Question 1

Do you provide immigration advice?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not provide immigration advice or legal advice. We are not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA, formerly OISC), the SRA, or any other legal regulatory body. We only offer administrative support — booking assistance, document handling, form-filling on your instructions, and providing general, publicly available information.

Question 2

What exactly does your administrative service include?

Accepted Answer

Our service is strictly limited to: booking Priority CoS submission slots; managing document uploads through your chosen platform; providing general, publicly available information (for example, signposting GOV.UK pages); organising paperwork based on your instructions; tracking timelines and sending reminders. We complete the admin steps exactly as instructed.

Question 3

How does the service work in practice?

Accepted Answer

You tell us what administrative tasks you want completed and provide all the information and documents. We complete the admin steps exactly as instructed. You then review and submit your own application. We provide reminders and status updates throughout. We do not make decisions, provide advice, or act on your behalf.

Question 4

Are you regulated by the OISC/IAA or the SRA?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA, formerly the OISC), the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), or any other legal regulatory body — and we do not need to be, because we do not provide immigration advice, legal advice or representation. Our service is strictly administrative.

Question 5

Can you tell me which visa or licence I should apply for?

Accepted Answer

No. Recommending a visa route or licence type is regulated immigration advice. You must obtain this advice from a regulated immigration adviser (IAA / formerly OISC) or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. You can search the public registers at gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser and sra.org.uk.

Question 6

Can you check whether I qualify or assess my eligibility?

Accepted Answer

No. Eligibility assessments are regulated immigration advice and we do not provide them. Whether your business or your worker meets the Home Office requirements is a question for you or for a regulated adviser.

Question 7

Can you check or review my documents?

Accepted Answer

We can organise and upload documents you provide, but we do not review them for accuracy, compliance or suitability. Document review against the Home Office rules is regulated work — please use a regulated adviser if you need that.

Question 8

Can you submit my application for me?

Accepted Answer

No. You must submit your own application through your own Sponsorship Management System (SMS) account. We do not log in to your SMS account, do not communicate with the Home Office on your behalf, and do not act as your representative.

Question 9

Can you choose the SOC code, write the job description or draft a justification letter?

Accepted Answer

No. Choosing an occupation code, writing role descriptions to meet UKVI standards, and drafting justification or sponsor letters are regulated activities — they involve interpreting the immigration rules. We do not do any of these. You provide the wording, we just complete the admin steps.

Question 10

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

Our administrative fee is from £299 for help with a Priority CoS request. The exact fee depends on which admin tasks you ask us to complete. The Home Office Priority Service fee (currently £350) is paid by you directly to UKVI and is not part of our fee. Talk to us on WhatsApp for a clear quote before you book.

Question 11

When and how do I pay?

Accepted Answer

We agree the admin scope and fee in writing before we start. Payment is by bank transfer (UK BACS/Faster Payments) or card. The £350 Home Office Priority Service fee is paid by you directly to UKVI — never to us.

Question 12

Are there any hidden costs?

Accepted Answer

No. Our administrative fee is a flat amount agreed with you in writing before any work starts. The Home Office Priority Service fee (£350), Immigration Skills Charge, visa application fees, IHS and any government fees are paid by you directly to UKVI and are not part of our fee.

Question 13

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record (not a physical document) assigned by a UK sponsor licence holder via the Sponsorship Management System. It contains the worker's job title, SOC code, salary, and start date, and must be assigned before the sponsored worker can apply for a Skilled Worker visa or other sponsored route. This is general public information published by the Home Office on GOV.UK.

Question 14

How long does the Home Office take to process a Priority CoS?

Accepted Answer

The Home Office aims to process CoS allocation requests under its Priority Service within 5 working days from when the £350 priority fee is paid, subject to slot availability. Standard requests can take longer. These are Home Office service levels published on GOV.UK — they are not commitments we can make on the Home Office's behalf.

Question 15

What is the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)?

