Certificate of sponsorship solicitors

With upcoming changes to salary thresholds, skill levels, and English language standards under the skilled worker route, accurate CoS management is more important than ever.

What is a certificate of sponsorship?

A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record issued by licensed employers to overseas workers under the Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker visa routes. It links the worker’s role to their visa application and is a vital step in the process.

From 2026, sponsors must also ensure that the CoS reflects the new B2 English requirement and £41,700 general salary threshold where applicable.

Types of certificate of sponsorship

There are two main types:

• Defined CoS – for skilled worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK.
• Undefined CoS – for applicants already in the UK, and for other routes such as temporary workers.

Sponsors must ensure the correct CoS type is used, as errors can result in refusal or compliance action.

Eligibility and requirements

To assign a CoS, sponsors must:

• Hold a valid sponsorship licence.
• Confirm the role is eligible under the immigration rules.
• Ensure the applicant meets salary and skill thresholds.
• Ensure the job meets the minimum skill level of RQF 6 under the updated rules.
• Verify that the applicant meets the B2 English language requirement from 2026 (if applicable).
• Assign the certificate via the sponsor management system (SMS).

Application process

• Step 1 – Request CoS allocation: Sponsors apply annually for an allocation of CoS through the SMS.
   
• Step 2 – Assign CoS: Once approved, sponsors assign a defined or undefined CoS to individual workers.
   
• Step 3 – Worker application: The worker uses the CoS reference number to apply for their visa.

Home Office compliance

Sponsors must keep accurate records and report changes in employment. The Home Office may check:

• Salary details match the CoS.
• Job descriptions reflect the sponsored role.
• The worker is employed in line with visa conditions.
• The role and salary meet the new eligibility thresholds under the 2025–2026 rules.
• The CoS details align with suitability requirements introduced under Part Suitability.

How we help employers with CoS

Managing certificates of sponsorship is often more complicated than it first appears. From allocations to compliance checks, even small mistakes can risk delays, refusals, or Home Office penalties. Our solicitors support employers at every stage, including:

• Requesting and managing CoS allocations
• Advising on eligibility and visa-linked requirements
• Ensuring compliance with Home Office rules
• Avoiding errors that could lead to refusal or enforcement action
• Updating CoS practices to reflect new salary, English language, and suitability requirements.

Why choose us

Our solicitors advise employers across sectors including healthcare, education, finance, and technology, where timely and accurate CoS management is critical. We combine technical knowledge of immigration rules with practical understanding of workforce needs, helping you avoid costly mistakes.

We also prepare businesses for Home Office audits under the enhanced 2026 inspection framework, ensuring CoS records are fully compliant with the latest Immigration Rules.

Unlike many firms, we are both immigration and employment law specialists. That means we not only manage your CoS applications but also advise on wider HR and compliance issues, protecting your business from Home Office sanctions and ensuring smooth recruitment of international talent.

Contact our business immigration solicitors today to discuss your requirements for certificates of sponsorship.