Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS certificate) is an electronic work permit setting out the details of the specific migrant worker and the specific job they will be doing in the UK. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS certificate) is issued by sponsor employer via online SMS account. The assigned CoS will have a unique reference number which migrant worker requires to then apply for the Skilled Worker visa. However, the important question is what to do when someone’s visa is due to expire shortly but the migrant is still waiting for a COS reference from sponsor. Such person should act carefully not to become an overstayer.
Categories of CoS certificates and COS allocation processing time and delays
Defined COS(used to be called ‘Restricted’) and Undefined COS (used to be called ‘Unrestricted’). Those who apply for Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK need an Undefined CoS.You can request a yearly allocation of Undefined CoS certificates. You can ask for additional allocation at any time. There is an expedited request but it requires an extra £350 payment to the Home Office. Such requests should be decided within about 5 working days from when the extra payment is received by Home Office. However, in practice it is not guaranteed and it can take much longer.
Workers applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside of the UK need a Defined CoS. Those can be granted after a few working days but it can take much longer even up to a few months. It usually take longer to decide if Home Office makes request for further information and documents.
Problems when there is no COS reference number
The Home Office guidance states that the reference number for the CoS should be provided in the application. If the applicant has not supplied the reference number, they must provide an explanation. If you are not satisfied the sponsor has assigned a CoS to the applicant, you may reject the application. If the reason the sponsor has not yet assigned a CoS is because of delays by UKVI (for example: a delay in processing a sponsor licence application or a request for a CoS), you may exceptionally place the case on hold pending the outcome.
The above guidance gives possibility of potentially making skilled worker visa application without a COS. However, this is a complex matter and we recommend taking professional immigration advice if anyone considers such application.