A Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (DCoS) is a key document for employers in the UK who want to sponsor a skilled worker from outside the UK. It’s an electronic document issued by the sponsor, with a unique reference number that the worker needs to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Since December 2020, there have been two types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS): Defined and Undefined. This article focuses on the Defined CoS, which was previously known as the Restricted CoS.
What is a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (DCoS)?
A Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (DCoS) is required for Skilled Workers applying for a visa from outside the UK. Only employers with an A-rated sponsor license can assign a Defined CoS to a foreign worker.
How Do You Apply for a Defined Certificate of Sponsorship?
To sponsor a skilled worker, you must apply for a Defined CoS using the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). Here’s how the process works:
- Request the Defined CoS: Your company’s Level 1 user (the person responsible for sponsorship) must first request a Defined CoS through the SMS.
- Provide Required Information: When making the request, you will need to provide the following details:
- Number of Defined CoS required
- Job title and SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code
- Salary details
- Whether the job is on the Shortage Occupation List
- If the worker has a PhD, explain why it’s relevant to the job and if it’s in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subject
- Start and end date for the job
- Decision from the Home Office: After submitting the request, the Home Office will review it. A decision is typically made within one working day. If more information is needed, it could take 10–15 days or longer.
Important Notes About the Defined CoS Application
- No Application Fee: There is no cost to request a Defined CoS, but once assigned, there is a fee of £199 for each CoS.
- No Priority Service: There is no priority service available for Defined CoS requests.
- 3-Month Validity: Once a Defined CoS is granted, it is valid for 3 months. You must assign it to the worker within that time frame.
- Visa Application: The worker must use the assigned CoS reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa within 3 months of receiving the CoS.
Important: CoS are not transferable to other candidates, so ensure all details are correct to avoid issues.
How Much Does a Defined CoS Cost?
- £199 to assign the CoS to a Skilled Worker.
- In addition, employers must pay the Immigration Skills Charge:
- £364 per year for small sponsors.
- £1,000 per year for large sponsors.
What Happens After You Assign the Defined CoS?
Once the CoS is assigned, the worker can use it to apply for their visa. If there are any errors in the CoS form, it could lead to a visa refusal, so make sure everything is accurate.
A Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (DCoS) is essential for sponsoring Skilled Workers from outside the UK. If you make a mistake in the application or assignment process, it could result in the visa being denied. Therefore, it’s important to understand the process fully and ensure all details are correct.
If you need help applying for a Defined CoS or have questions about sponsoring a worker, Law and Visas can guide you through the process and help avoid any issues.
