Plan your recruitment with the right CoS allocation
An agreed job offer or approaching visa expiry can make sponsorship preparation time-sensitive. If your business does not have the appropriate Certificate of Sponsorship available, you need to establish which request is required and what information will support it.
Knightsbridge Immigration helps licensed sponsors prepare CoS allocation requests and understand the steps affecting planned recruitment or continued employment.
We consider your available allocation, the proposed roles and the workers’ circumstances, so you can plan the necessary action.
Establish which type of CoS is required
Defined and Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship serve different purposes.
For Skilled Worker applications, a Defined CoS is required for an application made from outside the UK. An Undefined CoS is used for an application made from within the UK.
Undefined CoS are also used under other sponsored work routes, subject to their requirements.
A request to increase an Undefined CoS allocation is different from an application for a Defined CoS. We establish the correct process before preparing the request.
Review your current allocation and recruitment plans
You may need additional certificates during your allocation year, preparation for your next annual allocation or advice about an individual proposed hire.
We examine the number of certificates available, the relevant allocation dates and the recruitment you are planning. Where existing employees need further permission, we consider their expiry dates alongside the proposed sponsorship.
This gives you a clearer picture of what needs to be requested and which matters need attention first.
An annual CoS allocation is separate from the validity of the sponsor licence itself.
Prepare a request supported by the business need
The Home Office may require an explanation of why your business needs the requested allocation and further information about its recruitment plans.
Our preparation focuses on:
- The number requested: connecting the request to identifiable recruitment or continued employment needs.
- The proposed roles: examining duties, salaries and supporting information where relevant.
- The business explanation: presenting a consistent account of why sponsorship is required.
- Supporting evidence: identifying information needed to substantiate the request or answer further questions.
We explain any gaps that need addressing before submission. A request should reflect your actual plans and the evidence available.
Understand the work included
Before you instruct us, we agree whether the service covers an allocation increase, an annual allocation request, a Defined CoS application or another specific sponsorship task.
We review the relevant information and support preparation and submission through the appropriate process. We also explain who will carry out any action required through your Sponsorship Management System account.
CoS assignment and the worker’s visa application are separate stages. If you need assistance with those, their scope and fees are agreed clearly.
Plan around decisions and deadlines
A pending allocation request does not, by itself, extend a worker’s immigration permission.
Tell us about any visa expiry date, proposed start date or previous request when you enquire. We can then identify the timing questions requiring attention.
Priority processing may be available for certain requests, subject to the applicable service and availability. We explain the options without treating a particular decision date as guaranteed.
Know the costs before proceeding
We explain our professional fees and any relevant priority-service charge.
Charges arising when a CoS is assigned, any applicable Immigration Skills Charge and the individual’s visa costs are distinguished from the allocation work.
Discuss your sponsorship requirements
Our Free Case Review is an initial discussion of your licence, allocation and recruitment timetable. We identify the appropriate service and explain the further assessment, preparation and fees.
Tell us which route you sponsor under, how many certificates you need and any important dates.
Prefer to begin in writing? Send an enquiry by email.
