Defining the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) The Certificate of Sponsorship, colloquially known as CoS, isn't a tangible certificate. Instead, it's an electronic record. Each CoS possesses a distinctive reference number that overseas workers are required to input in their visa applications. The CoS encompasses the employee's personal particulars and the specific details of the job offer they've received.

Categories of CoS CoS can be divided into two principal categories:

  1. Restricted: Pertains to employees outside the UK who intend to apply under the Tier 2 General pathway.

  2. Unrestricted: Generally associated with employees already within the UK or those applying via the intra-company transfer procedure.

CoS Eligibility Any individual from outside the UK's resident labour market aiming to work within the UK under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the Points-Based System necessitates a legitimate CoS.

Pricing of CoS The cost associated with CoS is contingent upon the certificate type and the employee's individual situation. It is prudent for employers to consult the official government portal for the latest pricing details.

CoS Allocation Procedure During the application process for a Tier 2 sponsorship licence, employers are obliged to delineate a specific number of CoS they require via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

Procedure to Assign a CoS Using the Sponsorship Management System, employers have the capability to allocate a CoS to migrant employees. It is imperative to allocate CoS only to those candidates whom you discern will fulfil all visa criteria.

The CoS Annual Timeline The annual CoS cycle ordinarily commences from the date the employer's sponsorship licence is approved and culminates the day prior to that date in the subsequent year.

CoS Processing Duration Post the submission of a restricted CoS request, it generally undergoes scrutiny during a monthly allocation session. In contrast, unrestricted CoS can often be allocated instantly via SMS.

CoS for UK Branch Expansion Should your firm decide to bolster its UK operations, there could be a necessity to relocate existing staff members. Such individuals may require a CoS, specifically under the intra-company modality.

Procedure to Revoke a CoS If there's a perception that a CoS was erroneously allocated or if the employee's status alters, it's possible to annul it through the SMS.

Acquiring a Sponsorship Licence Prior to the assignment of a CoS, employers must initiate an application for a sponsorship licence. This undertaking mandates affirmation that your establishment is authentic and adheres to specific benchmarks.

Introduction to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) The SMS operates as a digital interface enabling licenced sponsors to administer their licence and execute tasks related to CoS.

Require Assistance Pertaining to CoS? For intricate queries or assistance related to CoS, Taifa Recruitment stands ready to assist.

person standing near the stairs
person standing near the stairs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CoS:

  • What exactly is a CoS? An electronic record bearing a unique reference number essential for visa applications by overseas employees.

  • Which authority issues the CoS? The UK government, facilitated by the Sponsorship Management System.

    How is a CoS allocated? This is executed via SMS, contingent upon possessing a valid sponsorship licence.

  • How long is the CoS processing period? While restricted CoS undergo monthly evaluations, unrestricted ones are often immediate.

  • Is a CoS mandatory for employment in the UK? For individuals outside the UK's resident labour market, aspiring to be employed under Tier 2 or Tier 5, a CoS is indispensable.

The data disseminated in this guide is extrapolated from the UK Government's official portal on visa sponsorship for employers. For precise and contemporary details, it is recommended to always refer to the official source.https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers

Taifa Recruitment's Comprehensive Guide to Certificate of Sponsorship and Sponsorship Licences