5 Essential Steps if Your UK CoS Offer is Cancelled

Receiving notification that your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) has been cancelled by a UK sponsor can be alarming for prospective employees. This action immediately impacts your planned employment and visa application process under the Skilled Worker route. UK sponsors are obligated to inform UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) promptly when they withdraw a CoS offer. Understanding the immediate consequences is the first step towards formulating a plan of action.

A cancelled CoS typically invalidates any pending UK visa application associated with it, stopping the process entirely. If you are already in the UK on a different visa, the cancellation might not immediately affect your current status but prevents the intended switch. For those outside the UK, it means the basis for your visa application no longer exists, requiring a new approach. It is crucial to verify the cancellation reason directly with the sponsor companies if possible.

If your CoS is cancelled after your Skilled Worker visa has been granted and you are in the UK, UKVI will initiate visa curtailment. You will typically receive a formal curtailment notification letter specifying the date your leave to remain expires, usually 60 days later. This period is critical for securing alternative sponsorship or switching to another eligible UK visa category. Failure to act within this timeframe results in becoming an overstayer in the UK.

During the curtailment period, your priority is to find a new licensed sponsor willing to issue a fresh CoS for a suitable role. Simultaneously explore eligibility for other visa routes, such as the Global Talent visa or a dependant visa if applicable. Navigating the complex UK immigration rules under time pressure requires diligence and potentially professional legal advice to ensure compliance.

When a CoS is cancelled, securing a new Skilled Worker visa with a different sponsor is the most direct route for many. Leverage UK skills shortage lists to identify sectors with high demand, potentially speeding up your job search for relevant positions. Remember, any new sponsor must be UKVI-licensed and issue a valid CoS meeting the necessary salary and skill level requirements. Meeting the points-based system criteria remains essential for any new Skilled Worker application.

Beyond finding a new sponsor, investigate other potential UK visa pathways based on your circumstances and qualifications. Options might include the Global Talent visa for leaders in specific fields, or potentially switching to a dependant visa if your partner holds valid UK status. In some specific situations, exploring options like a UK Work Visa Extension under different circumstances might be relevant, though typically CoS cancellation requires a completely new application. Seeking UK immigration legal advice can help identify all viable routes available to you within the strict deadlines.

Facing a cancelled CoS in the UK during 2025 requires immediate and informed action to protect your immigration status. Understanding the process, from sponsor notification to UKVI curtailment procedures, is vital for effective planning. The primary goal is typically securing a new Certificate of Sponsorship from another licensed employer within the allowed timeframe, usually 60 days if already in the UK.

Exploring alternative visa routes and ensuring compliance with all UK immigration rules are equally important steps. Remember that overstaying your visa has severe consequences for future UK applications, making timely action essential. Utilise resources like skills shortage lists, seek legal advice, and prepare necessary documentation promptly to navigate this challenging visa situation successfully.