Sponsor Licence employers can legally hire foreign workers, contributing to a balanced and skilled labor market in the UK while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

1. Certificate of
Sponsorship (CoS)

2. Contents
• Introduction
• What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
• Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
• Eligibility and Requirements
• The Application Process for Employers
• Costs and Fees
• Common Challenges and Solutions
• Conclusion

3. Introduction
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic paper created by the employer who holds a
sponsorship licence. It includes a distinctive reference number which the overseas worker can use
to apply for a visa.
Immigration: A CoS is essential for non-UK citizens in securing a work permit which permits them
to work legally within the UK boundaries.
Employment: Employers need to sponsor foreign employees and ensure that they meet the skill
and salary requirements set by the UK, thus promoting job market integrity.

4. What is a Certificate of
Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an e-document that's majorly essential for a foreign national
to have it. This must be from a UK licenced employer, demonstrating that the individual has a
genuine offer of employment required when applying for a visa. The CoS comes with unique
reference numbers and other details about the job and employee, assuring that the position meets
specific criteria by the UK government in terms of skill level and salary. It validates the need for
such a position as well, which in turn helps ensure that only legitimate job seekers are allowed to
apply for work visas through this system. This is how it ensures checks over flow of immigrants
into labor markets hence by doing so it maintains standards of its own market by precluding those
who do not have enough skills or qualifications from entering their workforce.

5. Types of Certificates of
Sponsorship
Defined CoS: This is meant for skilled workers who are applying for visas outside the UK and will
be coming to the UK for skilled employment. The way to get a defined CoS is that the employer
has to provide detailed information about the job to the UK Home Office, which will evaluate it
against some specific criteria before issuing the certificate.
Undefined CoS: This category is applicable for skilled workers who are already present in the UK
and are transitioning or prolonging their existing visa. An undefined CoS can be issued by
employers directly through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) without the need for pre-
approval from the Home Office, in contrast to the defined CoS. Furthermore, this particular
classification is utilized for individuals on alternative visa categories making a switch to a Skilled
Worker visa as well.

6. Eligibility and Requirements
For Employers: In order to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), an employer is required to
possess a valid sponsorship licence. This license is bestowed by the UK Home Office subsequent
to a comprehensive assessment of the employer's capacity to fulfill sponsorship duties and
responsibilities. The employer must substantiate a legitimate necessity for the position and
establish that it cannot be filled by local workers. The position must adhere to specific skill and
salary thresholds to ensure that the employment of foreign workers does not have a detrimental
impact on local labor market conditions.
For Employees: A foreign worker must secure a job offer that aligns with the UK's sponsorship
criteria. This encompasses roles categorized as skilled and meeting the minimum salary
prerequisites. The worker must also demonstrate possession of the requisite skills, qualifications,
and experience for the role. Furthermore, the position must not be included in the UK's list of
ineligible occupations for sponsorship.

7. The Application Process for
Employers
Sponsorship Licence Application: In order to sponsor foreign workers, employers are required to
submit an application for a sponsorship licence to the Home Office. This application entails providing
evidence of their business operations, financial stability, and the necessity to hire individuals from
overseas.
Utilizing the Sponsor Management System (SMS): Once the sponsorship licence is obtained,
employers are granted access to the SMS, an online platform that enables them to effectively manage
their sponsorship responsibilities. Within this system, employers can make requests for specific
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocations or directly issue CoS without specific details.
Allocation of a CoS: To allocate a CoS, employers must input the job particulars and the sponsored
individual's information into the SMS. This process generates a unique CoS reference number, which
the employee will utilize for their visa application.
Compliance and Reporting Obligations: Employers are obligated to adhere to ongoing duties, which
include monitoring the immigration status of the sponsored worker, maintaining accurate records, and
promptly reporting any changes in the worker's circumstances to the Home Office.

8. Costs and Fees
There are various fees linked to the CoS process:
• Sponsor Licence Fee: The amount differs based on the organization's size and type, with
larger businesses generally incurring higher fees.
• CoS Issuance Fee: Employers are required to pay a fee for each CoS issued.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Most workers sponsored under the Skilled Worker route are
obligated to pay an additional fee known as the Immigration Skills Charge. This fee aims to
promote investment in the UK workforce.

9. Common Challenges and
Solutions
Employers frequently encounter difficulties during the CoS process, such as navigating application
procedures and ensuring adherence to legal requirements. Typical problems consist of errors in
the CoS application, lack of documentation, and shifts in immigration policies. To address these
issues, employers should:
• Stay updated on the latest immigration regulations and changes.
• Guarantee meticulous and precise completion of all paperwork.
• Consider seeking legal counsel or consulting immigration experts when necessary.

10. Conclusion
The CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) plays a crucial role in the immigration system of the United
Kingdom, guaranteeing the lawful and suitable employment of foreign workers. By comprehending
the various types, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, both employers and employees
can effectively navigate the intricate CoS system. Efficient management of the CoS not only
ensures adherence to legal regulations but also contributes to the overarching objective of
maintaining a skilled and harmonious workforce in the UK.
To understand how to get certificate of Sponsorship UK and the overall application process, please
refer to the information provided throughout this presentation.

11. Thank you
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