Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Need to know what documents you need for a Certificate of Sponsorship? Our guide offers a complete list of all necessary supporting documents and details.

The specific documents and details required vary depending on whether the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is for a Skilled Worker or a Temporary Worker.

If you have any questions about the documents needed for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), contact our business immigration solicitors today at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our online enqury form.

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What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an official document issued by a licensed sponsor to employ foreign workers.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for those applying for UK work visas.

It contains several key pieces of information necessary for a work visa application such as:

• Job details including job title, SOC code, description, and salary.
• Details of the sponsoring employer, including the company name and address
• The start date and duration of the employment
• Worker's personal details

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirms the job is genuine, building trust between the employer and the future employee. Employers must follow immigration rules to keep their right to sponsor workers from other countries.

If you have questions about the CoS process, please contact us at Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700. We're here to help you at every step.

Different types of Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

'Defined Certificates' and 'Undefined Certificates' are two types of Sponsorship Certificates. Each is important for the immigration process, helping to bring non-UK workers to the country.

Defined Certificates

The defined certificate is used for specific visa applications, primarily for roles that have annual caps on the number of people who can fill them. These positions must meet particular criteria, which can influence the number of visas issued.

Undefined Certificates

On the other hand, the undefined certificate is intended for long-term roles without annual quotas. It is suitable for positions that require skilled workers for extended periods, making it ideal for jobs where specific skills are hard to find.

What documents are required for the Certificate of Sponsorship?

Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)? Below is a comprehensive checklist of the documents required & information you need to submit:

1. Job Details
2. Proof of Genuine Vacancy
3. Evidence of Qualifications
4. Contract of Employment
5. Worker's Personal Information
6. Proof of Financial Requirement (if applicable)
7. Proof of Business Activity

1. Job Details

• Job title
• Job occupation code (SOC code)
• Job description and duties
• Salary details
• Work address

2. Proof of Genuine Vacancy

• Evidence of the recruitment process
• Explanation of why the position is crucial to the business
• Evidence that the role meets the skill level and salary requirements

3. Evidence of Qualifications

• Educational certificates
• Professional qualifications or memberships (if applicable)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Copy of the worker's CV

4. Contract of Employment

• Signed copy of employment contract
• Offer letter outlining the job's terms and conditions

5. Worker's Personal Information

• Full name and date of birth
• Passport details (passport number, issuing country, expiry date)
• National Insurance number (if applicable)
• Residential address and contact details

6. Proof of Financial Requirement (if applicable)

• Maintenance documents (if the sponsor will support the worker's maintenance)
• Bank statements

7. Proof of Business Activity

• Business bank statements or financial reports
• Contracts with clients or evidence of ongoing projects
• Company's operational plan detailing the worker's role in the business
• An organisational chart showing the worker's position within the company

What is "Proof of Genuine Vacancy"?

Proof of Genuine Vacancy comprises evidence of the recruitment process, such as job advertisements and interview notes, along with a rationale for why the role is essential for the business.

Additionally, it demonstrates that the job satisfies UKVI's skill level and salary criteria.

What should be included in the "Job Details" for a CoS?

The Job Details section should include the job title, occupation code (SOC code), a detailed job description, salary information, and the work location where the employee will be based.

What personal information about the worker is required?

Required personal information includes the worker's full name, date of birth, passport details, National Insurance number (if applicable), residential address, and previous UK immigration history if relevant.

How to format your supporting documents?

When preparing documents for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) application, it's important to follow specific formats to ensure clarity and compliance.

Here is a guide on acceptable document formats and useful tips:

• Files can be in PDF (preferred), JPEG or PNG format.
• File titles should be descriptive and no more than 25 characters long.
• To reduce file sizes, scan documents in black and white or greyscale instead of colour.
• Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and free of errors.
• Double-check that all information is accurate and up to date.
• If any documents are not in English, provide a certified translation along with the original.

Need help with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

If you require a solicitor to obtain or manage a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), Call our business immigration solicitors today at 0203 417 3700.