Accepted Answer

The ISC is a Home Office charge paid by the sponsor for each Skilled Worker hired. The current rates and rules are published on GOV.UK. It is paid by you directly to the Home Office at the assignment stage — it is not part of our admin fee. Whether and how much you owe is determined by the Home Office, not by us.

Question 16

Where can I read the official Home Office guidance?

Accepted Answer

All sponsor licence and Certificate of Sponsorship rules, fees, application forms and processing times are published by UK Visas & Immigration on GOV.UK — for example, gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers. You should always check GOV.UK for the most up-to-date position before relying on any summary.

Question 17

What's the difference between a Defined and an Undefined CoS?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK explains that a Defined CoS is used for a Skilled Worker applying from outside the UK and must be requested individually through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). An Undefined CoS is used for Skilled Workers already in the UK switching or extending, and is allocated as part of your annual allowance. Always check GOV.UK for the current definitions before relying on this summary.

Question 18

When do I need a Priority CoS instead of a standard one?

Accepted Answer

A Priority CoS is the Home Office's optional fast-track for Defined CoS requests, currently £350 per request, aiming for a decision in around 5 working days subject to slot availability. Whether you need it depends on your hiring timeline and is your decision — we do not advise on it. The current rules and fees are on GOV.UK.

Question 19

How long is a CoS valid once assigned?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK states that an assigned Certificate of Sponsorship must be used by the worker to apply for their visa within 3 months of the assignment date, otherwise it expires. Always check the current GOV.UK guidance for the latest position.

Question 20

Which SOC 2020 occupation code applies to my role?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the correct SOC 2020 occupation code is a regulated activity — it requires interpreting the immigration rules against the specific role. We do not do this. The official SOC code list is on the ONS website and the Home Office sponsor guidance is on GOV.UK. For a recommendation on which code applies, consult a regulated immigration adviser (IAA / formerly OISC) or an SRA-regulated solicitor.

Question 21

What is the minimum salary or going rate for a Skilled Worker role?

Accepted Answer

Salary thresholds (general minimum, going rate by SOC code, new entrant discounts and tradeable points) are published by the Home Office on GOV.UK and updated periodically. Working out which threshold applies to a specific role is regulated immigration advice — we do not provide it. Please check GOV.UK or speak to a regulated adviser.

Question 22

Does my role meet the RQF Level 3 skill threshold?

Accepted Answer

Whether a specific role meets the Skilled Worker skill threshold (currently RQF Level 3 / 6 depending on the route) is a regulated assessment we do not provide. The Home Office publishes the threshold and how it applies on GOV.UK. For an opinion on a specific role, consult a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor.

Question 23

Can I sponsor someone already in the UK on another visa?

Accepted Answer

Switching into the Skilled Worker route from another UK visa is possible in many cases but depends on the worker's current status and the rules in force. Whether a particular individual can switch is regulated immigration advice — please ask a regulated adviser or check GOV.UK.

Question 24

Can I sponsor a relative or a director of my company?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK sets out specific rules and disclosure requirements where the worker is related to a director or owner of the sponsor, and these cases attract closer Home Office scrutiny. Whether you can sponsor a particular person in your situation is regulated immigration advice and we do not provide it.

Question 25

How do I request a CoS through the SMS portal?

Accepted Answer

You request a CoS by logging in to your Sponsorship Management System (SMS) account, selecting the relevant CoS type, completing the required fields (job title, SOC code, salary, dates, etc.) and submitting the request. We can complete the form-filling steps based on information you provide, but you submit the request from your own SMS account. The official GOV.UK SMS guidance is the authoritative source.

Question 26

What information do I need before assigning a CoS?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK lists the required CoS fields, including the worker's personal and passport details, job title and SOC code, salary, hours, work address, and start/end dates. You are responsible for gathering and confirming the accuracy of this information before assignment.

Question 27

What happens after I assign the CoS to the worker?

