Our Certificate of Sponsorship Services
Our team provides end-to-end support for businesses in securing and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under the Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2 General) route. This service is essential for UK Sponsor Licence holders looking to employ skilled foreign workers.
We assist with:
- Advising on the correct job roles and salary levels based on current UKVI guidance.
- Allocating and assigning the appropriate Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Preparing and submitting the Skilled Worker visa application for the employee once the CoS is assigned.
To qualify, the role must meet the required skill level (typically RQF Level 6 or above). You can view eligible roles in the Immigration Rules Appendix J – Table 2.
Key Service Timelines:
- Out-of-Country applicants: Fast-track turnaround of 1–3 working days.
- In-Country applicants: Most applications are completed within 8 weeks.
- Priority processing: You may opt to pay £200 for a decision within 5 working days.
Detailed Information About Our Certificate of Sponsorship Service
Our team of experienced immigration lawyers and specialists provide comprehensive support for businesses applying for and assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). We also guide your prospective employees through the Skilled Worker visa application process once the certificate is assigned.
Key Details:
- Certificates are part of a monthly allocation system managed by the Home Office, with thousands made available annually. These are detailed in the official Sponsor Guidance.
- CoS can be issued to skilled workers applying from within or outside the UK, provided the role meets salary and skill-level thresholds.
- Certificates must be requested through your Sponsor Management System, and in certain cases (e.g. restricted roles or salary thresholds), the Home Office may request additional documentation.
- If requested documents aren’t submitted by the specified deadline, the application is deferred to the next monthly allocation round.
Important Changes to Note:
Since the end of free movement between the UK and EU in 2021, all EU nationals (excluding those with pre-settled or settled status) now also require employer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. While the process for non-EU applicants remains largely unchanged, employers must now treat EU and non-EU skilled workers the same in terms of visa sponsorship.
Our Role:
Visasolve will:
- Help ensure the role is eligible under current Home Office guidance
- Prepare and assign the CoS
- Assist the employee in applying for the Skilled Worker visa
- Minimise delays and ensure all documentation is accurate and submitted on time
We help businesses stay compliant while streamlining the onboarding of global talent. Whether you’re hiring your first international employee or managing a large skilled migration strategy, our team can support your business at every step.Contact us today for tailored guidance and fast, reliable sponsorship services.
faq
Frequently asked questions
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a virtual document issued to a foreign worker by a UK-licensed sponsor. It confirms the individual has a genuine job offer and enables them to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Each certificate represents one sponsored worker.
When you are first granted a sponsor licence, you typically receive one CoS. If you anticipate needing more, you can submit a request for additional certificates—something we routinely assist clients with.
You can request an increase in your CoS allocation at any time by demonstrating a legitimate business need. Our team can prepare and submit this request on your behalf for a smooth and timely outcome.
We help ensure your job descriptions match the correct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes and that salary and working hour requirements are met—minimising the risk of rejection by the Home Office.
Yes. Certificates can be issued for skilled workers based abroad as well as for eligible individuals already in the UK—such as graduates from UK universities or those switching from other visa routes.