The United Kingdom has long been a destination for people from all over the world looking for work. The UK implemented the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) mechanism to enable the hiring of foreign employees. This system is critical for both companies and employees since it ensures that foreign people may lawfully work in the UK. 

In this post, we will look at the COS process in detail, from its description to the actions necessary to get one, its processing time, checking the COS number, and the method for cancelling a Certificate of Sponsorship. 

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship? 

A Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is a document that allows UK companies to sponsor non-European Economic Area (EEA) and non-Swiss people for employment in the UK. It is a virtual document, not a real certificate, and acts as a reference number with complete information on the work role and the individual being sponsored. 

How to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK / Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship UK: 

To obtain a COS, there are specific steps and documentation required: 

• Employer’s Sponsorship License: An employer must have a valid Sponsorship License before granting a COS, which may be acquired by applying to the UK Home Office. The licenses outline the sponsoring organization’s obligations and responsibilities. 
  
• Job Advertisement (Resident Labor Market Test): In most situations, companies must publicize the post to establish that no eligible local workers are available to fill it. This provision guarantees that foreign labor is only used when there is no available local labor. The documentation associated with this advertising procedure must be kept on file. 
  
• COS Application: The employer can apply for a COS using the Sponsor Management System (SMS) if they have been licensed and have met the advertising criteria. The application will include information about employment, income, and the person who will be sponsored. It’s important to provide accurate information in the application. 
  
• Job Offer Letter: The company is obligated to submit a formal job offer letter to the prospective employee describing the terms and conditions of employment. 
  
• Salary and Maintenance Requirements: The COS application will require documentation that the employee will be paid a wage that satisfies the statutory criteria, and that the person will be able to support themselves without relying on government funding.   

How to Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship: 

The application process for a COS includes the following steps: 

• Log into Sponsor Management System (SMS): Employers need to log in to the SMS, the online platform for managing sponsorships. 

• Create and Assign COS: The employer generates and allocates COS for the prospective employee within the SMS. The application procedure varies based on the type of visa sought, such as a Tier 2 (General) visa or a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa. 

• Pay the Appropriate Fees: Employers are required to cover the relevant costs for the COS application. These fees might vary based on the kind of sponsorship and the period of the visa.  

• Provide Necessary Information: Employers must include all pertinent information regarding the employment description, the person, and the organization. When all of the information is collected, the application is sent to the UK Home Office. 

• Submit the Application: Once the information is complete, the application is submitted to the UK Home Office. 

How Long It Takes to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK: 

In general, it may take several weeks, so employers should plan ahead of time to guarantee a timely procedure.  

How to Check the Sponsorship Certificate Number:  

The COS number is a one-of-a-kind reference number that is issued to each COS application. The company usually provides the number to the sponsored worker. The sponsored worker can confirm the COS number by referring to the physical COS paperwork or obtaining it from their employer.  

Additionally, the COS number may be verified via the UK Home Office’s web site. 

How to Cancel a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK: 

Cancelling a COS is normally initiated by the employer using the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The causes for cancellation might include the sponsored worker quitting their employer, finishing their visa term, or other employment-related changes.  

Employers must follow all applicable requirements and promptly notify the UK Home Office of any changes to the sponsorship status. 

Finally, the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) procedure is an important part of the UK’s immigration system since it allows firms to lawfully engage foreign workers.  

It entails a well-defined series of processes, beginning with getting a sponsor licence and continuing with the creation and assignment of the COS and adhering to certain visa category standards.  

Throughout the employment time, employers and sponsored workers must follow the regulations and duties involved with this procedure. Understanding and adhering to the COS procedure is critical for both firms and people wishing to work in the United Kingdom.