How to Apply for Additional Certificates of Sponsorship: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your businesses is expanding and you need to hire more skilled workers from outside the UK, obtaining additional Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to applying for additional CoS's, ensuring you understand the process involved and do not face delays while hiring international talent.

Understanding Certificates of Sponsorship

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a digital document that allows employers to sponsor skilled workers from outside the UK. Each CoS is assigned to a specific individual and is essential for their UK Skilled Worker Visa application. If you have already obtained a Sponsorship Licence, you will need to apply for additional CoS's as your hiring needs grow.

Eligibility for Additional Certificates of Sponsorship

Before applying for more CoS's, ensure your business meets the eligibility requirements:

• Active Sponsorship Licence: Your company must have a valid Sponsorship Licence

• Sufficient Allocation: You should have the necessary allocation available to issue the additional CoS's. This is determined by your previous CoS usage and the size of your business

Application Process for Additional Certificates of Sponsorship

To apply for additional Certificates of Sponsorship you should follow the subsequent steps:

1. Log in to the Sponsorship Management System (SMS): Access the SMS using your login credentials. This system is where you manage your sponsorship activities and duties, including applying for extra CoS's.

2. Check your Current CoS Allocation: Before applying for more CoS's, review your current allocation. You can see how many CoS's you have issued and how many are remaining. This will help you determine how many additional Certificates of Sponsorship you need.

3. Apply for Additional CoS: Once you are logged in and have checked your current allocation, navigate to the section for applying for additional CoS's. Fill out the required information, including:

   • The number of additional CoS's you need

   • The reasons for why you need more CoS's (e.g business expansion, new projects, failure to recruit locally)

4. Submit your Application: After drafting the application, review the information for accuracy and submit it through the SMS. You will receive a confirmation that your request has been received.

Awaiting the Decision

The UK Home Office will review your application for additional Certificates of Sponsorship before they make a decision. The processing time can vary, but you will typically receive a response within a few working days. If your application is approved, the additional CoS's will be added to your allocation in the SMS

Issuing Additional Certificates of Sponsorship

Once you receive an approval for additional CoS's, you can start issuing them to prospective employees. When assigning Certificates of Sponsorship it is important to do the following:

• Send the drafted CoS to the prospective employee before assigning it. This way they can check the information and make sure it is correct

• Once the CoS is assigned, make sure to provide it to the employee, as they will need it for their UK Skilled Worker Visa application.

Conclusion

Applying for additional Certificates of Sponsorship is a straightforward process once you are familiar with the steps involved. By ensuring that your business has a valid Sponsorship Licence and understanding the Sponsorship Management System, you can efficiently expand your workforce with skilled international talent. However, due to the Home Office's increased scrutiny of the abuse and misuse of Sponsorship Licences by certain employers, they are now issuing 'Additional Information' requests more frequently. Responding to these requests can be quite complex and will be the focus of our next blog.

In the meantime, if you need any assistance requesting additional Certificates of Sponsorship, please do reach out to info@ctcadministration.com