Skilled Worker Visa vs Certificate of Sponsorship: Key Differences
What You’ll Learn
In this article, we’ll delve into the distinctions between the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa and the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Understanding these differences is crucial for both employers and prospective employees aiming to navigate the UK’s immigration system effectively.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Skilled Worker Visa | Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows foreign workers to live and work in the UK in eligible occupations. | Enables UK employers to sponsor foreign workers for eligible roles. |
| Eligibility | Requires a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer in an eligible occupation. | Requires the employer to be approved by the Home Office and to assign a CoS to the employee. |
| Application Process | Employee applies for the visa using the CoS provided by the employer. | Employer applies for the CoS through the sponsorship management system. |
| Validity | Visa can last up to 5 years before needing an extension. | CoS is valid for 3 months from the date of assignment. |
| Cost | Application fee ranges from £719 to £1,420, plus a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year. | Cost varies depending on the type of sponsor licence; for Worker licences, the fee is £525 per CoS assigned. |
Overview of Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is a UK immigration route that allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible occupation. This visa category replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system.
Pros
– **Longer Duration**: The visa can be granted for up to 5 years, providing stability for workers.
– **Pathway to Settlement**: After 5 years, visa holders may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
– **Family Inclusion**: Visa holders can bring their dependants to the UK.
Cons
– **High Application Fees**: The application fee ranges from £719 to £1,420, plus a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year.
– **Salary Requirements**: Applicants must meet specific salary thresholds, which can be a barrier for some.
Overview of Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record assigned by a UK employer to a foreign worker. It is a mandatory requirement for sponsoring a Skilled Worker visa applicant. The CoS contains key details about the job and the worker being sponsored, enabling the visa applicant to proceed with their application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Pros
– **Employer Control**: Employers have the authority to assign CoS to suitable candidates.
– **Flexibility**: CoS can be assigned to workers both inside and outside the UK, depending on the type.
Cons
– **Employer Responsibility**: Employers must ensure compliance with all sponsor duties, including record-keeping and reporting.
– **Cost**: Assigning a CoS incurs a fee of £525 per certificate for Worker licences.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
Purpose
– **Skilled Worker Visa**: Enables foreign workers to live and work in the UK in eligible occupations.
– **Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)**: Allows UK employers to sponsor foreign workers for eligible roles.
Eligibility
– **Skilled Worker Visa**: Requires a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer in an eligible occupation.
– **Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)**: Requires the employer to be approved by the Home Office and to assign a CoS to the employee.
Application Process
– **Skilled Worker Visa**: Employee applies for the visa using the CoS provided by the employer.
– **Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)**: Employer applies for the CoS through the sponsorship management system.
Validity
– **Skilled Worker Visa**: Visa can last up to 5 years before needing an extension.
– **Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)**: CoS is valid for 3 months from the date of assignment.
Cost
– **Skilled Worker Visa**: Application fee ranges from £719 to £1,420, plus a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year.
– **Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)**: Cost varies depending on the type of sponsor licence; for Worker licences, the fee is £525 per CoS assigned.
Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Skilled Worker Visa and the Certificate of Sponsorship depends on your role in the hiring process.
– **For Employers**: If you’re looking to hire a foreign worker, you’ll need to obtain a Sponsor Licence and assign a CoS to the candidate. This process involves ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and may incur additional costs.
– **For Prospective Employees**: If you’ve received a job offer from a UK employer, you’ll need to secure a Skilled Worker Visa. This requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including having a confirmed job offer and meeting salary thresholds.
Skilled Worker Visa vs Certificate of Sponsorship: The Final Verdict
| Category | Skilled Worker Visa | Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
|——————————|————————————————————————————–|—————————————————————————-|
| **Best for Employers** | N/A | Employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers for eligible roles. |
| **Best for Employees** | Foreign workers with a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer. | N/A |
| **Best Value** | Offers a pathway to settlement and family inclusion, but with higher costs. | Provides flexibility for employers but requires compliance with sponsor duties. |
Findings and Recap
Understanding the relationship between the Skilled Worker Visa and the Certificate of Sponsorship is essential for both employers and prospective employees. Employers must obtain a Sponsor Licence and assign a CoS to foreign workers, while employees must secure a Skilled Worker Visa to work in the UK. Both processes involve specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and costs.
Ready to navigate the UK’s immigration system? Explore our comprehensive guides and resources to assist you in your journey.
Related reading: Understanding UK Sponsor Licences: A Complete Guide
AI Image Prompt: A split-screen image showing a UK employer assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship on one side and a foreign worker applying for a Skilled Worker Visa on the other, both in a modern office setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a Skilled Worker Visa and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A Skilled Worker Visa is a UK immigration route that allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a licensed UK employer, confirming a job offer and enabling the visa applicant to apply for the Skilled Worker Visa. The CoS is a prerequisite for the visa application process. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/certificates-of-sponsorship?utm_source=openai))
Who is eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the required skill level and salary threshold. ([vanguardlaw.co.uk](https://www.vanguardlaw.co.uk/skilled-worker-visa?utm_source=openai))
What are the two types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)?
There are two types of CoS: defined and undefined. A defined CoS is for applicants applying from outside the UK and requires specific approval from the Home Office. An undefined CoS is for applicants already in the UK, such as those switching from another visa category, and is drawn from the sponsor’s annual allocation. ([otssolicitors.co.uk](https://www.otssolicitors.co.uk/news/certificates-of-sponsorship-and-the-skilled-worker-visa?utm_source=openai))
How long is a Skilled Worker Visa valid for?
A Skilled Worker Visa is granted for the period indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship, with a maximum duration of five years. It can be extended beyond five years if you choose not to apply for indefinite leave to remain at the end of the five-year period. ([kadmosimmigration.com](https://www.kadmosimmigration.com/hub/uk-work-visas/skilled-worker-visa/?utm_source=openai))
Can I change employers while on a Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can change employers while on a Skilled Worker Visa. However, you must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and apply to update your visa accordingly. ([wemanageyourvisas.com](https://wemanageyourvisas.com/skilled-worker-visa-application/?utm_source=openai))
What is the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) and who pays it?
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) is a levy imposed on employers when they assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to a foreign worker. The charge is calculated based on the size of the organization and the length of sponsorship. In most cases, the employer is responsible for paying the ISC. ([sunrisesolicitors.co.uk](https://www.sunrisesolicitors.co.uk/uk-work-visa/skilled-worker-visa/?utm_source=openai))
How do I apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer. You can apply online up to three months before the date you are due to start work in the UK. The application requires personal details, information about your job, and proof of meeting the English language requirement. ([kadmosimmigration.com](https://www.kadmosimmigration.com/hub/uk-work-visas/skilled-worker-visa/?utm_source=openai))
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