What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an essential document that UK employers provide to foreign workers under certain visa categories, particularly for the Skilled Worker Visa. This document confirms that a licensed sponsor is offering a job to a non-citizen and is a necessary requirement for applying for a UK work visa. At Visa Simple, we help employers and potential workers navigate this process smoothly, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.
Who Needs a Certificate of Sponsorship?
The CoS is a critical part of the immigration process for individuals applying for a UK work visa. Common visa categories requiring a CoS include:
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Skilled Worker Visa: Aimed at workers filling roles that require specific skills and qualifications, usually in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering.
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Global Talent Visa: For individuals who are internationally recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in their field.
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Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa: For employees of multinational companies transferring to a UK office.
Without the CoS, your work visa application will be incomplete, and your chances of approval will be significantly reduced.
Key Requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship
For both employers and employees, certain conditions must be met:
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Employer Requirements:
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Employers must be UK Home Office-approved sponsors.
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The job must meet the relevant skill and salary thresholds.
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The employer must provide accurate and up-to-date details about the job, the worker, and the employment terms.
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Employee Requirements:
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Employees must be applying for a visa that requires sponsorship.
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The job offered must be eligible under the specific visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.
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Employees must meet all other visa eligibility criteria, such as English language proficiency.
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How to Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship
Here’s a quick guide to how employers can apply for a CoS:
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Step 1: Employers must have a valid sponsorship licence from the UK Home Office.
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Step 2: Submit the job details and worker’s information via the Home Office portal.
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Step 3: Once approved, the employer receives the CoS, which they can then assign to the employee.
For employees, once the CoS is assigned, it must be included in the visa application.
How Visa Simple Can Help
Navigating the process of obtaining a certificate of sponsorship can be overwhelming, especially when it involves legal compliance and documentation. At Visa Simple, our team provides expert assistance for both employers and employees. We ensure that all requirements are met, paperwork is accurately filled out, and deadlines are adhered to, reducing the risk of delays or application rejections.