Accepted Answer

Once assigned, the worker uses the CoS reference number to apply for their visa within 3 months. As the sponsor, you have ongoing record-keeping and reporting duties under the sponsor guidance on GOV.UK (for example, the 10-day SMS reporting rule for certain changes).

Question 28

How much does a CoS cost in total (CoS fee, ISC, Priority fee)?

Accepted Answer

Current Home Office fees — the CoS assignment fee, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), and the optional £350 Priority Service fee — are published on GOV.UK and updated periodically. They are paid by you directly to UKVI and are separate from our administrative fee. Always check GOV.UK for the current amounts.

Question 29

Who pays the sponsorship costs — the employer or the worker?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK states that the Immigration Skills Charge must be paid by the sponsor and cannot be passed to the worker, and there are restrictions on recovering certain other sponsor costs from the worker. Whether other costs (such as the visa fee or IHS) can be agreed with the worker is a contractual / legal question — please take regulated advice if in doubt.

Question 30

What are my reporting duties after assigning a CoS?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK sets out a 10-working-day reporting rule for certain events (for example, a change in the worker's role, salary, work address, or if they don't start work) and a 20-working-day rule for others. The full list is in the sponsor guidance on GOV.UK. You are responsible for making these reports through your own SMS account.

Question 31

What records must I keep (Appendix D)?

Accepted Answer

Appendix D of the Home Office sponsor guidance lists the documents a sponsor must keep for each sponsored worker — for example, right-to-work evidence, contact details, history of recruitment, and absence records. The current list is on GOV.UK. We do not assess whether your records meet these requirements.

Question 32

What happens if a CoS is refused or the visa is rejected?

Accepted Answer

Refusals, reconsideration requests, administrative reviews and appeals are regulated immigration matters. We do not advise on them. You should consult a regulated immigration adviser (IAA / formerly OISC) or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor.

Question 33

Can a CoS be withdrawn or cancelled?

Accepted Answer

Yes — GOV.UK explains that a sponsor can withdraw an unused CoS, and the Home Office can cancel a CoS in certain circumstances (for example, if it was assigned in error, or if the sponsor licence is suspended or revoked). Always check the current GOV.UK guidance for how this works.

Question 34

What can trigger a UKVI compliance visit?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK explains that the Home Office can carry out announced or unannounced compliance visits at any time, and that visits can be triggered by routine checks, allegations, sponsor changes or risk indicators. Preparing for, or responding to, a compliance visit is regulated work — please use a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor.

Question 35

Do I need a sponsor licence before I can issue a CoS?

Accepted Answer

Yes — GOV.UK states that only organisations holding a valid Worker or Temporary Worker sponsor licence can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. The licence application is separate and is your responsibility (or a regulated adviser's, where you instruct one).

Question 36

How do I increase my CoS allocation?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK explains that sponsors can request additional CoS through the Sponsorship Management System, with a justification for the extra allocation. Drafting that justification involves interpreting the rules — please prepare it yourself or with a regulated adviser. We can help with the admin steps once you have provided the wording.

Question 37

What happens to existing CoS if my licence is suspended or revoked?

Accepted Answer

GOV.UK explains that suspension or revocation can affect previously assigned CoS and the sponsored workers' permission to stay. The exact consequences depend on the circumstances and are a regulated immigration matter — please take advice from a regulated adviser or solicitor.

Question 38

Do you submit Sponsor Licence applications for me?

Accepted Answer

No. You prepare and submit your own Sponsor Licence application. Our administrative service can help you organise documents you provide, upload files to the Home Office portal, share general GOV.UK information, and track deadlines. We do not advise on eligibility, do not advise on which documents you need, do not review documents for compliance, and do not prepare or submit your application independently.

Question 39

What happens if my Sponsor Licence is refused?

