Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A certificate of sponsorship is an electronic document containing details of the applicant’s employment in the UK. There are two types of sponsored visas for work: Skilled Worker and Intra-Company Transfer visa. 

As of 1 January 2021 the two types of sponsorship certificates (restricted and unrestricted) have been renamed, respectively:

• Defined certificate: this certificate is for individuals overseas looking to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. An employer can apply for this certificate through the sponsorship management system after obtaining a license. Often the defined CoS is approved within one working day. The CoS will need to be given to the worker within 3 months after being issued for their visa application. 
• Undefined certificate: this certificate is for individuals who are already in the UK and are applying for a skilled worker or any other visa. For employers applying for a license, you will be asked how many undefined certificates you think you will require in the first year. If within the first 12 months you use up all your certificates, you can apply for additional certificates via the sponsorship management system. 

Residential Labour Market Test (RLMT)

The Residential Labour Market test is no longer a requirement for employers. This will significantly reduce the waiting period for visa applicants. However it should be noted that the Home Office can inquire further in regards to the role whereby the sponsorship application can be either approved or denied. 

Before applying for a CoS…

Before applying for a CoS, the employer will need to obtain the right type of license. There are two types of licenses:

• “Workers” license for individuals who will be working long-term. This license is compliant with the Intra-Company Transfer visa and Skilled Worker visa.
• “Temporary workers” license for individuals working in the UK on a temporary basis. This license is compliant with Tier 5 (temporary worker) visa. 

For further information on sponsorship licenses, please see our page on Tier 2 Sponsorship license. 

How we can help

At NA Law Solicitors we provide thorough guidance and advice to ensure that your sponsorship application is prepared to the highest degree with attention paid to every detail in order to avoid refusal and warrant a successful outcome. For further information, please see our FAQs or contact us here. To speak to one of our specialist immigration solicitors, feel free to call us on 0203 5245439.