A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document for non-UK citizens who wish to work in the United Kingdom under the points-based immigration system. It serves as proof that a sponsor (employer) has offered a job to a foreign worker and intends to employ them in the UK. The CoS is an essential part of the visa application process for workers in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and education. For overseas Certificate of Sponsorship UK nurses, the CoS is one of the primary requirements for obtaining a Tier 2 (General) visa, which is needed to work legally in the UK.
What is the Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a unique reference number assigned by a licensed sponsor, typically an employer, which confirms that the individual has a job offer and meets the criteria for a specific role. This document is not a physical certificate but rather an electronic record stored in the UK Home Office’s system. It contains important details about the applicant, such as:
The CoS essentially confirms that the individual is being sponsored for the specific job and ensures that the employer complies with UK immigration laws.
How to Get a Certificate of Sponsorship?
To receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, overseas nurses must first secure a job offer from an employer in the UK who holds a valid sponsorship licence. These licensed employers can be hospitals, healthcare providers, or other institutions that have been approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor non-UK workers. Once a job offer is made, the employer applies for a CoS on behalf of the employee. The process involves:
Employer’s Role: The employer, who must be registered with the Home Office as a sponsor, will submit a request for a CoS. They must provide information about the job role, the qualifications of the nurse, and confirm that the offered salary meets the UK’s threshold.
Issuance of the CoS: Once the employer’s request is approved by the Home Office, a CoS is issued electronically. The employer will provide the worker with the reference number, which is necessary for the visa application.
Worker’s Role: After receiving the CoS reference number from the employer, the worker can apply for a Tier 2 visa (or other relevant visa categories) through the UK’s visa and immigration service. The CoS is one of the key documents needed for the visa application.
Requirements for a Valid CoS
For a Certificate of Sponsorship to be valid, several conditions must be met:
Valid job offer: The job must be on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations for skilled workers, and the applicant must have a genuine offer from a licensed sponsor.
Appropriate salary: The role must meet the required salary level. For overseas nurses, this is typically at least £20,480 per year, although the salary can vary depending on the specific job or location.
Job suitability: The job must match the qualifications and skills of the overseas nurse, as specified by the UK’s immigration system.
How Long is a Certificate of Sponsorship Valid?
The validity of the CoS is typically tied to the duration of the job offer. If an overseas nurse is offered a position with a specific start and end date, the CoS will reflect this time frame. However, if the nurse leaves the job or the employer withdraws the sponsorship, the CoS becomes invalid, and the individual may be required to leave the UK or seek a new sponsor.
Sponsorship Licence for Employers
Employers wishing to hire overseas nurses (or any other foreign workers) must apply for a sponsorship licence from the Home Office. This licence enables the employer to issue CoS and hire foreign nationals. The process involves proving the employer’s ability to comply with immigration rules and their commitment to offering proper working conditions and salaries. There is also an annual fee for maintaining a sponsorship licence, which can be a barrier for smaller employers.
Conclusion
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for overseas nurses seeking to work in the UK. It confirms that the nurse has a job offer from a licensed sponsor and allows them to apply for a visa to work in the UK. The process involves coordination between the nurse and a licensed sponsor, and the CoS is an essential part of the immigration process. As long as the sponsor complies with UK immigration policies and the overseas nurse meets the required qualifications, the CoS can pave the way for a successful career in the UK healthcare system.