Certificate of Sponsorship for Hiring Digital Professionals in the UK: What You Need to Know About It in 2025

If your UK company is looking to hire software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data engineers, or other digital experts from abroad, you may be required to issue them a Certificate of Sponsorship.

This article discusses all you need to know about issuing a certificate of sponsorship in 2025, primarily for digital professionals under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by a UK employer that enables a foreign worker to apply for a work visa. It is not a physical certificate but a reference number used to support the visa application. Without it, a foreign national cannot legally work in the UK.

The certificate confirms that the job offer is genuine and meets the salary and skill requirements. To be able to issue a CoS, a UK employer must obtain a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office, proving that they are authorised to employ foreign workers.

Why Is a Certificate of Sponsorship Important for Digital Hiring?

The UK’s digital economy is booming, with many companies struggling to find enough local professionals to fill roles in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software engineering, and more. This has made hiring digital professionals in the UK through international routes a practical solution.

With a Certificate of Sponsorship, employers can legally bring in skilled workers from other countries, thereby filling the talent gap and supporting business growth. It is particularly beneficial for startups and tech firms scaling quickly or working on complex digital projects.

How to Become a Licensed Sponsor in the UK

Before issuing any certificate, your company must be a Home Office-licensed sponsor. To apply for a sponsor license, you must:

• Be a genuine employer operating legally in the UK
• Have a system in place to monitor sponsored workers
• Not have any serious immigration violations

You will need to submit your business documents and pay a sponsor licence fee. Here is a breakdown of the cost of a sponsor licence:

 Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once licensed, you can assign a certificate to a qualifying candidate. There are two types of certificates of sponsorship:

• Defined Certificate: For candidates applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK
• Undefined Certificate: For those applying for a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK and applicants on all other visas.

You must provide details of the role, such as job title, salary, working hours, and start date. The Sponsorship Management System will then generate a unique CoS number for the worker to use in their visa application. This certificate is valid for three months and must be used during that time.

This process is part of the broader sponsor licence COS process, and it must be followed precisely to avoid compliance issues.

Timeline and Costs Involved

You must pay a fee for each certificate of sponsorship you assign. The cost of assigning a certificate will depend on the type of licence you have. If you hold a worker's licence, you must pay £525; if you have a temporary worker's licence, you will pay £55.

You may also be required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge, especially if you are hiring under the Skilled Worker visa route. The fee is:

• £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors
• £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors

When you apply to assign a CoS, it can take between 24 and 48 hours for the application to be approved. The worker can then proceed with their visa application, which takes about three weeks if applying from outside the UK.

What Are the Key Requirements for Digital Professionals?

To qualify for a CoS under the Skilled Worker route, the job must be on the approved occupation list and meet certain salary thresholds. Most digital roles are eligible, including:

• Software developers
• IT business analysts
• Cybersecurity specialists
• Web developers
• Network engineers

In 2025, the minimum general salary threshold remains £41,700, unless the job is in shortage or the applicant is a new graduate, in which case reduced rates may apply. This is part of the UK immigration compliance structure, and employers must stick to these wages.

The Global Business Mobility Route

Besides the Skilled Worker visa route, some employers also sponsor digital talent through the Senior or Specialist Worker visa route under the Global Business Mobility scheme. This is mainly for senior tech experts or specialists transferring within global firms.

However, the certificate of sponsorship remains a central requirement across all skilled routes. It ensures the UK government tracks all migrant workers and that employers uphold fair labour practices.

UK Employer Responsibilities

Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship entails legal responsibilities. Employers must:

• Keep accurate records of the employee’s status and contact details
• Report changes in job role, salary, or early termination
• Ensure the worker is complying with visa conditions

Failing to meet these obligations could result in licence suspension or penalties. That’s why understanding the COS requirements for UK employers is not optional—it’s essential.

Conclusion

A Certificate of Sponsorship is a critical requirement for UK employers seeking to hire foreign digital professionals. However, obtaining a sponsor licence can be a complex process, with common challenges including delays in approval, misinterpretation of salary thresholds, and submission of incorrect documentation.

It is advisable to consult with immigration lawyers experienced in the technology sector, as they can help streamline the process. Ensure your organisation is prepared by reviewing official guidance, maintaining compliance, and hiring eligible talent.

Tech companies that plan their hiring timelines, budget appropriately for visa costs, and remain up to date with policy developments are more likely to enjoy an efficient recruitment experience.