How to go about getting a Certificate of Sponsorship and subsequent employment in the UK.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a document that is issued by a UK employer to a foreign worker who they wish to sponsor for a UK visa. In order to work in the UK, a foreign national must have a valid visa and a CoS is an essential part of the process.
The first step in obtaining a CoS is to find a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you. This employer must be licensed by the UK government as a sponsor and must have a valid sponsorship license. If the employer does not have a sponsorship license they can apply for one with the UK Home Office.
The employer will then need to utilise the Sponsorship Management System to issue a CoS. The employer will need to provide information about the worker, including their qualifications and work experience, as well as details about the job offer. The UK government will then assess the application and, if approved, issue a CoS.
The foreign worker will then use the CoS, along with other required documents, to apply for a UK skilled worker visa. This will typically include a valid passport, evidence of having met the English Language requirement, and proof of maintenance funds.
It’s important to note that obtaining a CoS and a subsequent skilled worker visa is a complex process and it’s recommended to seek the help of a UK immigration lawyer or consultant. It’s also important to keep in mind that the UK government’s immigration policy is constantly changing and it’s important to stay informed of any updates.
In summary, a CoS is a crucial document that allows a foreign worker to work in the UK. To obtain a CoS, a foreign worker must first find a UK employer who is willing to sponsor them. The employer must then apply for a CoS through the UK government’s Points-Based System (PBS) Sponsorship Management System. The foreign worker will then use the CoS, along with other required documents, to apply for a UK visa.
How do I know who is a licensed sponsor?
A list of already licensed sponsors (UK employers) is available here.
Job hunting
When applying to potential UK employers, a foreign worker should consider the requirements, skills, and experience of the job. They should also consider their own qualifications, skills, and experience and apply for jobs that closely match their skills and experience. This will increase the chances of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship.