An Overview of its Importance and Application Process

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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
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Contents

• Introduction
• What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
• Types of Certificates of Sponsorship
• Eligibility and Requirements
• The Application Process for Employers
• Costs and Fees
• Common Challenges and Solutions
• Conclusion

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Introduction

• The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an
  electronic paper created by the employer who
  holds a sponsorship licence. It includes a
  distinctive reference number which the overseas
  worker can use to apply for a visa.
• Immigration A CoS is essential for non-UK
  citizens in securing a work permit which permits
  them to work legally within the UK boundaries.
• Employment Employers need to sponsor foreign
  employees and ensure that they meet the skill and
  salary requirements set by the UK, thus promoting
  job market integrity.In this presentation we
  will know how to get certificate of Sponsorship
  UK for Non-UK Citizen and Foreign employees from
  employers for employment.

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What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an
  e-document that's majorly essential for a foreign
  national to have it. This must be from a UK
  licenced employer, demonstrating that the
  individual has a genuine offer of employment
  required when applying for a visa. The CoS comes
  with unique reference numbers and other details
  about the job and employee, assuring that the
  position meets specific criteria by the UK
  government in terms of skill level and salary. It
  validates the need for such a position as well,
  which in turn helps ensure that only legitimate
  job seekers are allowed to apply for work visas
  through this system. This is how it ensures
  checks over flow of immigrants into labor markets
  hence by doing so it maintains standards of its
  own market by precluding those who do not have
  enough skills or qualifications from entering
  their workforce.

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Types of Certificates of Sponsorship

• Defined CoS This is meant for skilled workers
  who are applying for visas outside the UK and
  will be coming to the UK for skilled employment.
  The way to get a defined CoS is that the employer
  has to provide detailed information about the job
  to the UK Home Office, which will evaluate it
  against some specific criteria before issuing the
  certificate.
• Undefined CoS This category is applicable for
  skilled workers who are already present in the UK
  and are transitioning or prolonging their
  existing visa. An undefined CoS can be issued by
  employers directly through the Sponsor Management
  System (SMS) without the need for pre-approval
  from the Home Office, in contrast to the defined
  CoS. Furthermore, this particular classification
  is utilized for individuals on alternative visa
  categories making a switch to a Skilled Worker
  visa as well.

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Eligibility and Requirements

• For Employers In order to issue a Certificate of
  Sponsorship (CoS), an employer is required to
  possess a valid sponsorship licence. This license
  is bestowed by the UK Home Office subsequent to a
  comprehensive assessment of the employer's
  capacity to fulfill sponsorship duties and
  responsibilities. The employer must substantiate
  a legitimate necessity for the position and
  establish that it cannot be filled by local
  workers. The position must adhere to specific
  skill and salary thresholds to ensure that the
  employment of foreign workers does not have a
  detrimental impact on local labor market
  conditions.
• For Employees A foreign worker must secure a job
  offer that aligns with the UK's sponsorship
  criteria. This encompasses roles categorized as
  skilled and meeting the minimum salary
  prerequisites. The worker must also demonstrate
  possession of the requisite skills,
  qualifications, and experience for the role.
  Furthermore, the position must not be included in
  the UK's list of ineligible occupations for
  sponsorship.

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The Application Process for Employers

• Sponsorship Licence Application In order to
  sponsor foreign workers, employers are required
  to submit an application for a sponsorship
  licence to the Home Office. This application
  entails providing evidence of their business
  operations, financial stability, and the
  necessity to hire individuals from overseas. 
• Utilizing the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
  Once the sponsorship licence is obtained,
  employers are granted access to the SMS, an
  online platform that enables them to effectively
  manage their sponsorship responsibilities. Within
  this system, employers can make requests for
  specific Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  allocations or directly issue CoS without
  specific details.
•  Allocation of a CoS To allocate a CoS,
  employers must input the job particulars and the
  sponsored individual's information into the SMS.
  This process generates a unique CoS reference
  number, which the employee will utilize for their
  visa application. 
• Compliance and Reporting Obligations Employers
  are obligated to adhere to ongoing duties, which
  include monitoring the immigration status of the
  sponsored worker, maintaining accurate records,
  and promptly reporting any changes in the
  worker's circumstances to the Home Office.

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Costs and Fees

• There are various fees linked to the CoS
  process 
• Sponsor Licence Fee The amount differs based on
  the organization's size and type, with larger
  businesses generally incurring higher fees. 
• CoS Issuance Fee Employers are required to pay a
  fee for each CoS issued. 
• Immigration Skills Charge Most workers sponsored
  under the Skilled Worker route are obligated to
  pay an additional fee known as the Immigration
  Skills Charge. This fee aims to promote
  investment in the UK workforce.

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Common Challenges and Solutions

• Employers frequently encounter difficulties
  during the CoS process, such as navigating
  application procedures and ensuring adherence to
  legal requirements. Typical problems consist of
  errors in the CoS application, lack of
  documentation, and shifts in immigration
  policies. To address these issues, employers
  should
• Stay updated on the latest immigration
  regulations and changes.
• Guarantee meticulous and precise completion of
  all paperwork.
• Consider seeking legal counsel or consulting
  immigration experts when necessary.

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Conclusion

• The CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) plays a
  crucial role in the immigration system of the
  United Kingdom, guaranteeing the lawful and
  suitable employment of foreign workers. By
  comprehending the various types, eligibility
  criteria, and application procedures, both
  employers and employees can effectively navigate
  the intricate CoS system. Efficient management of
  the CoS not only ensures adherence to legal
  regulations but also contributes to the
  overarching objective of maintaining a skilled
  and harmonious workforce in the UK.

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Thank you

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