Certificate of Sponsorship Meaning: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
If you’re planning to work in the UK as an international worker, you’ve probably come across the term Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It’s a vital part of the UK visa application process, especially for skilled workers. But what exactly does it mean?
Let us shed some light on it for better understanding.
What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK?
Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK for Skilled Worker Visa from in-country and out-of-country applicants:
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an official electronic document issued by a UK-licensed employer (also called a sponsor) to a foreign worker they intend to hire. It contains a unique reference number and important job-related information needed to apply for a Skilled Worker visa or other sponsored work visas.
It’s not a physical certificate but a digital record created in the UK Home Office’s Sponsor Management System (SMS).
Types of Certificates of Sponsorship (Certificate of Sponsorship Meaning)
There are two main types:
1. Defined Certificate of Sponsorship
Used for workers applying from outside the UK. Employers must request it for each candidate.
2. Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
Used for people already inside the UK for switching visa categories or extending their stay.
What Information Does a CoS Contain?
A CoS includes:
- Unique reference number
- Sponsor license number
- Job title and description
- Salary and work hours
- Start and end date of employment
- Confirmation of whether the job is in a shortage occupation
How to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship?
How to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK in 2025
To get a CoS:
- Secure a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
- The employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship
- Use the CoS reference number when applying for your visa
You cannot apply for a CoS yourself—it must be provided by your employer.
Contact Asher & Tomar Solicitors (Certificate of Sponsorship Meaning), one of the best immigration solicitor firms in the UK, who have been serving since 2008.
Our team of expert immigration solicitors has in-depth knowledge of the immigration laws/rules and can advise you thoroughly on what a Certificate of Sponsorship Meaning is?
FAQs
1. What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a digital reference number issued by a licensed UK employer to confirm they are sponsoring a migrant worker for a specific job. It’s not a physical document but an electronic record used when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or other sponsored work visas.
2. Who can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Only employers who hold a valid Home Office Sponsor Licence can assign a CoS. They must meet strict compliance and reporting duties to maintain their licence and continue sponsoring overseas workers.
3. What information is included in a CoS?
A CoS contains key details about the job and the worker, including job title, job description, salary, working hours, and the employer’s licence number. It also includes a unique reference code that the applicant must use in their visa application.
4. How long is a Certificate of Sponsorship valid for?
Once assigned, a CoS is typically valid for three months. The visa application must be submitted within this timeframe, otherwise the certificate expires and may need to be reissued.
5. What is the difference between an Assigned and Unassigned CoS?
An Unassigned CoS sits in the employer’s sponsorship management system until it is allocated to a specific worker. Once allocated, it becomes an Assigned CoS and can be used by the worker to apply for their visa.
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