Who Typically Pays the Certificate of Sponsorship Fee?

In the UK, employers are legally mandated to pay all Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) costs; applicants cannot pay these fees themselves. This crucial regulation ensures fairness and prevents potential exploitation of visa applicants. Any attempt by an employer to recover these costs from you is strictly prohibited by the Home Office. Understanding this employer responsibility is fundamental for all prospective sponsored workers in 2025.

The 2025 reforms have significantly elevated skill and salary requirements for UK visas, making the sponsorship process more stringent. Home Office scrutiny on all CoS requests and supporting evidence has also intensified. Simple errors in CoS applications can unfortunately trigger wider employer compliance investigations. Therefore, diligent employer review is essential to prevent most CoS refusals.

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a mandatory digital record, not a physical document, that your employer assigns to you. This unique reference number confirms that a licensed sponsor is offering you a job in the UK. Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence to issue a CoS, which is a cornerstone of the UK's points-based immigration system. Your CoS is valid for only 3 months from its issuance date for your visa application.

There are two primary types of CoS: Defined and Undefined, each serving different purposes for visa applicants. A Defined CoS is specifically for overseas applicants, while an Undefined CoS is for those switching to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK. The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the former Tier 2 (General) visa, requires a CoS as a fundamental component. English language proficiency at CEFR B1 level is a strict requirement for sponsorship.

While employers must cover the CoS fee, other significant costs are involved in the UK visa process for which you are responsible. The Worker CoS fee, which your employer must pay, is £525, significantly higher than the Temporary Worker fee of £55. Employers also face an Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) of up to £1,000 per year per sponsored worker, alongside their sponsor licence application costs. These fees highlight the substantial investment sponsor companies make in international recruitment.

Your Skilled Worker visa application itself can cost up to £1,715, depending on your circumstances and the length of stay. Additionally, you must prove access to £1,270 in maintenance funds to support yourself upon arrival, unless your sponsor certifies this requirement. The government aggressively increases all migration fees to fund the system, making it crucial to budget carefully. The Health & Care Worker visa offers a cheaper application route, costing as little as £304.

The year 2025 brings substantial changes to the UK's immigration landscape, particularly impacting Skilled Worker visa requirements UK. The skill threshold for visas jumps to graduate level (RQF 6), a significant increase from previous levels. This means your job offer must meet these higher academic and professional standards to qualify for sponsorship. Home Office scrutiny on all CoS requests and evidence has intensified, demanding more extensive documentation from employers.

Minimum salary thresholds for UK sponsorship are rapidly increasing, with a universal hourly minimum of £17.13 applying for many salary options. Employers now face much higher skill and salary thresholds for sponsorship, making recruitment more challenging. Strategic planning of CoS volumes is essential for employers to prevent critical recruitment delays. Receiving a CoS does not guarantee your visa will be approved; you must still meet all other visa criteria.

To conclude, clarifying responsibility for CoS costs between you and the employer in the UK for 2025 is straightforward: employers must legally bear all these fees. Understanding these UK-specific elements is vital for any job seeker or professional aiming for visa sponsorship. The information provided highlights the legal obligations of employers and the significant changes introduced in 2025. Following these guidelines can significantly improve your chances of a smooth application process.

Staying updated with the latest requirements and official UK guidelines is essential for success in the evolving immigration landscape. The new skill and salary thresholds, coupled with increased Home Office scrutiny, demand careful preparation from both applicants and employers. Remember that while employers pay the CoS fee, you are responsible for other visa-related costs. Always verify information before making important decisions to ensure compliance with all current regulations.