For many Nigerians, the United Kingdom represents a land of opportunity – a place to build a successful career, experience a new culture, and secure a brighter future. But the path to working in the UK can seem complex, especially when it comes to understanding key immigration requirements. One of the most crucial pieces of this puzzle is the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
If you’re an aspiring professional in Nigeria looking to make your mark in the UK job market, you’ve likely encountered this term. But what exactly is a CoS, and also how to get CoS in The Uk ? This blog post will demystify the process, guiding you through the essential steps and insights you need to understand how to get a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK as a Nigerian applicant. We’ll explore why the CoS is vital, who needs it, and what it means for your UK visa application journey. Get ready to turn your UK career aspirations into a tangible reality!
How to Get CoS in The UK From Nigeria
Step 1: Search for UK Jobs That Offer Visa Sponsorship
- Use job platforms such as:
- GOV.UK Find a Job
- UK HPI Visa Jobs
- Indeed UK
- Glassdoor
- Filter search results to show only companies that offer visa sponsorship.
Step 2: Apply and Get Selected for the Role
- Submit a strong CV and tailored cover letter.
- Highlight your qualifications and international work experience.
Step 3: Receive Job Offer and Sponsorship
- If selected, your employer will apply for a Defined CoS through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- The UK Home Office typically issues the CoS within 1 to 3 working days.
Step 4: Receive CoS Reference Number
- Once approved, you will be given a CoS reference number which you’ll use in your visa application.
- The CoS is valid for 3 months, so apply for your visa promptly.
Step 5: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
- Visit the UK Visas & Immigration website to start your application.
- You’ll need:
- CoS reference number
- Proof of English proficiency
- Proof of funds or maintenance (unless your sponsor covers it)
- Tuberculosis test results
- A valid international passport
Who Needs CoS in The UK?
It’s essentially an electronic record assigned by a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor license, confirming that they are offering you a genuine job that meets the UK’s immigration criteria.
In essence, if you are a non-UK national applying for any of the following visa categories (among others), you will almost certainly need a CoS:
- Skilled Worker visa: This is the most common route for skilled professionals.
- Health and Care Worker visa: For eligible medical professionals.
- Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility route): For intra-company transfers.
- Scale-up Worker visa: For those joining fast-growing UK businesses.
- Creative Worker visa: For artists, entertainers, and musicians.
- Minister of Religion visa: For those undertaking pastoral or missionary work.
- International Sportsperson visa: For elite athletes and coaches.
- Seasonal Worker visa: For short-term agricultural work.
It’s important to note that the CoS is not a physical document you receive in the mail. Instead, it’s a unique reference number your prospective UK employer provides to you, which you then use as part of your visa application.
How Do You Qualify For CoS in The UK?
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that need to be in place for a CoS to be assigned to you:
- Job Offer from a Licensed UK Sponsor:
- You must have a concrete job offer from a UK employer.
- Crucially, this employer must hold a valid sponsor license issued by the UK Home Office. Without this license, they cannot legally sponsor overseas workers.
- The employer’s sponsor license must be “A-rated,” indicating they meet the Home Office’s compliance standards.
- Eligible Job Role:
- The job you’ve been offered must be a genuine vacancy and fall within an eligible occupation code listed by the UK government. These are generally skilled roles at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels).
- The job must meet the minimum salary requirements for your specific occupation code, or the general minimum salary threshold for the visa route, whichever is higher. These salary thresholds are updated periodically by the UK government.
- Your Eligibility as an Applicant (for the associated visa): While the employer assigns the CoS, your personal eligibility for the specific visa route is also a factor. This typically includes:
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate your knowledge of English to a certain level (usually CEFR Level B1 for Skilled Worker visas) through an approved test, a UK academic qualification, or a degree taught in English.
- Financial Requirements: You must show you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK, or your employer must certify on your CoS that they will cover your maintenance for your first month.
- Other Visa-Specific Requirements: Depending on the visa, you might need to provide a criminal record certificate, tuberculosis test results (for Nigeria), or an ATAS certificate for certain sensitive subjects.
