A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document that confirms that a UK employer has a sponsorship licence and is willing to sponsor a foreign worker to come to the UK to work for them. The CoS is required for all foreign workers who are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or a Temporary Worker Visa.
Eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship
To be eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship, the foreign worker must:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer who has a sponsorship licence.
- Meet the English language requirement.
- Meet the salary requirement.
- Meet the skills requirement.
How to apply for a certificate
The UK employer will apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship on behalf of the foreign worker. The employer will need to create a Sponsor Management System (SMS) account and submit an online application. The application will include the foreign worker’s name, date of birth, nationality, and job title.
Once the application is approved, the employer will receive a CoS reference number. The employer can then give this number to the foreign worker so that they can apply for their visa.
How to improve your chances of getting a Certificate of Sponsorship
There are a number of things that foreign workers can do to improve their chances of getting a sponsorship certificate, including:
- Find a job with a UK employer who has a sponsorship licence.
- Make sure that they meet the English language requirement, the salary requirement, and the skills requirement.
- Prepare a strong CV and cover letter.
- Attend job interviews and be prepared to answer questions about their skills and experience.
People also asked..
Do you have to pay to get a Certificate of Sponsorship?
No the Sponsored individual does not have to pay a fee, however sponsors must pay a fee each time they assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. If the correct fee is not paid, then the Home Office may cancel the CoS.
Can I work in the UK without a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Yes there are a few options for Work Visas in the UK that do not require a Certificate of Sponsorship, such as Graduate Visa’s for those who are graduating from a UK University and the Innovator Visa for those who want to set up their own businesses in the UK.
Does the Certificate of Sponsorship guarantee a visa?
No a Certificate of Sponsorship alone does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. However for many UK work visas not having a Certificate of Sponsorship, will result in a rejected application.