UK Certificate of Sponsorship for Visa

The United Kingdom (UK) is teeming with opportunities for companies looking to expand globally. However, hiring foreign workers within the UK requires some forethought to comply with documentation and licensure requirements. One of the most important is the certificate of sponsorship (CoS), which empowers employers to sponsor a work visa for their workers.

Below, we’ll explain what the CoS is, how to get one, what information to look out for, how long it takes, and what mistakes companies often fall into in the process, along with how to avoid them.

What Is a UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

The certificate of sponsorship is a formal recognition that a foreign worker in the UK is being sponsored for a visa by their employer. Employers need to assign certificates of sponsorship for all foreign workers they employ within the UK, with very few exceptions. Namely, workers with existing visas that permit them to work may not require a new CoS for their new roles.

Applying for a CoS requires licensure for sponsoring different kinds of workers, including:

• Worker license – This allows employers to sponsor:
  
  • Skilled Workers
  • Senior or Specialist Workers
  • Ministers of Religion
  • International Sportsperson

• Temporary worker license – This allows employers to sponsor:
  
  • Scale-up Workers
  • Creative Workers
  • Charity Workers
  • Religious Workers
  • Government Authorised Exchange workers
  • International Agreement workers
  • Graduate Trainees
  • Service Suppliers
  • UK Expansion Workers
  • Secondment Workers
  • Seasonal Workers

Beyond these designations, there are also two categories of CoS: defined and undefined, which apply to skilled workers applying from outside and inside the UK, respectively.

With licensure in tow, employers can apply for a CoS for all applicable workers.

How to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship

Obtaining a CoS is relatively straightforward. The most important part of the process is applying for licensure. First, companies need to ensure that their business is eligible for the license. This entails not having criminal convictions related to immigration issues or fraud and not having had a sponsorship license revoked in the past year—along with documented systems and personnel in place to monitor and manage sponsored workers.

Then, assuming all roles to be sponsored fall into the categories detailed above, employers select the kind of license to apply for, delegate management, and submit the application online. This last portion requires paying fees, which range from £574 for temporary worker licenses for small and charitable sponsors to £1,579 for full worker licenses for medium or large sponsors. These larger companies will also pay £1,005 to upgrade to a full license for a temporary worker.

Once licensure is secured, applying for individual CoS documentation is as simple as filling out forms for each specific worker. The challenge is front-loaded in the license application.

What Information Is Included in a CoS?

The information needed for a CoS is also straightforward. The documentation needs to include all information relevant to the worker’s role and relationship to the company. This includes their personal information (i.e., name and passport number) and information about their job (i.e., the company’s name and licensing number, along with their title and salary).

Most importantly, the CoS contains a unique identifying number that workers use when applying for a visa, processing any changes or updates, and generally managing the visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CoS?

The majority of time spent processing a CoS is in the licensing portion. After applying for a worker and/or temporary worker license, forms can take up to eight weeks to process. Employers may be able to pay £500 to expedite their processing, ensuring a response within 10 days. However, these faster decisions are limited and are first-come, first-served.

Once licensure is secured, processing individual certificates of sponsorship is much swifter.

Defined certificates are typically approved within one working day. More time may be needed if an individual worker’s situation is particularly complex, as is sometimes the case with undefined certificates or temporary workers. Delays and associated costs are a reason to weigh the benefits of contractors vs. employees when sourcing talent internationally.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most mistakes in applying for a CoS or licensure to sponsor workers come from a lack of or incorrect information. Incorrect codes for the specific type of worker being sponsored, salary threshold misrepresentation, or omission of details can result in denied applications.

Additionally, employers bear responsibilities after a license or CoS is approved. They need to ensure that foreign workers maintain the skills and qualifications needed for their jobs, report visa noncompliance to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), achieve and maintain compliance with applicable UK labour laws, and other miscellaneous requirements for niche cases.

Mistakes like these are among the biggest barriers to expanding internationally. Avoiding them requires attention to detail, and it’s much easier when working with a dedicated partner.