It’s vital that the details provided by your employer on the CoS accurately reflect your qualifications, the job role, and the salary, as this will be cross-referenced with your visa application.
What Are The Two Types of CoS?
The UK immigration system primarily distinguishes between two types of Certificates of Sponsorship, based on where the applicant is applying from:
- Defined Certificates of Sponsorship (Defined CoS):
- Who it’s for: These are specifically for Skilled Worker visa applicants who are applying from outside the UK (like most Nigerian applicants).
- How it’s allocated: Your UK employer must apply to the Home Office for a defined CoS for each individual overseas worker they intend to sponsor. This application is made through the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
- Processing Time: Applications for defined CoS are generally processed quickly, often within one working day, though it can take longer if the Home Office requires further checks.
- Validity: Once approved and assigned by the employer, a defined CoS is valid for three months. The sponsored worker must use this CoS reference number to submit their visa application within this three-month period.
- Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship (Undefined CoS):
- Who it’s for: These are used for:
- Skilled Worker visa applicants who are already inside the UK and are either extending their visa or switching from a different visa category.
- Applicants for all other sponsored visa routes, regardless of whether they are applying from inside or outside the UK (e.g., Creative Worker, Minister of Religion, etc.).
- How it’s allocated: When a UK employer first applies for their sponsor license, they are asked to estimate how many undefined CoS they will need for the year. This allocation is then added to their Sponsorship Management System (SMS) account. Employers can also request additional allocations throughout the year if needed.
- Validity: Undefined CoS, once allocated to the employer, have a 12-month validity from the date of allocation to the sponsor. However, once an employer assigns an undefined CoS to a specific worker, that worker then has three months to use it for their visa application.
- Who it’s for: These are used for:
Conclusion
The journey from Nigeria to the UK via a Certificate of Sponsorship is a significant one, opening doors to new professional horizons. We’ve broken down the core components: finding a sponsored job, securing your CoS, and submitting a robust visa application. While challenges may arise, such as meeting specific salary thresholds or demonstrating English proficiency, each hurdle is surmountable with proper preparation. Stay informed, remain persistent, and approach each stage with clarity. Your dream of working in the UK is within reach, and by mastering these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving it.
FAQs
Does CoS guarantee a UK visa?
No, a Certificate of Sponsorship does not guarantee a UK visa. While a CoS is an essential document, demonstrating that a licensed UK employer wants to sponsor you for a specific role, it’s just one part of the visa application process.
How long does it take for CoS to be approved?
The approval time for a CoS depends on the type:
- Defined CoS (for Skilled Workers applying from outside the UK): These are typically processed quickly, often within one working day. However, it can take longer if the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) needs to conduct further checks.
- Undefined CoS (for workers already in the UK or other visa categories): The processing time for these can vary more. Employers usually receive an annual allocation of Undefined CoS, and if they need more, they can apply for an increase, which may take up to 18 weeks for the Home Office to process, though there might be priority options available.
How much is CoS in the UK?
The cost of a CoS is primarily borne by the employer (sponsor), not the applicant. The fees vary depending on the visa category:
- Skilled Worker CoS: Around £199 per applicant.
- Temporary Worker CoS (e.g., Creative, Charity Workers): Around £21 per applicant.
Beyond the CoS fee, employers also incur other significant costs:
- Sponsor Licence Fee: This is paid to become a licensed sponsor (e.g., £536 for small businesses/charities, £1,476 for medium/large businesses).
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): This is a yearly charge per sponsored worker (e.g., £364 per year for small businesses/charities, £1,000 per year for large companies).
Can a visa be rejected after CoS?
Yes, a visa can absolutely be rejected even after a CoS has been issued. As mentioned, a CoS is just one piece of the puzzle.
Can CoS be reused after visa refusal?
Generally, no, a CoS cannot be simply “reused” after a visa refusal.
When a visa application is refused, the CoS linked to that application is typically considered “used” or invalid for a new application. If you wish to reapply for a visa, your sponsoring employer will usually need to assign a new CoS to you. This means they might incur the CoS fee again.