Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Your Own Company: How to Get It Right

For many business owners, particularly those running their own companies, the process of assigning a CoS can feel complicated and risky. The Home Office imposes strict rules, and any mistakes may result in the refusal of applications, sponsor licence suspension, or long-term damage to the company’s recruitment capabilities.

This article explains what a CoS is, whether your own company can issue one, the requirements you must meet, and the exact steps to get it right. Let’s get started. 

Key Takeaways

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required for overseas workers applying under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Your company must hold a valid sponsor licence to issue a CoS.
• Assigning a CoS requires accurate data entry in the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
• Businesses must maintain strict compliance after assigning a CoS, including monitoring, reporting, and record-keeping.
• Mistakes or breaches can lead to visa refusals, licence suspension, or permanent revocation.
• Professional legal advice helps ensure compliance and protects your ability to sponsor skilled workers.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a paper document but an electronic record issued by a licensed UK sponsor. It contains a unique reference number that a skilled worker must include in their visa application. The CoS confirms that the sponsoring company is offering genuine employment that meets the immigration rules for Skilled Worker visas.

There are two main types of CoS:

• Defined CoS: Issued to Skilled Worker applicants who are applying from overseas.
• Undefined CoS: Assigned to individuals already in the UK, typically for visa extensions or category switches.

It is vital to distinguish between the two, as using the wrong type can result in refusal.

Can You Issue a CoS Through Your Own Company?

Yes, your company can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, but only if you hold a valid sponsor licence. This means your business has already been approved by the Home Office as a trustworthy organisation capable of meeting sponsorship duties.

Issuing a CoS under your own company is not just about completing an online form. The Home Office requires businesses to prove that:

• They are a legitimate and actively trading organisation.
• The role satisfies Skilled Worker rules, including salary and skill criteria.
• Adequate HR systems exist to track and report sponsored staff.

The person responsible for assigning the CoS within your company is usually the Authorising Officer or a Level 1 user registered on the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). Any mistakes made here will be the responsibility of the business, not the worker.

Requirements for Your Business Before Assigning a CoS

Before you can allocate a CoS, your company must meet strict requirements:

Holding a Sponsor Licence

A sponsor licence is mandatory. Without it, you cannot access the Sponsorship Management System or issue a CoS. The licence application itself is complex and requires the submission of detailed documents proving that your business is genuine and compliant with immigration and employment law.

Meeting Eligibility Criteria

Your company must pass the Home Office’s checks on:

• Business legitimacy (evidence of trading, accounts, tax registration).
• HR processes (systems to track attendance, monitor visas, and keep contact details up to date).
• Compliance history (any previous breaches may affect eligibility).

Get to know about: Sponsor Licence for Startups: Eligibility, Documents, and Key Personnel Explained

Understanding Ongoing Duties

The sponsor licence is not a one-off approval. Your company will have ongoing obligations, including reporting changes such as job role alterations, employee absences, or early termination of employment.

Get to know about: Building a Profitable UK Business: Tips for Self-Sponsorship

Step-by-Step: How to Assign a CoS

Once your company holds a sponsor licence, the process of assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship takes place through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). The steps typically include:

Step 1: Access the SMS System

Log into the Sponsorship Management System using your Level 1 or Level 2 user credentials

Step 2: Navigate to Create and Assign

From the Workers screen, select “Create and assign” to begin the CoS creation process

Step 3: Select Route and Category

Use the drop-down menu to select the appropriate visa route (e.g., Skilled Worker). For Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes, an additional category selection will appear

Step 4: Choose Certificate Type

Select “Create new single certificate” to create an individual CoS

Step 5: Complete Personal and Job Details

Enter all required information, including the migrant’s personal details, job title, salary, work location, start and end dates. All information must match the individual’s passport exactly.

Step 6: Save and Review

Select “Save” to store the information, then check all points on the confirmation screen

Step 7: Assign the CoS

Select “Assign” from the confirmation screen, then review the final details before assignment

Step 8: Accept Terms and Conditions

Read the declaration and tick the box confirming agreement with all terms and conditions, then select “Assign CoS”

Step 9: Complete Payment

The system will redirect to the online payment screen. Pay the CoS fee (currently £525 as of 2025) and any applicable Immigration Skills Charge through the Worldpay payment system

Step 10: Receive CoS Number

Upon successful payment, the system displays the unique CoS reference number that the worker needs for their visa application

Compliance Duties After Assigning a CoS

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship is not the end of your obligations. The Home Office expects ongoing compliance, which includes:

• Record-Keeping: Maintain copies of the worker’s passport, visa, and contact details.
• Monitoring Attendance: Track whether the worker is attending work as expected.
• Reporting Duties: Tell the Home Office of changes such as resignation, long-term absence, or role changes within strict timeframes.
• Renewing the Licence: A sponsor licence lasts four years and must be renewed to continue issuing CoS.

If these responsibilities are not fulfilled, the Home Office may suspend or revoke your sponsor licence, preventing your company from hiring sponsored workers in the future.

Get to know about:  UK self-sponsorship visa route

Let Our Experts Help You

At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we assist businesses of all sizes with sponsor licences and Certificates of Sponsorship. Our team provides step-by-step guidance, from initial licence applications to ongoing compliance and defence against Home Office challenges. If your company plans to sponsor skilled workers, speak to us today for tailored advice. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and ensure your company gets it right the first time.