Undefined vs named CoS requests
When a sponsor applies to the Home Office for additional CoS allocations, they can request either undefined CoS (a general allocation not tied to specific workers) or defined CoS (tied to a named individual who has already been offered sponsorship). For undefined CoS requests, particularly where large numbers are requested, the Home Office may ask the sponsor to provide supporting evidence.
What the Home Office may ask for
For larger allocation requests, the Home Office commonly requests that the sponsor name the individuals they intend to sponsor, along with supporting documentation demonstrating genuine need. If you have requested, for example, 60 CoS but can only name 10 individuals at this stage, the Home Office may ask you to justify the remaining allocation or reduce the request to match the number of named candidates.
The Home Office has become noticeably more stringent on these requests. Name real, identified individuals proportional to the number of allocations you are asking for. Borderless does not recommend submitting a request without a sufficient number of named individuals, because the risk of rejection is high. If you are mid-recruitment and cannot yet name everyone, it is usually better to request only what you can currently evidence and submit a further request later.
Borderless will guide you through responding to any Home Office request for further information. If you receive such a request, do not respond directly without first contacting your Borderless case worker, as the framing of the response can affect the outcome.
Evidence of genuine need
The Home Office wants to see that each requested CoS reflects a real vacancy. Be ready to provide:
P45s for staff who have left, as evidence of the resignations creating the vacancies
Resignation letters and, where available, exit interview notes
Service contracts, purchase orders or remittance evidence from local authorities or the NHS that demonstrate the volume of care work you are contracted to deliver
Statements from agencies where agency staff are currently filling gaps you intend to fill with sponsored workers
Where a worker is being replaced, link the new CoS request clearly to the departing worker so the need is obvious.
Plan ahead of visa expiry dates
Allocation decisions can take time and have been subject to delays. If you have workers whose visas expire over the coming months, build your allocation request well before those expiry dates so there is time to assign a CoS and submit the visa application in good order. Do not leave a request until an expiry is imminent, because there may not be enough time to secure the allocation and protect the worker's status.
Switching candidates and unused CoS
If a CoS has been assigned to one worker but needs to be reassigned or if the wrong SOC code was used, the original CoS cannot simply be amended in most cases. Depending on the stage of the application, it may be necessary to withdraw the offer and create a new one. This will not affect the broader sponsorship arrangements. Contact Borderless before withdrawing any offer to confirm the correct process.