A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an essential requirement for individuals seeking to work in the UK under the Skilled Worker or other similar visa categories. It is issued by an approved sponsor organization, and the cost of obtaining this certificate varies based on the type of sponsorship and the specific circumstances of the worker.
In this article, we will explore the basic cost of a CoS, the difference between defined and undefined certificates, additional fees, recent fee changes, the application process, validity period, and how to obtain further assistance.
Basic Fee: What Does the Certificate of Sponsorship Cost?
The cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK is generally set at £199 per certificate. This fee applies to both defined and undefined certificates, but it is important to note that the circumstances around the sponsorship can affect whether this basic fee remains the same for all applicants.
Defined vs Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
Understanding the difference between a defined and undefined Certificate of Sponsorship is crucial when navigating the application process.
Defined Certificate of Sponsorship
This type of certificate is typically for workers applying from outside the UK. It is most commonly used for people who have secured a job offer from an approved sponsor, and the role meets the required skill level and salary thresholds. These certificates are typically issued for specific roles and require the worker to meet certain criteria, such as a job offer from an approved sponsor within the UK’s approved sponsor list.
Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship
An undefined CoS is used for workers who are already in the UK, for example, if they are switching from another visa category or extending their stay. These certificates apply to individuals who already reside in the UK and want to remain in the country under a different employment status or job title. This type of CoS allows for flexibility in terms of the job role and sponsor.
While both defined and undefined certificates cost £199 each, the key difference is the eligibility and the type of worker they apply to, influencing the sponsorship process and specific requirements.
Additional Fees: Immigration Skills Charge
In addition to the £199 CoS fee, certain workers may be required to pay an immigration skills charge. This is a fee that employers must pay when sponsoring a worker to come to the UK, and it is designed to help fund training programs for the UK’s workforce.
The immigration skills charge is applicable to employers sponsoring workers under the Skilled Worker visa category and may vary depending on the type of worker.
For medium or large sponsors, the charge is £1,000 per year, and for small or charitable sponsors, it is £500 per year.
The skills charge is only applicable to workers whose roles meet the required skill level and salary criteria.
Employers must take this additional charge into account when budgeting for a sponsorship, as it is a necessary part of the sponsorship process for certain workers.
Fee Changes: Proposed Increases to the Certificate of Sponsorship Fee
The UK government has recently proposed an increase to the Certificate of Sponsorship fee, which could see the cost rise to £525 per certificate. This increase is part of ongoing efforts to streamline immigration systems and address the financial costs associated with managing immigration. The proposed increase will likely impact employers and sponsors who are in the process of applying for sponsorship certificates, leading to higher overall costs for employers and workers alike.
It is essential to keep up with any announcements regarding fee changes, as these adjustments can affect both the budget of the sponsoring company and the workers who require sponsorship.
Application Process: How to Apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship
The process for applying for a Certificate of Sponsorship is relatively straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
Become an Approved Sponsor
Employers must first be registered and approved by the UK government as an official sponsor organization. This process involves applying to the Home Office for approval to sponsor foreign workers.
Issue the Certificate
Once an employer is approved as a sponsor, they can issue a CoS to a worker who meets the eligibility criteria for their visa. The worker must have a valid job offer from the sponsor, and the role must meet certain requirements, such as a specified skill level and salary.
Submit the Application
The worker will need to submit their visa application to the Home Office, including the CoS as part of the documentation.
Provide Necessary Documentation
The worker will need to provide necessary documents, such as proof of identity, qualifications, and employment details.
Visa Decision
Once the application is submitted, the Home Office will review the details and make a decision on whether to approve the visa.
Application Timelines
The application process can take several weeks, so it is important to allow enough time to gather the necessary documentation, submit the application, and wait for a decision from the Home Office.
Validity Period: How Long Does a Certificate of Sponsorship Last?
The Certificate of Sponsorship itself does not grant a visa; rather, it is a necessary part of the visa application process. The validity period of a CoS typically corresponds to the length of the worker’s employment contract or the duration of the visa being applied for.
Duration of Employment
The certificate is typically valid for the length of time that the employee is expected to work for the sponsoring employer. This can range from a few months to several years, depending on the nature of the job and the visa category.
Conditions and Restrictions
The CoS will specify certain conditions and restrictions, such as the role the worker is hired for, the location of their employment, and other aspects of their immigration status. These conditions must be adhered to throughout the worker’s time in the UK.
Contact Information: Where to Seek Further Assistance
If you have any questions about the cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship, the application process, or other details related to UK immigration sponsorship, the following resources can offer additional guidance:
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
The UK government’s official immigration website provides comprehensive information on sponsorship and visas.
Home Office Sponsorship Unit
The Home Office offers specific support for employers and workers who are navigating the sponsorship process.
Approved Sponsorship Organisations
Employers who are approved sponsors can reach out to their designated sponsorship representative for specific advice on applying for a CoS.
For further information, you can visit the official UK government website at www.gov.uk, or contact UKVI for any inquiries.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship is an essential part of the UK’s immigration system for employers who wish to sponsor foreign workers. The basic fee for a CoS is £199, with additional charges like the immigration skills charge depending on the type of visa and employer. It’s also important to stay updated on any fee increases, as proposed changes could impact both employers and workers.
The process involves becoming an approved sponsor, issuing the certificate, submitting the visa application, and awaiting a decision. The certificate’s validity depends on the worker’s contract, and certain conditions may apply throughout the duration of employment.
By following the outlined process and keeping track of any updates to the system, both employers and workers can effectively navigate the sponsorship system and ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.
