The UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees are an essential factor for employers and visa applicants to consider when applying for a Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the CoS costs, including employer and applicant fees, additional charges, and payment methods.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a UK employer with a valid sponsor license. This document allows skilled workers from outside the UK to apply for a visa and legally work in the country.
Employers must pay specific fees when assigning a CoS to an employee, depending on the type of visa applied for.
UK Certificate of Sponsorship Fees 2025
The cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship depends on the type of visa. Below is the latest breakdown:
1. Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship Fees
Employers must pay the following fees for a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship:
- Standard Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £199 per applicant
- Health and Care Worker Visa CoS: £199 per applicant
- Shortage Occupation CoS: £199 per applicant
2. Temporary Worker Certificate of Sponsorship Fees
For Temporary Worker visa categories, the CoS fees are:
- Temporary Worker CoS (e.g., Creative, Charity, Religious Workers): £21 per applicant
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa CoS: £21 per applicant
Additional Sponsorship Costs for Employers
Employers sponsoring foreign workers must consider the following additional costs:
1. Sponsor License Fees
To issue a CoS, employers need a valid sponsor license. The fees are:
- Small or Charitable Organization: £536
- Medium or Large Business: £1,476
2. Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
The Immigration Skills Charge applies to Skilled Worker visa holders and is payable by the employer:
- Large Companies: £1,000 per year per worker
- Small Companies & Charities: £364 per year per worker
3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory for employees applying for UK work visas:
- Standard Rate: £1,035 per year per worker
- Discounted Rate (e.g., students, Youth Mobility Scheme): £776 per year
Who Pays the Certificate of Sponsorship Fees?
- The UK employer (sponsor) pays the CoS fee and other charges such as the Immigration Skills Charge.
- The visa applicant (worker) is responsible for their visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
How to Pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship?
Employers can pay the Certificate of Sponsorship fees through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sponsorship management system (SMS). Payments are typically made via:
- Debit or credit card
- Bank transfer
- Corporate accounts (for large businesses)
Once payment is processed, employers can assign the CoS to the employee, who then uses it to apply for a UK work visa.
Common Questions About UK CoS Fees
1. Is the Certificate of Sponsorship fee refundable?
No, CoS fees are non-refundable even if the visa application is refused.
2. Do CoS fees vary by job role?
No, the CoS fee is standard across all occupations. However, shortage occupation roles may benefit from lower visa fees.
3. Can employees reimburse employers for CoS fees?
UK law prohibits employers from recovering CoS costs from workers. However, some companies may have internal policies regarding cost-sharing for visa applications.
4. Are there discounts available for small businesses?
Yes, small businesses and charities pay a reduced Immigration Skills Charge (£364 per year instead of £1,000).