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Introduction The UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) employer requirements are a critical aspect of hiring foreign workers under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa and other work visa categories. Employers must meet specific eligibility criteria, obtain a Sponsor License, and comply with UK immigration laws to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a worker. This article provides a detailed guide on the UK CoS employer requirements, covering eligibility, compliance, financial obligations, and the process for issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship in 2025. What is a UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)? A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record assigned to a foreign worker by a licensed UK employer. It acts as proof that the worker has a valid job offer that meets the Skilled Worker Visa requirements. Types of Certificates of Sponsorship UK Certificate of Sponsorship Employer Requirements To issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, UK employers must meet the following eligibility criteria: 1. Hold a Valid UK Sponsor License Employers must obtain a Sponsor License from the UK Home Office to hire overseas workers. To qualify, they must: 2. Job Role Must Meet Skilled Worker Visa Criteria To sponsor a worker, the job must: 3. Compliance with UK Immigration Laws Employers must adhere to strict compliance requirements, including: Steps to Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship for Employers Step 1: Apply for a UK Sponsor License Before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship, employers must obtain a Sponsor License by submitting: Processing Time for Sponsor License: Step 2: Request a CoS Allocation Once the Sponsor License is granted, employers must request a CoS allocation via the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). They must specify how many Certificates of Sponsorship they need and justify their request. Step 3: Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship to a Worker After receiving CoS allocation, employers must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker. The CoS must include: Step 4: Worker Uses the CoS for Visa Application The foreign worker uses the CoS reference number to apply for a UK work visa. The worker must: UK Certificate of Sponsorship Fees for Employers Employers must pay the following fees when sponsoring a foreign worker: Responsibilities of UK Employers Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship Employers who issue a Certificate of Sponsorship must: Common Reasons for CoS Employer Application Rejection What to Do if Your CoS Employer Application is Refused? If your UK CoS employer application is refused:

STUDENT DEPENDENT VISA: RULES AND REQUIREMENTS If you are an international student in the process of securing your study visa, you may wish to bring your family members to join you during your studies. The UK government has specific requirements that must be met for dependents to join you. At Asher and Tomar Solicitors, we understand that navigating visa regulations can be complex, so we provide up-to-date information on eligibility, financial requirements, and application procedure. Who can be dependent on a student Visa? The UK Home Office defines “dependents” of student visa holders as: WHO CANNOT APPLY AS A DEPENDENT (student dependent)? From 1 January 2024, most new international students cannot bring dependents unless they are: Master’s students (RQF Level 7) no longer qualify to bring dependents. Extended family members (e.g., parents, siblings) cannot apply as dependents. PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP FOR SPOUSE -Marriage or civil partnership certificate (translated if not in English) -Cohabitation Proof (for unmarried partners)- rental agreements, utility bills, or bank statement showing shared address for 2+ years -A letter from both parents confirming the authenticity of the relationship. SPOUSE’S WORK RIGHTS IN THE UK If the student is studying a PhD or research-based degree, the spouse can work full-time. CHILD AS A DEPENDENT (STUDENT DEPENDENT) A student visa holder can bring their child under 18 if: Exception: If one parent is deceased, the student visa holder has sole responsibility, or there are serious compelling reasons for the child to live in the UK with one parent. PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP FOR CHILDREN You must provide: -A birth certificate or adoption certificate -Proof of a sole parental responsibility (if only one parent is applying) -A letter explaining the child’s care arrangement in the UK CHILD’S RIGHTS IN THE UK Dependent children can attend UK state school for free. They cannot work full-time but can take part-time if over 16. FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: To ensure you can support your dependents in the UK, you must prove you have sufficient funds: In London:  £845 per month for each dependent (up to a maximum of 9 months) Total: £7,605 per dependent. Outside London: £680 per month for each dependent (up to a maximum of 9 months) Total: £6120 per dependent Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date. Exception: If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you are exempt from financial proof. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR A DEPENDENT VISA  When applying for a UK Student Dependent Visa you must provide: -Marriage or civil partnership certificate (translated if not in English) -Cohabitation Proof (for unmarried partners)- rental agreements, utility bills, or bank statement showing shared address for 2+ years -A letter from both parents confirming the authenticity of the relationship. -Birth Certificate (for dependent children) Bank statement, official scholarship/ scholarship letter or parental financial support proof APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SPOUSE AND CHILD Step 1: Online Application Student Dependents must apply via the UK Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-partner-and-children Application fee for each dependent: Standard Visa Service: £490 Priority Visa Service: £500 Super Priority Visa Service: 1000 Each dependent must pay the HIS fee to access NHS health care in the UK Current Cost: £776 per year fee each dependent. Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents Step 3: Biometric Appointment Step 4: Decision Processing Standard Processing time: 3-8 weeks Priority services: 5 working days  HOW WE CAN HELP Navigating UK immigration rules can be challenging, especially with frequent updates and stringent requirements. Our experienced solicitors can assist you with: Contact Asher & Tomar Solicitors should you wish to apply for a student dependent visa, as our expert immigration solicitors in London have dealt with lots of student dependent visa applications.