COS
Overview of the UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
When seeking a skilled worker or temporary worker visa in the UK, individuals must furnish a Certificate of Sponsorship UK (CoS). To obtain a CoS UK, employers must hold a valid Sponsorship Licence issued in the UK.
Initiating the Certificate of Sponsorship Application Process and Understanding CoS Categories
Upon extending a job offer, employers must initiate the CoS application process, which entails furnishing detailed information regarding the prospective employee’s duties, anticipated salary, and job role. Notably, any disparities between the CoS details and the actual job position may result in the revocation of the sponsor licence.
The UK government issues two categories of Certificates of Sponsorship: Restricted and Unrestricted. The Restricted CoS has an annual quota of 20,700, necessitating accurate and thorough application submissions to secure the hiring of migrant workers.
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Certificate Of Sponsorship UK Allocations
Allocations of Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) refer to the number of COS that a sponsoring license holder can assign to overseas employees. These allocations are subject to specific guidelines and restrictions based on the type of sponsorship license and the employer’s requirements.
Sponsorship for Skilled Workers
Employers receive a predetermined number of COS under the Skilled Worker Sponsorship category, which is based on factors like the company's size and history of hiring foreign workers. These COS are utilized to sponsor foreign nationals with the requisite skills who intend to work in the UK in specific roles.
Sponsorship for Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Employers with an ICT Sponsorship License sponsor employees relocating to the UK from an overseas branch or subsidiary of the same company. These employees are allocated COS based on the type of ICT route (e.g., long-term or short-term), with varying numbers of COS available.
Temporary Worker Sponsorship
For firms seeking to sponsor temporary workers in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, or the creative arts, COS allocations vary according to the specific scheme under the Temporary Worker category.
Additional Sponsorship Areas
Some companies hold Sponsorship Licenses for specific categories like Religious Workers, International Agreement Workers, or Ministers of Religion. The COS allotments for these categories differ based on their unique requirements and regulations.
Who Needs a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required for most Tier 5 candidates and all Tier 2 Visa applicants. However, it's important to note that the Youth Mobility route does not necessitate a CoS, as the sponsor for this type of visa is the applicant's home country.
What is the Cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
The cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) varies depending on the type of sponsorship being requested. Presently, the fee for a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship is £199, while the Tier 5 CoS costs £21.
Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) in the UK typically involves the following steps:
Verify Eligibility: Confirm that both the foreign worker and your company meet the requirements for the specific visa category. This includes ensuring the alignment of the employee’s position with the job description outlined in the CoS.
Create a CoS: Utilize the UK Home Office’s online Sponsorship Management System (SMS) to generate a Certificate of Sponsorship for the foreign worker. Include relevant details such as the worker’s personal information, employment specifics, and the duration of sponsorship.
Assign Worker’s CoS: Allocate the completed CoS to the designated worker. Provide them with a unique CoS reference number necessary for their visa application.
Notify the Employee: Inform the employee that they have been issued a CoS and furnish them with all essential information, including the CoS reference number required for their visa application.
Keep Records: Maintain accurate records of the CoS assignment and associated paperwork. This documentation may be required to demonstrate compliance with sponsorship obligations during Home Office audits.
Monitoring and Documentation: Continuously monitor the worker’s adherence to visa conditions and promptly notify the Home Office of any significant changes or challenges encountered.
Submitting a Sponsorship Licence Application in the UK involves the following steps:
Verify Eligibility: Ensure that your company meets the qualifying requirements, typically involving the operation of a reputable business or organization in the UK.
Select the Type of Sponsorship Licence: Identify the category of sponsorship licence required based on the type of individuals you intend to sponsor. Common categories include skilled workers, intra-company transfers, temporary workers, and others.
Select Key Personnel: Determine the individuals within your company who will serve as Key Personnel responsible for overseeing the sponsorship process. This may include Authorising Officers, Key Contacts, and Level 1 Users, who must be qualified and meet specific criteria.
Join the Sponsorship Management System (SMS): Create an account on the UK Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS), an online platform for managing sponsorship. Complete the registration form, providing details about your company and key personnel.
Fill out the Application: Complete the Sponsor Licence online application on the SMS, providing information about your organization, its operations, and the types of employees you intend to sponsor.
Submit the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee online via the SMS, depending on the size and nature of your organization.
Submit Supporting Documentation: Upload any necessary supporting documents, such as business bank statements, financial statements, and other materials requested by the Home Office.
Wait for the Decision: Following the review of your application, the Home Office may conduct a compliance visit to your company, either virtually or in person, before approving workers for sponsorship.
Obtain the Sponsorship Licence: If your application is approved, the Home Office will issue you a Sponsorship Licence detailing the type and quantity of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) you are authorized to allocate.