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If your business is looking to hire overseas talent, one of the most important steps is to apply for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without it, a worker cannot apply for a sponsored UK visa such as the Skilled Worker route.
This guide explains what a Certificate of Sponsorship is, when you need one, and how to apply correctly to avoid delays or compliance issues.
Before You Apply for Certificate of Sponsorship
Before you can apply for Certificate of Sponsorship, your organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence.
To qualify, your business must:
- Be a genuine and lawfully operating UK organisation
- Have appropriate HR systems in place
- Appoint Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User
- Meet compliance and reporting obligations
If you do not yet hold a sponsor licence, you must apply for and receive approval before you can assign a CoS.
Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
When you apply for Certificate of Sponsorship, it’s important to select the correct type:
1. Defined Certificate of Sponsorship
Used for Skilled Workers applying from outside the UK.
Each Defined CoS must be individually requested and approved by the Home Office before assignment.
2. Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
Used for:
- Skilled Workers switching within the UK
- Other sponsored routes such as Global Business Mobility
Undefined CoS are usually allocated annually when your sponsor licence is granted or renewed.
Common Mistakes When You Apply for Certificate of Sponsorship
Avoid these frequent errors:
- Selecting the wrong SOC code
- Failing to meet salary thresholds
- Assigning before confirming compliance checks
- Providing inconsistent job descriptions
- Missing right-to-work document checks
Errors can result in visa refusals, sponsor licence suspension, or compliance audits.
Processing Times
- Defined CoS requests are typically processed within 1–2 working days (though delays can occur).
- Undefined CoS assignments are immediate if allocation is available.
Always build in contingency time when hiring internationally.
Compliance Responsibilities After Assignment
When you apply for Certificate of Sponsorship and assign it, your obligations don’t end there. Sponsors must:
- Report changes in employment
- Maintain accurate records
- Track visa expiry dates
- Monitor attendance and employment status
Failure to comply can lead to sponsor licence revocation.