UK Certificate of Sponsorship
Essential documentation for UK work visa sponsorship
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) represents a formal, electronically issued authorization document that serves as the foundation of the UK work visa sponsorship system. This unique reference document is assigned by licensed UK employers to foreign workers who have met all necessary qualifications for the specific employment role and visa category. The CoS acts as proof that an employer has verified the worker's eligibility and is committing to sponsor their visa application through the official immigration process.
Once a worker receives their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, they become eligible to submit their formal work visa application to UK immigration authorities. This document is the critical link between employer sponsorship and individual visa approval, making it an indispensable component of the entire UK work visa framework.
Validity Period
Must be used within 3 months of issuance; cannot be applied for more than 3 months before the employment start date
Electronic System
Assigned through the Sponsor Management System by licensed employers with Level 1 or Level 2 authorization
Unique Reference
Each Certificate receives a distinct reference number that workers must include in their visa application
Who Requires a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Workers Requiring CoS
Any foreign national seeking to work in the United Kingdom must obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer. This requirement applies across all work visa categories including skilled worker positions, temporary roles, specialized employment, and professional assignments.
The sponsorship requirement ensures that UK employers have vetted their international workforce and that individuals meet the specific skill levels and employment criteria necessary for their designated positions.
Exemptions from CoS Requirement
- •Irish Citizens: Enjoy unrestricted work access to the UK without visa sponsorship
- •EU Settlement Scheme Status: Those with settled or pre-settled status are exempt
- •Indefinite Leave to Remain: Individuals with ILR status do not need sponsorship
- •British Citizens: No sponsorship required for employment within the UK
How to Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship
Employer Requirements for Sponsorship
Before an employer can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a worker, the business must first obtain a sponsor license from UK immigration authorities. This licensing process requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and maintaining compliance with immigration regulations.
Step 1: Verify Business Eligibility
Confirm that your business meets all sponsorship eligibility requirements. Employers cannot hold a sponsor license if they have immigration-related criminal convictions, other specified criminal offences, or a cancelled sponsor license within the previous 12 months.
Step 2: Confirm Job Suitability
Verify that the position you wish to sponsor meets UK requirements for international employment. The role must demonstrate genuine business need and cannot be filled by available UK or settled workers without justification.
Step 3: Select Sponsorship License Type
Choose between a Worker License (for permanent and long-term positions) or a Temporary Worker License (for short-term placements). Each license type carries different rights and obligations regarding the workers you can sponsor.
Step 4: Designate Sponsorship Manager
Assign an individual within your organization as the Designated Sponsor. This person will manage all sponsorship responsibilities and maintain compliance with immigration regulations on behalf of your business.
Step 5: Apply Through Sponsor Management System
Once licensed, access the Sponsor Management System (SMS) to create and assign Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers. The system provides a digital platform for all sponsorship transactions and record-keeping.
Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
Defined Certificates
Defined Certificates of Sponsorship are issued for workers applying from outside the United Kingdom. Employers submit specific applications through the Sponsor Management System, matching each certificate to a particular named individual and defined position.
These certificates provide the most straightforward sponsorship route for international recruitment, as they tie the sponsorship directly to an identified candidate and specific employment opportunity.
Undefined Certificates
Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship apply to workers already present in the United Kingdom seeking to change employment. These certificates provide flexibility for internal mobility and career development within the UK labor market.
When employers first apply for sponsorship licenses, they must estimate how many undefined certificates they will require in their first operational year for each work visa category.
Annual Certificate Allocation System
When employers initially apply for sponsorship licenses, UK immigration authorities require them to forecast their Certificate of Sponsorship needs. Employers must specify how many undefined certificates they anticipate issuing during their first operational year for each work visa category they seek to sponsor.
Annual Allocation Process
- 1.Employers estimate annual sponsorship needs by visa category
- 2.Immigration authorities review and approve allocation requests
- 3.Each calendar year requires a new allocation request
- 4.Allocations are category-specific and not transferable
Certificate Validity
Each Certificate of Sponsorship remains valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. Employers must plan their allocation requests sufficiently in advance to ensure adequate certificates are available when needed.
The annual system allows immigration authorities to monitor sponsorship patterns and manage international worker intake across different employment categories and sectors.
Changing Employment and Certificate Requirements
Switching to a New Employer
Workers who wish to change employers while maintaining UK work authorization must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from their prospective employer. The original certificate becomes invalid when the employment relationship ends or when the worker transitions to a different position with different sponsorship.
It is crucial to understand that a Certificate of Sponsorship cannot be transferred between employers. Each sponsoring organization must issue its own certificate reflecting the specific employment terms, position details, and workplace arrangements.
Important Restriction Period
Once a Certificate of Sponsorship has been issued, workers cannot receive another certificate for a minimum of three months. This restriction period ensures stability in employment relationships and prevents frequent certificate reassignments.
Process for Obtaining New Sponsorship
- 1.Current sponsor must formally remove the existing Certificate of Sponsorship from the system
- 2.Worker must wait for the certificate to be fully removed
- 3.New employer can then assign a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship
- 4.Worker submits new visa application with the new certificate reference
Certificate of Sponsorship Costs
Employers bear the financial responsibility for issuing Certificates of Sponsorship to their workers. The specific fee structure depends on the type of sponsorship license the employer holds and the employment duration of the certificate.
| License Type | Employment Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Worker License | All durations | £199 |
| Temporary Worker License | All durations | £21 |
| International Sportsperson | More than 12 months | £199 |
| International Sportsperson | 12 months or less | £21 |
Fee-Exempt Countries
Citizens from specific European Economic Area countries enjoy exemption from Certificate of Sponsorship fees. Employers sponsoring workers from these nations do not incur certificate issuance charges, though other visa-related fees still apply.
Nordic & Western Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey
Central & Eastern Europe: Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, North Macedonia, Poland, Slovakia
Certificate of Sponsorship Processing Timeline
Standard Processing
The typical processing timeline for a Certificate of Sponsorship is approximately one working day. Once an employer submits a certificate request through the Sponsor Management System, UK immigration authorities typically review and approve the request within 24 business hours.
Approved certificates appear in the employer's SMS account, where they can immediately assign the certificate reference to the eligible worker.
Extended Processing Circumstances
In some cases, immigration authorities may require additional information or clarification regarding the worker or employment circumstances. When supplementary documents or explanations are requested, processing may extend beyond the standard one-day timeframe.
Employers should ensure all submitted information is accurate and complete to minimize processing delays and expedite certificate approval.
Key Points About Certificates of Sponsorship
Essential Requirements
- • Must be used within 3 months of issuance
- • Cannot be applied for more than 3 months before employment start
- • Employer must hold valid sponsor license
- • Non-transferable between employers
- • Valid for exactly one year from issue date
Important Considerations
- • Fast processing (typically 1 working day)
- • Fees vary by license and employment type
- • Some countries exempt from fees
- • Requires Sponsor Management System access
- • Critical for all work visa applications
Ready to Apply for UK Work Sponsorship?
Understand your Certificate of Sponsorship requirements and begin your UK work visa application journey today.
Learn More About UK Work Visas