Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Workers
Practical guidance for employers assigning Certificates of Sponsorship correctly and avoiding compliance mistakes.
What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record assigned by a licensed sponsor to a worker. It confirms the role, salary, occupation code and sponsorship details the worker will rely on for their visa application.
Incorrect CoS assignment can lead to visa refusal, compliance action or sponsor licence risk.
Current CoS and Sponsorship Fees
| Fee Item | Current GOV.UK Amount |
|---|---|
| Worker sponsor licence: small or charitable sponsor | £611 |
| Worker sponsor licence: medium or large sponsor | £1,682 |
| Certificate of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker | £525 |
| Immigration Skills Charge: small or charitable sponsor | £480 per year per worker |
| Immigration Skills Charge: medium or large sponsor | £1,320 per year per worker |
How NA Law Solicitors Can Help
- Check whether a role is eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
- Review salary, hours and occupation code issues before assignment.
- Advise on Defined and Undefined CoS allocation strategy.
- Help respond to Home Office queries or compliance concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I assign a CoS with the wrong salary?
A wrong salary can lead to visa refusal and may raise compliance concerns for the sponsor. You should take advice before assigning or correcting a CoS.
Can I request more CoS allocations if I run out?
Yes. Sponsors can request additional allocations, but UKVI may ask for evidence of genuine need and compliance systems.
What is the Immigration Skills Charge and who pays it?
The Immigration Skills Charge is paid by the sponsor, not the worker. Current rates are £480 per year for small or charitable sponsors and £1,320 per year for medium or large sponsors, per year of sponsorship.
How much is a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship?
The current Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship fee is £525. Sponsors should also budget for the Immigration Skills Charge where it applies.
What is the Immigration Skills Charge?
The Immigration Skills Charge is a charge paid by sponsors when assigning certain Certificates of Sponsorship. Current rates are £480 per year for a small or charitable sponsor and £1,320 per year for a medium or large sponsor, per year of sponsorship.
Can EU nationals need sponsorship?
Yes. EU and EEA nationals who arrived after 31 December 2020 and do not hold Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status or another right to work may need sponsorship like other non-settled workers.
Speak to a Sponsor Licence Specialist
Get practical advice before applying, assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, or responding to a Home Office issue.