Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
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What is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number that UK employers provide to international workers to help them apply for a visa. The worker then uses the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for their visa within three months. The CoS is essentially a guarantee that the employer is sponsoring the worker for a specific role in their organization. For employers, a sponsor licence is required to issue a CoS, and for workers, it’s a key component of their visa application.
Employers in the UK need a valid sponsor licence to issue a CoS for foreign workers. The CoS confirms that the individual has a legitimate job offer and that the employer is compliant with UK immigration rules. There are different types of CoS depending on the type of worker and the visa category they are applying for, including the skilled worker visa and temporary worker visas.
Who is the Certificate of Sponsorship for?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is primarily for UK employers who wish to sponsor overseas workers. It is a requirement for:
What is the Certificate of Sponsorship Process Like?
The CoS application process can be broken down into the following steps:
Apply for a Sponsor Licence: Before applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship, employers must apply for a sponsor licence. This process involves proving that the employer is compliant with UK immigration rules and has the systems in place to manage sponsored workers.
Determine the Type of CoS: There are two main types of CoS: defined CoS and undefined CoS. A defined CoS is used for workers applying from outside the UK or when the job offer is for a skilled worker. An undefined CoS is for workers already inside the UK applying to switch visas or extend their stay.
Assign the CoS: Once the employer is licensed, they can assign a CoS to the worker. This is done through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), a platform provided by the UK government. The CoS is linked to the specific worker and job offer.
Issue the CoS: The employer issues the CoS to the worker, which they use to apply for their visa. The CoS contains essential details such as the job title, salary, and the employer's sponsorship details.
Maintain Records: Employers are required to keep records of all their sponsored workers and their job roles, including proof of salary and other employment conditions. This ensures compliance with the rules of the sponsorship licence.
Requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
To issue a CoS, the UK employer must meet certain requirements:
Benefits of the UK Certificate of Sponsorship
Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship comes with several benefits for UK employers:
Certificate of Sponsorship Costs and Fees
The fees for issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship depend on the type of sponsor licence and the number of workers being sponsored:
Sponsor Licence Application Fee: This fee is payable when applying for the sponsor licence. For small businesses, it is typically £574, and for medium and large businesses, it is £1,476.
Certificate of Sponsorship Fee: For defined CoS, the fee is £525 per certificate issued. Undefined CoS is typically issued to workers already in the UK and does not have an additional fee.
Immigration Health Surcharge: Sponsored workers must pay an immigration health surcharge, which gives them access to the NHS during their stay in the UK. The surcharge is typically £1,035 per year.
Renewal Fees: If the sponsor licence is up for renewal, there may be additional fees for renewing the licence.
Processing Times
The processing times for CoS applications can vary. Generally, once your sponsor licence is approved, you can issue a CoS within a few days. The visa application process for workers applying with a CoS can take 3-8 weeks, depending on the type of visa.
How Bekenbey Can Help
At Bekenbey, our experienced UK Visas and immigration lawyers can guide you through the entire process of obtaining and managing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We can help ensure that your business meets all the compliance requirements for issuing a CoS, including managing your sponsorship licence, understanding the visa application process, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Apply for Your Certificate of Sponsorship with Bekenbey
Are you ready to sponsor skilled workers in the UK? Contact Bekenbey today to apply for your Certificate of Sponsorship and ensure compliance with UK immigration laws. Our expert team will assist you every step of the way. Book a consultation now!
Documents Needed
To apply for Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), you may need the following documents:
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