A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document issued by a licensed UK employer or educational institution, confirming a genuine job offer or study placement for a qualified migrant. It contains key details, including the candidate’s information, the sponsor’s details, start and expiry dates, and a unique CoS reference number. A valid CoS is mandatory for applying for a work or study visa. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses the CoS number to verify that applicants have an appropriate certificate for their visa type.
By issuing a CoS, the sponsor affirms that the candidate meets the necessary visa conditions. For employment, this includes verifying the candidate’s skills, ensuring the job meets skill-level requirements, and confirming the offered salary meets minimum thresholds. For educational institutions, a CoS guarantees the candidate has been accepted into a legitimate course of study.
This type is for Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK. Sponsors must request a defined CoS through the online Sponsorship Management System (SMS) after obtaining their sponsor licence. Once approved by UKVI, the CoS is issued to the candidate, enabling them to apply for a visa. Processing is typically completed within one working day.
Undefined CoS applies to Skilled Worker visa applicants already in the UK and other sponsored visa categories. Sponsors estimate the required number of undefined CoS during their licence application, but additional certificates can be requested later via the SMS.
We provide comprehensive support to streamline the CoS process. Here’s how we can help:
At Visa for Abroad, we specialize in assisting with Certificates of Sponsorship and provide expert advice to make the process seamless.
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