WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP (COS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic document with a unique reference number that a Sponsor (Employer) must issue to the migrant worker to enable them to submit a visa application under the sponsored routes such as Skilled worker, ICT and Temporary worker.

A CoS must confirm the migrant worker’s personal details, the job tittle, duties, salary, location where the job will be carried out, the start and end date of employment and the relevant code.

How to get a sponsorship Certificate

There are two types of CoS known as defined and undefined CoS.

Defined CoS:

If the migrant worker will be applying for entry clearance from outside the UK, you must first request a defined CoS and once the request is approved, the CoS must be assigned to the migrant worker within 3 months. If the CoS is not assigned during the 3 month period, it will expire and will need to be requested again.

A request for a defined Cos is normally approved between 1-3 days but can take longer if the Home Office requests further information.

Undefined CoS:

If the migrant worker will be applying for permission to stay from within the UK, you must assign them an undefined CoS. An undefined CoS can be requested when you apply for a Sponsor licence and provide an estimate of how many certificates you will require during the first year. If you use your allocation or you did not request any certificates at the time of applying for a licence, you can request an undefined CoS when required.

It is recommended to request an undefined Cos as early as possible as it can take up to 18 weeks for the request to be approved. The Home Office provides a priority service for an additional fee for the request to be approved within 5 working days.

An undefined CoS is also valid for 3 months.

Once a CoS is assigned to a migrant worker, they must submit their visa application within 3 months of the Cos being assigned.

Fee:

The fee for the CoS for skilled workers is £199 and for temporary workers is 21.
The fee for the priority service is £200.
There will be no fee if the Cos will be assigned to citizens of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

How can Mulgrave Law assist?

If you are looking for Sponsor Licence Guidance in London; contact our team of expert immigration lawyers we can provide advice on the eligibility requirements and assist with requesting and assigning a CoS. Our consultation is free of charge.

Mulgrave law are expert Immigration Lawyers who can assist you with all your Business Immigration needs. Get in touch today.

For Local Immigration Lawyers London or Local Immigration Solicitors London, get in touch with us right away!

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