New UK Immigration Update: Sponsors Applying for Defined Certificates of Sponsorship (DCoS) in the UK

The UK Home Office has recently updated its guidance on the Defined Certificates of Sponsorship (DCoS) application process. This blog post will provide a summary of the DCoS program and the key updates for sponsors.

You may have heard about a certificate of sponsorship (CoS), however these can be of two types: defined and undefined. A Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (DCoS) is an electronic document required by employers in the UK to sponsor migrant workers for a Skilled worker visa. The DCoS confirms that the employer can sponsor the migrant worker and that the job offer meets the eligibility requirements for the visa.

The Home Office has introduced a new requirement for sponsors applying for a DCoS. Sponsors must now include the total weekly working hours of the migrant worker in their application. This information is necessary to confirm that the salary offered meets the minimum salary requirement for the Skilled Worker visa.

• Register as a sponsor: Employers who wish to sponsor migrant workers must first register with the Home Office as a sponsor.
• Assign a DCoS to a migrant worker: Once registered, the employer can assign a DCoS to a specific migrant worker for a particular job vacancy.
• Submit the DCoS application: The employer must then submit the DCoS application to the Home Office, along with all required supporting documents.
• Wait for a decision: The Home Office will process the application and make a decision on whether to grant the DCoS.

The introduction of the new requirement for total weekly working hours is an important update for sponsors applying for a DCoS. Sponsors should ensure that they include this information in their applications to avoid any delays in the process.