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What is a CoS?

Guide on Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

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Written by Sam Helm
Updated this week

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by an employer to a sponsored employee. It confirms the employee’s job details and acts as essential evidence for their UK visa application.

🛂 Why is a CoS Required?

The CoS is a mandatory part of the visa process. It demonstrates to the Home Office that the applicant has a genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor, fulfilling one of the key visa requirements.

🤝How is a CoS Assigned on Borderless?

When an employer chooses to sponsor a candidate via the Borderless platform, the CoS is generated and assigned electronically by Borderless. Both the employer and employee receive a copy once it’s issued.

❓Undefined CoS vs Defined CoS

There are two main types of Certificates of Sponsorship:

  • Defined CoS:
    Issued for skilled workers applying from outside the UK under the Skilled Worker route. This CoS is tied to a specific job vacancy and employee and must be assigned before the visa application.

  • Undefined CoS:
    Typically used for internal transfers or certain other visa categories. These CoS are allocated in bulk to the sponsor and assigned to the worker after their application is submitted.

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