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.
đ 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.
đ¤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.
âUndefined 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.
đ Is a CoS locked to a named individual?
No. As a general rule, a CoS is not locked to a named individual at the point of request. When you request CoS, you are informing the Home Office of your intent to sponsor additional workers. Once granted, you are free to assign each CoS to any eligible worker, not only the person you originally had in mind. It is very rare for the Home Office to grant a CoS request and stipulate that it must be assigned to a specific named individual.
đ Automatic annual CoS allocation
Three months before the licence's CoS expiry date, you will be able to see on the SMS whether you will receive an automatic annual CoS allocation or whether you need to apply for renewal. The number of CoS granted on the renewal date is based on the number of CoS assigned over the previous 12 months. Any CoS still available on your licence on the day of renewal will roll into the new allocation total.
Government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/certificates-of-sponsorship