Sponsor Licences
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A UK Immigration Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a licensed UK employer that allows a foreign worker to apply for a visa. It confirms that the employer is sponsoring the individual, providing details of their job, salary, and start date. The CoS is required for Skilled Worker visas and certain other work routes, ensuring that the applicant meets UK immigration requirements. It is not a physical certificate and must be assigned through the Sponsorship Management System before the visa application can proceed.

‘Defined’ certificates are used to sponsor Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK. Employers must request these through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) after receiving their sponsor licence, and applications can be fast-tracked by priority service. Once approved, the certificates appear in the SMS and can be assigned to a worker. ‘Undefined’ certificates are for Skilled Workers applying from inside the UK and for applicants on other visa routes; employers must estimate how many they will need in their first year when applying for their sponsor licence.

The UK government charges a fee for each time you issue a certificate to a worker, and the amount depends on the category of sponsor licence you hold. You are not allowed to pass this cost on to the sponsored worker or require them to cover any related application expenses, as doing so could result in your licence being revoked.

We offer support with securing a UK Sponsor Licence, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship, and making visa applications. Whether you’re handling high-volume applications or a single skilled worker visa, we can guide you through the process.