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Certificate of Sponsorship UK Jobs Guide 2026
16 min read
Certificate of Sponsorship for UK Jobs: What Workers Need to Know
By SkilledJobs Editorial · Published 18 August 2026 · Last verified
If you're planning to work in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer. This digital document proves that a licensed sponsor has verified your eligibility and is offering you a genuine job that meets Home Office requirements.
Understanding how a Certificate of Sponsorship works, what employers must demonstrate, and what thresholds apply to your role is essential for anyone seeking UK visa sponsorship. This guide explains the current rules, eligibility criteria, and key dates that affect workers and sponsors alike.
What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical certificate. It is a reference number issued by a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. The employer – known as the sponsor – uses this reference to confirm that:
They have offered you a genuine job in the UK.
The job meets the skill and salary requirements set by the Home Office.
You meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa route.
You will need this reference number when you apply for your visa. The Home Office checks the information your sponsor has entered into the sponsorship management system to verify your application.
According to GOV.UK guidance on Skilled Worker visas, the employer checks that the worker meets the eligibility requirements and provides a certificate of sponsorship to prove this.
Employer Requirements: Sponsor Licences and Fees
Before an employer can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, they must apply for and hold a valid sponsor licence. Not all UK businesses are automatically approved; they must demonstrate that they are a genuine organisation with robust HR systems and compliance procedures.
Licence Application and Costs
If an employer is not currently approved, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they meet eligibility criteria. The cost depends on the size and type of organisation:
Processing times are typically around eight weeks, though complex applications may take longer. Employers must maintain their licence by meeting ongoing compliance duties, including record-keeping, reporting changes, and ensuring sponsored workers comply with visa conditions.
Last verified against official UK government sources.
Types of Sponsor Licence
Employers apply for a Worker sponsor licence to hire skilled workers on longer-term contracts. The licence allows them to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to individuals for a range of visa routes, including the Skilled Worker visa.
One of the most important eligibility criteria is the skill level of the job. The Home Office sets minimum skill thresholds that determine whether a role qualifies for sponsorship.
RQF Level 6 Requirement from July 2025
From 22 July 2025, the job must normally be skilled to level 6 (graduate level) on the Regulated Qualifications Framework for England. This represents a significant increase from the previous RQF level 3 threshold and means most eligible roles now require degree-level skills.
If an occupation code is listed as "medium skilled", workers can apply for this visa only if they are extending their visa and received their first certificate of sponsorship before 22 July 2025. This transitional rule protects existing visa holders but does not apply to new applicants switching from other visa categories after that date.
Jobs are classified using Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, and each code is assigned an RQF level by the Home Office. Employers must ensure the role they are sponsoring matches an eligible SOC code at the correct skill level.
Salary Thresholds for Certificate of Sponsorship
Salary requirements are a critical part of sponsorship eligibility. The Home Office sets both general minimum salaries and occupation-specific "going rates" to ensure sponsored workers are paid appropriately.
Current Minimum Salary
For most Skilled Worker roles, workers are eligible if they will be paid at least the higher of either £31,300 per year or the "going rate" for the occupation. This £31,300 threshold represents the baseline for standard applications.
However, workers will usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher. The higher threshold applies unless the applicant qualifies under a reduced salary route, such as new entrant provisions or specific occupation exemptions.
If you do not meet the usual salary requirements and do not work in healthcare or education, you might still be eligible if your salary will be at least £33,400 per year, provided you meet additional criteria such as holding a relevant PhD or working in a shortage occupation.
Going Rates by Occupation
Each eligible occupation has a specific going rate, which is the minimum hourly or annual salary set by the Home Office for that SOC code. Employers must pay whichever is higher: the general threshold or the occupation going rate.
Going rates are published in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules and are updated periodically. Employers should check the current going rate for their occupation code before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Pro-Rata Salaries for Part-Time Roles
If the role is part-time, the salary is calculated pro-rata. For example, if the full-time going rate is £45,000 per year for a 37.5-hour working week, and the role is offered at 30 hours per week, the pro-rata salary would be:
(30 ÷ 37.5) × £45,000 = £36,000
The pro-rata salary must still meet the applicable minimum threshold. Further details on pro-rata calculations are available in the sponsor guidance.
Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment Dates
Timing is important when applying for or extending a Skilled Worker visa. The Home Office has set specific deadlines for when Certificates of Sponsorship must be assigned, depending on whether you are switching to this visa or extending an existing visa.
Deadlines for CoS Assignment
Switching to Skilled Worker visa: Workers need to get their certificate of sponsorship on or before 31 December 2026 if switching from another visa category inside the UK.
Extending Skilled Worker visa: Workers must receive their certificate of sponsorship by 31 December 2027 if extending their current Skilled Worker visa.
