Navigating the UK immigration system can indeed feel like traversing a maze, especially for employers looking to sponsor overseas workers. One key aspect of this process is obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This comprehensive guide aims to outline the various documents required for a CoS in the UK, taking you through the process step by step to ensure a smooth application experience for both employers and prospective employees.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document that employers in the UK must obtain before they can sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa route. The CoS serves as proof that the employer has offered a job to the overseas worker and that the job meets the requirements for sponsorship.
To obtain a CoS, employers must follow these steps:
1. Eligibility: Employers must be registered as a licensed sponsor with the Home Office to issue a CoS. They must Required for Certificate also ensure that the job they are offering meets the eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa route.
2. Job Advertisements: In most cases, employers must advertise the job to settled workers in the UK before they can sponsor an overseas worker. This is known as the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) and is designed to ensure that the job cannot be filled by a settled worker.
3. CoS Application: Once the job has been advertised and the RLMT completed (if required), the employer can apply for a CoS through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) online portal. The application will require information about the job, the salary, and the overseas worker.
4. Supporting Documents: Along with the CoS application, employers must provide supporting documents, including proof of the RLMT (if applicable), the overseas worker’s qualifications and experience, and evidence of the job offer.
5. CoS Allocation: If the CoS application is successful, the Home Office will allocate a CoS to the employer. The employer must then assign the CoS to the overseas worker, who can then use it to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
6. Visa Application: Once the overseas worker has been assigned a CoS, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa from their home country. They will need to provide the CoS reference number and other supporting documents as part of their visa application.
By following these steps and ensuring that all the required documents are in order, employers can successfully obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa route in the UK.