Guidance

Defined certificate of sponsorship: SMS manual 12

Use this step-by-step manual if you are a sponsor who is applying for a defined certificate of sponsorship (CoS)

Documents

HTML

PDF, ~~973~~977 KB, 3435 pages

Information on how to:

apply for a defined CoS, including applying for a CoS based on a previous application
view and withdraw an application awaiting a decision
create and assign defined CoS
view previously refused, withdrawn or rejected applications

Published 7 April 2014

Last updated 216 ~~July~~December 2025 + show all updates

2 July 2025
SMS guide 12: restricted certificates of sponsorship updated.
4 December 2024
Updated to clarify defined CoS expiry time.
10 July 2024
Screenshots in pdf version updated.
12 March 2024
Updated screenshots of the sponsorship management system to reflect Immigration Rules changes.
6 February 2023
Added accessible version.
11 October 2021
Updated in line with changes to the Immigration Rules on 11 October 2021.
24 May 2021
Guide updated to reflect changes to the Sponsor Management System on 24 May 2021 ahead of the launch of the Graduate Route in July.
1 December 2020
Updated version of the guide published.
6 April 2015
Updated guidance.
16 July 2014
Updated guidance.
7 April 2014
First published.