Accepted Answer

Refusals, cooling-off periods, appeals and re-applications all involve regulated immigration advice. We do not provide that. Please consult a regulated immigration adviser (IAA / formerly OISC) or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. We can continue to provide administrative help (file organisation, uploads, reminders) alongside their work if you ask us to.

Question 40

Are you a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. PriorityCOS is a non-regulated administrative support service. We are not a law firm, not regulated by the IAA (formerly OISC), and not regulated by the SRA. We do not provide immigration or legal advice. For regulated advice you must consult a regulated adviser or solicitor.

Question 41

Do you work with sponsors outside London?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are based in Hounslow, West London, and provide remote administrative support to UK businesses nationwide — handled over WhatsApp, email and through your own systems.

Administrative support FAQ

Our admin service

Do you provide immigration advice?

Do you provide immigration advice?

What exactly does your administrative service include?

What exactly does your administrative service include?

How does the service work in practice?

How does the service work in practice?

Are you regulated by the OISC/IAA or the SRA?

Are you regulated by the OISC/IAA or the SRA?

What we do not do

Can you tell me which visa or licence I should apply for?

Can you tell me which visa or licence I should apply for?

Can you check whether I qualify or assess my eligibility?

Can you check whether I qualify or assess my eligibility?

Can you check or review my documents?

Can you check or review my documents?

Can you submit my application for me?

Can you submit my application for me?

Can you choose the SOC code, write the job description or draft a justification letter?

Can you choose the SOC code, write the job description or draft a justification letter?

Fees & process

How much do you charge?

How much do you charge?

When and how do I pay?

When and how do I pay?

Are there any hidden costs?

Are there any hidden costs?

Home Office basics

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

How long does the Home Office take to process a Priority CoS?

How long does the Home Office take to process a Priority CoS?

What is the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)?

What is the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)?

Where can I read the official Home Office guidance?

Where can I read the official Home Office guidance?

CoS questions

What's the difference between a Defined and an Undefined CoS?

What's the difference between a Defined and an Undefined CoS?

When do I need a Priority CoS instead of a standard one?

When do I need a Priority CoS instead of a standard one?

How long is a CoS valid once assigned?

How long is a CoS valid once assigned?

Which SOC 2020 occupation code applies to my role?

Which SOC 2020 occupation code applies to my role?

What is the minimum salary or going rate for a Skilled Worker role?

What is the minimum salary or going rate for a Skilled Worker role?

Does my role meet the RQF Level 3 skill threshold?

Does my role meet the RQF Level 3 skill threshold?

Can I sponsor someone already in the UK on another visa?

Can I sponsor someone already in the UK on another visa?

Can I sponsor a relative or a director of my company?

Can I sponsor a relative or a director of my company?

How do I request a CoS through the SMS portal?

How do I request a CoS through the SMS portal?

What information do I need before assigning a CoS?

What information do I need before assigning a CoS?

What happens after I assign the CoS to the worker?

What happens after I assign the CoS to the worker?

How much does a CoS cost in total (CoS fee, ISC, Priority fee)?

How much does a CoS cost in total (CoS fee, ISC, Priority fee)?

Who pays the sponsorship costs — the employer or the worker?

Who pays the sponsorship costs — the employer or the worker?

What are my reporting duties after assigning a CoS?

What are my reporting duties after assigning a CoS?

What records must I keep (Appendix D)?

What records must I keep (Appendix D)?

What happens if a CoS is refused or the visa is rejected?

What happens if a CoS is refused or the visa is rejected?

Can a CoS be withdrawn or cancelled?

Can a CoS be withdrawn or cancelled?

What can trigger a UKVI compliance visit?

What can trigger a UKVI compliance visit?

Do I need a sponsor licence before I can issue a CoS?

Do I need a sponsor licence before I can issue a CoS?

How do I increase my CoS allocation?

How do I increase my CoS allocation?

What happens to existing CoS if my licence is suspended or revoked?

What happens to existing CoS if my licence is suspended or revoked?