A Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is a crucial document for non-UK citizens wishing to work in the United Kingdom under the points-based immigration system. It is an essential part of the process for skilled workers, including nurses, doctors, engineers, and other professionals, to obtain a visa and legally work in the UK.
The COS is not a traditional certificate in Certificate of Sponsorship UK the physical sense; rather, it is an electronic reference number that links a migrant worker’s visa application to their sponsor. This document is provided by an employer in the UK who is licensed to sponsor foreign workers. The sponsor can be an NHS trust, private healthcare provider, or any business with a valid sponsorship license granted by the UK Home Office.
How does the Certificate of Sponsorship work?
When a foreign national receives a job offer from an eligible UK employer, the employer must issue a COS to the worker. This electronic document provides the Home Office with key details about the job, the employee, and the sponsor, and is used to validate the migrant’s visa application.
The certificate contains information such as:
The job role – It specifies the position the applicant will be filling.
The salary – The wage offered must meet the minimum salary requirements set by the UK government.
The skill level – The job must meet a certain skill level (usually at least RQF Level 3, equivalent to A-level).
The sponsor details – Information about the employer issuing the certificate, including their licence number.
Who needs a Certificate of Sponsorship?
The COS is required by all non-EU/EEA nationals applying for a Tier 2 (General) visa or other skilled worker visas in the UK. For instance, overseas nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals need to secure a COS from a licensed employer before applying for a visa.
It’s important to note that:
The COS confirms the applicant has a legitimate job offer from an eligible sponsor, making it a necessary part of any visa application.
Applicants must also meet other requirements, such as passing an English language test and having the necessary qualifications for the role (e.g., the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration for nurses).
The process of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship
Find a licensed sponsor: The first step in the process is securing a job offer from a UK employer that is licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
Employer issues the COS: Once the job offer is made, the employer applies for and issues the Certificate of Sponsorship. This process involves the employer confirming that the role meets the necessary criteria and that they are willing to sponsor the applicant.
COS reference number: The sponsor provides the migrant worker with the unique COS reference number. This reference number is used to submit a visa application.
Apply for a visa: The applicant can then submit their visa application, including the COS reference number, to the Home Office. The COS is a key element in the approval of the visa.
Validity of the Certificate of Sponsorship
The Certificate of Sponsorship is usually valid for three months from the date it is issued. If the migrant worker does not apply for a visa within that period, the COS expires, and they would need to request a new one.
Benefits of the Certificate of Sponsorship
For both the employer and the foreign worker, the COS serves multiple purposes:
For the Employer: The employer can recruit skilled labor from outside the UK to fill roles that are in demand, ensuring that their business operates efficiently.
For the Worker: The COS gives workers the legal right to apply for a visa to live and work in the UK, providing a pathway for career advancement, professional development, and permanent residency in the future.
Conclusion
The Certificate of Sponsorship is a pivotal document in the UK’s immigration process, especially for overseas workers looking to fill skilled roles. By securing a valid COS from a licensed employer, foreign workers can begin the process of obtaining a visa and building a life and career in the UK.