Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): How to check if a CoS is Genuine or Fake?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document in the immigration process for foreign workers coming to the UK. It is an electronic record that is issued by approved sponsors to workers they want to hire. The workers then use the CoS to apply for their work visas. However, in today's world where fraudulent activities are on the rise, it's essential to ensure the CoS you receive is genuine. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of checking the authenticity of a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Understanding the Importance of a Genuine CoS

A genuine CoS is not only vital for your visa application but also for ensuring that your job offer and employment are legitimate. Using a fake or unauthorised CoS can lead to visa refusal, deportation, and damage to your immigration status.

How to Verify the Authenticity of a CoS

1. Verify the Sponsor Licence: The first step is to ensure that the sponsor who issued the CoS has a valid sponsorship licence. You can verify this by checking the Home Office's official website - Register of licensed sponsors. You can also check on WPC Sponsor Licence Checker whether the organisation’s licence is active.  Some companies may had a licence before, but it’s not active or licenced being removed. You should also pay attention to the sponsor licence number, normally it’s 9 digits number. It's essential to confirm that the sponsor's details match the information on the CoS.
2. Check Your Personal Details: Examine the CoS for any discrepancies in your personal information. Ensure that your name, passport number, and other details are correct.
3. Check the CoS Number: Every genuine CoS has a unique reference number. Normally, the CoS number is 11 digits and always starts with C. Be cautious if there are any discrepancies.
4. CoS expiry date:  Check both the assigned date and the expiry date. Typically, for defined CoS, the CoS expiration date is set to occur 3 months plus 1 day after the assignment date. Any CoS with expiration dates of 1 or 2 months is considered not genuine.
5. Check the job start and end date: When reviewing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for a skilled worker role, confirm that the job's start and end dates match those outlined in your job offer. The standard duration for skilled worker positions is typically 1 to 5 years. For temporary and scale-up visas, the job period is generally 6 months. If you encounter an unusually short period, such as 1 or 2 months, it may indicate an invalid CoS.
6. Confirm the Job Details: Validate the accuracy of the job details on the CoS against your original job offer. Confirm that the job title, occupation code, salary, and other terms align with your offer and adhere to regulations. Cross-reference the occupation on the Home Office website to ensure that the job title, and salary rate correspond to the Skilled worker: eligible occupation code and going rates. Additionally, confirm that the job description matches the job title on the CoS by referring to the ONS website.
7. Contact the Sponsor: You can also contact your sponsor directly to confirm the genuineness of the CoS by checking their SMS system. They should be able to provide you with information about the document and address any concerns.

Ensuring the authenticity of your Certificate of Sponsorship is crucial for a successful and legal immigration process in the UK. Following these steps can help you steer clear of common errors. If in doubt, seeking guidance from legal experts can safeguard your immigration status, allowing you to embark on your journey to work in the UK with confidence. 

How can WorkPermitCloud?

WorkPermitCloud (WPC) is your comprehensive solution for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) services. By designating WPC as a Level 1 user within your organisation, you unlock a range of services to streamline your CoS processes. We can assist with assigning CoS, issuing CoS, and handling correspondence with the Home Office. Trust WPC for efficient and effective CoS management, ensuring a seamless experience for your organisation.  

Contact us today at info@workpermitcloud.co.uk