How to Obtain a Reference Number for Certificate of Sponsorship

A certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a computerised document. Its purpose is to provide proof that a migrant has been offered a job or place of study by a licensed UK employer. It carries the information of the person it is granted to, details of the establishment that is sponsoring, an expiry date, and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number. It is used for tracking and processing purposes by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) when an individual applies for a UK visa.

Certificate of Sponsorship is required for the following visa categories:

• UK Skilled Worker visa
• Global Business Mobility visas UK
• UK Scale Up visa
• Minister of Religion Visa UK
• International Sportsperson Visa UK
• UK Scale-up Worker
• UK Creative Worker
• UK Religious Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa UK
• UK International Agreement
• UK Seasonal Worker Visa

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number is a combination of letters and numbers that is generated by the UKVI’s sponsorship management system.The reference number consists of 11 alphanumeric characters. For instance, E4K9J86066C. When an individual applies for a UK Visa, they are required to provide this reference number as part of their application to link it to the corresponding CoS issued by their sponsor.

The unique reference number plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and validity of the sponsorship details provided by the sponsor and helps the UKVI in verifying the information during the visa application process.

The reference number can be found on the Certificate of Sponsorship provided by the employer.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for recruiting workers through the UK sponsored work visa procedures. Before a company can sponsor a migrant worker, they must first submit a Certificate of Sponsorship indicating that the terms of the applicable visa have been met.

On the other hand, CAS is an abbreviation for “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.” The CAS is a computerised record produced by the University for the Home Office and is essential for your Student Visa application. The University will generate a CAS for you and provide you your CAS number and CAS statement, which will include the information sent to the UK Visas and Immigration Department. You will need this information to apply for a UK Student Visa.

The reference number is crucial in a Certificate of Sponsorship. The CoS enables for the migrant to travel to the UK. Without one, the visa application will not proceed forward. It is important to enter the correct Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number to show that you have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.