These deadlines are set out in GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa guidance and apply to the date the employer assigns the CoS in the sponsorship management system, not the date you submit your visa application.
Missing these deadlines may mean you are no longer eligible under current transitional rules and would need to meet any updated requirements in force at that time.
Recent Changes to Sponsorship Rules
UK sponsorship policy is updated regularly to reflect changes in immigration rules and labour market priorities. The most recent changes came into effect in April 2026.
8 April 2026 Updates
The current version of the sponsorship guidance is valid from 8 April 2026. Changes to regulations apply to Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after 8 April 2026.
These updates include clarifications on salary thresholds, occupation eligibility, and compliance duties for sponsors. Employers and workers should refer to the latest published guidance to ensure they are working with current rules.
Checking for Future Updates
GOV.UK pages are updated regularly, and the Home Office publishes version history for major guidance documents. Workers and employers should check the publication date on official guidance and subscribe to updates if their application or sponsorship is time-sensitive.
How the Certificate of Sponsorship Process Works
Understanding the sponsorship process from the worker's perspective can help you prepare your application and work effectively with your employer.
Step 1: Employer Assigns the CoS
Once your employer has confirmed your job offer and verified your eligibility, they log into the sponsorship management system and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. They enter details including:
Your personal details
Job title and SOC code
Salary and working hours
Start date
Sponsor licence number
The system generates a unique CoS reference number, which your employer will share with you.
Step 2: You Apply for Your Visa
Using the CoS reference number, you apply online for a Skilled Worker visa. You will need to:
Complete the visa application form
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
Provide biometric information
Submit supporting documents (passport, proof of English language ability, financial evidence if required)
The Home Office checks the information on your CoS against your application and supporting evidence.
Step 3: Decision and Entry or Extension
If your application is approved, you will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport or a biometric residence permit, depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.
Your visa will specify your employer, job title, and visa expiry date. You must work for the sponsor who issued your CoS and notify the Home Office of certain changes, such as a change of employer or job role.
Employer Compliance and Worker Responsibilities
Both sponsors and workers have ongoing duties once a Certificate of Sponsorship has been assigned and a visa granted.
Sponsor Duties
Licensed sponsors must:
Keep records of sponsored workers' contact details, absences, and salary
Report changes such as workers stopping work, changing role, or not turning up
Cooperate with Home Office compliance visits
Maintain their sponsor licence by meeting key personnel and systems requirements
Failure to comply can result in licence suspension or revocation, which would affect all workers sponsored by that employer.
Worker Responsibilities
Skilled Worker visa holders must:
Work only for the sponsor named on their visa, in the job and location specified
Apply for a new CoS and visa if they want to change employer or job role
Notify the Home Office if their circumstances change (e.g., passport details, address)
Comply with visa conditions, such as not accessing public funds
Breaching these conditions can lead to visa curtailment or refusal of future applications.
Common Questions About Certificates of Sponsorship
Can I Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa Without a CoS?
No. A Certificate of Sponsorship is mandatory for all Skilled Worker visa applications. You cannot apply until your employer has assigned a CoS and provided you with the reference number.
How Long Is a Certificate of Sponsorship Valid?
A CoS is typically valid for three months from the date it is assigned. You must submit your visa application within this window. If the CoS expires before you apply, your employer will need to assign a new one.
Can My Employer Withdraw a CoS?
Yes. If circumstances change – for example, the job offer is withdrawn or you do not meet eligibility requirements – the employer can cancel the CoS before you apply for your visa. Once your visa is granted, the employer cannot unilaterally withdraw sponsorship, but they can report that you have stopped working, which may affect your visa status.
What Happens If My Sponsor Loses Their Licence?
If your sponsor's licence is revoked, the Home Office will usually give you 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK. You should seek immigration advice immediately if you are notified of a licence revocation.
Finding Employers Who Offer Sponsorship
Not all UK employers hold sponsor licences, so it is important to target your job search towards organisations that can legally sponsor you.
Using the Register of Licensed Sponsors
The Register of Licensed Sponsors is a public list of all organisations that currently hold a Worker sponsor licence. It includes the sponsor's name, town, and the type of workers they are licensed to sponsor.
This register is updated regularly and is a reliable way to identify potential employers. However, being on the register does not guarantee that an employer is actively recruiting sponsored workers or has available CoS allocations.
Job Advertisements and Sponsorship
Many job advertisements will state whether the employer is willing to sponsor visa applicants. Look for phrases such as "sponsorship available" or "open to Skilled Worker visa applicants". Some employers may only sponsor workers for hard-to-fill roles or if no suitable settled worker is available.
