To submit a CoS request:
Go to the ‘CoS Requests’ tab in the Borderless app
Click ‘Add Request’ to begin a new CoS request
You will then be asked to specify the request type:
Annual Allocation CoS Request
In-Year CoS Request
For more information on the difference between an Annual Allocation CoS request vs. In-Year CoS request, please see this support article for guidance.
🧾 Filling Out the CoS Request
Each request contains 11–13 sections shown in a clear To-Do list format.
If you’ve uploaded documents before, you’ll have the option to reuse them where applicable.
🚩 Please note: If you name a candidate on the CoS request who is currently on a Student, Graduate, Dependent, or PSW visa and is switching to a Skilled Worker visa under SOC 6135/6136 for the first time, and they have not worked with you for at least 3 months, the Home Office may reject the request.
To prevent this, please state in the ‘Additional Info’ section that you will only assign the CoS once the candidate has met the 3-month requirement. For example: “We will assign this CoS once the candidate has completed 3 months of employment with us, in accordance with Home Office requirements.”
If they have been working with you for at least 3 months, then the Home Office would require proof e.g. payslips or employment contracts.
Processing Options
Once you click 'Submit', you will need to select how you want your CoS request to be processed by the Home Office:
Priority – £200 fee, processed by the Home Office in 5 working days.
Only available for Undefined CoS requests.Standard – No fee, typical processing time 8–16 weeks.
⚠️ Important:
Once submitted, a request cannot be upgraded to Priority. Be sure to select the correct option before submission.
🔄 Changes Requested Stage
Sometimes our Immigration Team may require additional information or documents before submitting your request to the Home Office.
If this happens, your CoS request will move to the ‘Changes Requested’ stage.
Please upload the requested documents and resubmit your application so we can proceed.
We understand that uploading multiple documents can be frustrating - however, these checks are required by the Home Office, and if we don’t provide them now, the Home Office is likely to request them later, delaying your application.
👉 It is your responsibility to provide the documents.
👉 Our Immigration Team cannot review or progress your request until you submit the information on the Borderless portal.
👉 Further documents are often necessary for compliance.
📩 What Happens Next?
Our immigration team will review and process the request.
You’ll get an email confirmation once your CoS request is submitted.
Once approved, the CoS status will be marked as Granted and you’ll be notified.
📎 Further Documents Request
Sometimes the Home Office may require additional information to make a decision on your CoS request. They typically give a 5 working day window to respond.
If you receive an email from the Home Office requesting further documents or clarification, do not reply directly.
Instead, forward the email to your account manager or to [email protected], and our Immigration team will handle the response on your behalf.
💬 Need help or an update? - Open the Support tab at the bottom right of your screen to contact our team directly.