

Common Mistakes That Lead to CoS Issues or Visa Rejections

• Incorrect job or salary details in the CoS.
• Issuing a CoS without sufficient allocation or Home Office approval.
• Failure to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test (if required).
• Incomplete worker details or missing compliance records.
• Non-compliance with Home Office reporting duties.

Avoid these errors with Jobbatical’s expert guidance and compliance checks.

Why Use a Service Like Jobbatical?

Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, Jobbatical delivers:

• End-to-End Support: From CoS assignment to worker visa applications.
• Compliance Management: Ensure CoS and sponsor licence align with Home Office rules.
• Document Support: Accurate job and worker details, plus translations if needed.
• Platform Tracking: Real-time updates on CoS and visa application status.
• Global Expertise: Support for UK immigration and international hiring.

Focus on hiring global talent. Let Jobbatical handle the complexities of your CoS UK and UK work permits.

Conclusion

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for UK businesses to sponsor international workers for UK work permits. With Jobbatical’s expert guidance and resources from GOV.UK, assign and manage your CoS UK confidently to build a skilled, diverse team in 2025.

🔗 Ready to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship? Learn more at Jobbatical’s blog on UK work permits or visit GOV.UK for Sponsor Management System access and requirements.