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12 Mar How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship?

Posted on March 12, 2020 in Investing in the UK, Migra & Co, Other Visas, Working in the UK by
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If you are applying for a Tier 2 visa to come and be employed in the UK, you will need to have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). A CoS confirms that a UK based company, with a valid A-rated Sponsorship Licence will sponsor you to come and work in the UK.

A CoS is an electronic record which confirms your personal information and the job that you will be doing in the UK.

Your prospective employer will be able to apply online for a CoS using their individual Sponsorship Management System (SMS) account. However, they will need to have an A-rated Sponsorship Licence in order to do so.

On the SMS, they will need to provide your personal details and information on your prospective role. They will also need to confirm as to whether the role is listed on the Shortage of Occupation list, if not then the role will need to satisfy the Resident Market Labour Test.

The sponsor will be required to confirm as to whether they are requesting an unrestricted or restricted certificate.

Unrestricted certificate
– This is for applicants outside of the UK who will be paid a gross annual salary of £159,600 or more;
– Applicants extending their leave under the same SOC code with the same employer;
– Applicants changing employers in the UK;
– Switching to Tier 2 in-country from another eligible visa category such as a Tier 4 visa.

Restricted certificate
– If you are the dependant of a Tier 4 migrant and are switching to a Tier 2 visa;
– If they are not eligible for an unrestricted certificate.
There is a limited number of restricted certificates available each month, and if successful the CoS will be granted on the allocation date. This is on the first working day after the 10th day of each month.

If successful, your employer will find out via the SMS system and can then proceed with assigning your CoS, you will then need to apply for your Tier 2 visa within 3 months. Your visa will be granted for the same period of time as listed on the CoS.

If you are extending your Tier 2 visa, you will need to apply for a new CoS before you are able to extend.

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.