Tips and best practice for Sponsors
By committing the below advice to memory and as standard within your organisation, employers can ensure compliance is achieved and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is obtained.
- Plan Ahead: Allow for extended processing times and build extra time into your recruitment process. Following changes made within the Home Office, applications are now under increased scrutiny and a more thorough approval process is undertaken, which has led to delays. Current processing times as of May 2024 are typically around 18 weeks.
- Document Everything: Maintain records of all recruitment efforts, which is vital for not just the application process but also follow up inspections from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the CQC (Care Quality Commission)
- Clear Identification: Specify the intended CoS recipients in your application
- Detailed Job Descriptions: Provide comprehensive job descriptions that are clear and easy for recruits to understand
- Valid Contracts: Ensure valid contracts with service users or organisations (such as Local Authorities)
- Transparency: Be truthful and transparent throughout the application process
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on Home Office guidelines and policies
- CQC Registration: Maintain registration with the CQC (Care Quality Commission) if applicable
- Respond Promptly: Address Home Office requests for additional information promptly
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting immigration experts to navigate evolving requirements effectively. Immigration advisors are available here