Restricted CoS and Unrestricted CoS
Employers receive an annual allocation of unrestricted Certificates of Sponsorship, which they can assign freely to eligible workers. If they exhaust this allocation, they can apply for restricted CoS, which are allocated monthly based on the role's priority and the employer's compliance history.
Workers do not need to know which type of CoS they are receiving, but it can affect timing – if an employer is waiting for a restricted CoS allocation, there may be delays in assigning your certificate.
Costs for Workers
While the employer pays for the sponsor licence and assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship, the worker is responsible for visa application costs.
Visa Fees
Skilled Worker visa fees vary depending on the length of your visa and whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. Fees are higher for longer visas and for applications made within the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge
You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each year of your visa. The IHS gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The cost is calculated based on the length of your visa and paid upfront when you apply.
Other Costs
You may also need to pay for:
English language test certificates (if required)
Tuberculosis test certificates (for applicants from certain countries)
Document translation and certification
Biometric enrolment appointments
These costs are separate from the Certificate of Sponsorship process but are part of the overall visa application.
Switching Employer and CoS Portability
If you want to change jobs while on a Skilled Worker visa, you will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and must apply to update your visa.
Applying to Change Employer
You cannot simply move to a new employer, even if they hold a sponsor licence. You must:
Receive a new CoS from the new employer
Apply to update your Skilled Worker visa before starting the new job
Pay the visa application fee (usually lower than the initial application)
Meet the eligibility requirements for the new role, including skill level and salary thresholds
Your new employer must be a licensed sponsor, and the new job must meet the same eligibility criteria as your original role.
Timing and Work Restrictions
You cannot start work for the new employer until your visa update is approved. Working without a valid CoS and updated visa is a breach of your visa conditions and can lead to deportation and future entry bans.
Extending Your Skilled Worker Visa
If you want to stay in the UK beyond your current visa expiry date, you can apply to extend your Skilled Worker visa, provided your employer is willing to continue sponsoring you.
CoS for Extensions
Your employer must assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship for your extension application. The job and salary details must still meet the eligibility requirements in force at the time of your extension.
If rules have changed since your initial visa was granted, you may benefit from transitional protection – for example, if your job no longer meets the current skill level but you were sponsored under previous rules.
Applying Before Your Visa Expires
You can apply to extend your visa at any time before it expires, as long as your CoS is still valid. You can continue working for your sponsor while your extension application is pending, under "Section 3C leave".
Path to Settlement
One of the benefits of the Skilled Worker visa is that it can lead to indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after five years of continuous residence in the UK.
Using CoS Time Towards Settlement
Time spent on a Skilled Worker visa (and certain other work visas) counts towards the five-year qualifying period for settlement. You must have been sponsored throughout this period, though you can change employers as long as you hold valid Certificates of Sponsorship and visas.
Settlement Requirements
To qualify for settlement, you must:
Have spent five continuous years in the UK on an eligible visa
Still be working for a licensed sponsor in an eligible job
Meet the salary threshold for settlement (which may differ from the initial visa threshold)
Pass the Life in the UK test
Meet the English language requirement at B1 level or higher
Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period
Settlement is a separate application and is not automatic. Your employer does not need to assign a new CoS for settlement, but you must still be in sponsored employment when you apply.
Certificate of Sponsorship and Dependants
If you are granted a Skilled Worker visa, your partner and children may be able to join you in the UK as dependants.
Dependant Applications
Dependants apply separately for their visas, but they do not need their own Certificate of Sponsorship. They apply based on your CoS and visa status.
Dependants must pay their own visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. They have the right to work and study in the UK without restrictions, and their time in the UK counts towards settlement alongside yours.
Financial Requirements
There is no separate financial requirement for dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders, but you must be able to support them without accessing public funds. Your sponsor does not need to verify your dependants' finances.
Summary: Key Points for Workers
A Certificate of Sponsorship is the foundation of your Skilled Worker visa application. Without it, you cannot apply, and the details on your CoS determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
Key points to remember:
Your employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a CoS in the sponsorship management system.
From 22 July 2025, most jobs must be skilled to RQF level 6 (graduate level).
Minimum salary is usually £31,300 or the going rate, whichever is higher, with a standard threshold of £41,700 for most applicants.
CoS assignment deadlines apply: 31 December 2026 for switching, 31 December 2027 for extensions.
Current rules apply to Certificates of Sponsorship assigned on or after 8 April 2026.
You cannot start work or change employer until your visa is granted or updated.
Both you and your employer have ongoing compliance responsibilities.
By understanding how the Certificate of Sponsorship process works and ensuring your job meets the skill and salary requirements, you can navigate the Skilled Worker visa route with confidence.
