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?
