CoS Allocation Priority Service UK Guide

Section A: What is the CoS Allocation Priority Service

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation priority service is a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) facility that allows A-rated sponsor licence holders to obtain additional undefined CoS more quickly than through the standard process.

Officially known as the Home Office priority change of circumstances service, it is designed for urgent cases where a shortage of available undefined CoS would delay recruitment and risk operational or contractual commitments. Without this service, additional undefined CoS requests vary and can be lengthy, often taking up to 18 weeks to process, which for many employers is too long to meet pressing start dates or contractual obligations.

In the UK’s points-based immigration system, a CoS is an electronic record generated by a licensed sponsor to confirm the details of a role for a visa application. Without a valid assigned CoS, a worker cannot make a successful sponsored visa application.

Sponsors receive an annual allocation of undefined CoS as part of their licence, but once that allocation is exhausted, they must request more. For overseas recruitment under the Skilled Worker route, a defined CoS is required and is requested on a case-by-case basis.

The priority service operates to accelerate undefined CoS requests only and is subject to strict rules, limited daily slots and a £200 fee per request.

1. Role of the Priority Service

The priority service supports sponsors facing immediate workforce needs. Employers may need to fill a role with a fixed contractual start date, meet seasonal demand or address an urgent staffing shortage in health or other shortage-affected sectors. The standard CoS allocation process can delay onboarding by weeks or months, which can disrupt projects, breach client contracts or affect continuity of service in regulated sectors.

To use the service, the sponsor must first submit the additional CoS request via the Sponsor Management System (SMS), then email the priority service team with the completed form and supporting evidence. Requests are considered in order of receipt, subject to a daily cap of 100 slots across all sponsors. Where accepted, UKVI will issue a Worldpay link for the £200 fee, which must be paid within 72 hours or the request will be withdrawn. Priority requests are typically processed within five working days, although incomplete submissions or those requiring verification checks may take longer.

2. Defined vs Undefined CoS Allocations

There are two types of CoS under the current UK sponsorship system, with only one being eligible for priority requests:

a. Undefined CoS

An undefined CoS is used for Skilled Worker applicants applying from within the UK and for certain other visa categories, including extensions and in-country switches. Sponsors receive an annual allocation as part of their licence and can request additional undefined CoS at any time. Without the priority service, such requests can take several weeks or months to process, creating recruitment delays. The priority service exists solely to shorten the turnaround time for these additional undefined CoS requests and sponsors must ensure they choose the correct category in the SMS to avoid refusal and wasted fees.

b. Defined CoS

A defined CoS is needed for Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from outside the UK. These must be requested and approved individually before being assigned, regardless of the sponsor’s undefined allocation. Defined CoS requests are generally processed quickly, often within one working day, unless UKVI needs more information. The priority allocation service cannot be used for defined CoS requests, and any attempt to do so will result in the request being rejected without a refund.

3. Standard CoS Allocation Requests

Standard CoS allocation requests are the default method for sponsors to obtain additional Certificates of Sponsorship when their annual allocation is insufficient. They do not require the £200 priority fee and can be submitted at any time through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). While cost-effective, the main drawback is the significantly longer processing time compared to the priority route, which can affect recruitment timelines if not planned for in advance.

a. Processing Timeframes

Additional undefined CoS requests submitted via the standard process can take several weeks to process. UKVI timeframes vary depending on workload, seasonal demand, and whether the request triggers additional verification checks. For sponsors with a strong compliance record and straightforward requests, decisions may be quicker, but there is no guaranteed turnaround date.

Defined CoS requests, used for Skilled Worker visa applicants applying from overseas, are normally processed within one working day if no further evidence is required. However, UKVI can extend the timeframe if the request is flagged for additional checks or where there are concerns about the sponsor’s compliance history.

2. Costs

Standard allocation requests carry no additional processing fee beyond the sponsor licence fees already paid. However, once a CoS is assigned to a worker, the standard CoS assignment fee applies:

• £525 for Worker CoS
• £55 for Temporary Worker CoS

These charges are separate from the Immigration Skills Charge, which can add up to several thousand pounds per worker depending on the size of the organisation and the length of the visa.

While the standard process is free and avoids the daily slot scramble, the long lead time for undefined CoS means employers must forecast recruitment needs well in advance. For urgent hires, relying solely on the standard process risks missing start dates or losing candidates to competitors. Employers who combine standard requests with good forecasting can reduce dependence on the priority service, saving money and avoiding last-minute compliance risks.

Section B: CoS Priority Service Eligibility Criteria

Not all sponsor licence holders can use the CoS allocation priority service. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) applies strict eligibility rules to ensure the service is only available to sponsors who meet the technical requirements and whose need aligns with the scope of their licence. These rules protect the integrity of the system and prevent unnecessary strain on the limited number of daily priority slots. Employers should confirm their position before applying, as the £200 fee is non-refundable if a request is rejected for ineligibility or administrative errors. A careful pre-application check can prevent wasted cost and time.

1. Sponsor Licence Status

Only organisations with a valid, active sponsor licence can submit a priority request. The licence must hold an A-rating at the time of the request. B-rated sponsors are not eligible until they have regained their A-rating after completing an action plan. The organisation must also have active SMS access through an authorised Level 1 or Level 2 user, as the SMS is where the initial additional CoS request is lodged before moving to the priority stage.

A suspended licence or a licence in the process of revocation immediately disqualifies the sponsor from the service. In practice, even pending compliance action can create a barrier, as UKVI may pause consideration of any pending change of circumstances request until the compliance matter is resolved.

2. Route and CoS Type

a. Eligible Routes and Scope

Priority requests are permitted only for visa routes covered by the sponsor’s current licence. Attempting to request a CoS for a route outside the sponsor’s permissions will result in refusal. The role must meet the relevant immigration route’s skill level and salary threshold requirements before the request is made, as UKVI will verify the proposed role details during the assessment.

b. Defined vs Undefined CoS

The priority allocation service applies only to **undefined CoS** requests for in-country Skilled Worker and eligible other visa categories. It cannot be used for defined CoS requests for overseas applicants, which are processed via a separate, faster pathway. Incorrectly selecting the wrong CoS type in the SMS will cause automatic rejection without a refund of the £200 priority fee.

3. Compliance Standing

A sponsor must be fully compliant with all licence duties at the point of applying. This includes accurate and up-to-date record-keeping, completion of right to work checks in line with Home Office guidance, and proper use of previous CoS allocations. UKVI has discretion to refuse a priority request if there are concerns about compliance history, even if all formal eligibility criteria are met.

Where there is an ongoing or recent compliance investigation, UKVI often places a hold on all change of circumstances requests, including CoS allocation increases, until the matter is resolved. This means sponsors under investigation can lose valuable time if they were relying on priority processing to meet a recruitment deadline.

4. Common Misunderstandings

Many sponsors wrongly believe that urgency alone is enough to secure priority allocation. In reality, UKVI considers both eligibility and the quality and completeness of the application. Submitting a request when the sponsor already has sufficient unused CoS will almost always lead to rejection. Likewise, errors in selecting the correct CoS type, failing to complete the SMS stage before emailing the priority team, or not attaching the required supporting information can all result in loss of the priority fee.

Even eligible sponsors must understand that priority slots are limited to 100 per day, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Demand can be high, and securing a slot is not guaranteed. Employers relying solely on the priority service without contingency planning risk missing critical start dates if they cannot obtain a slot on the day they apply.

Section C: How to Request the CoS Allocation Priority Service

The CoS allocation priority service is accessed through the SMS and follows a strict, time-sensitive procedure. As daily slots are limited and demand can exceed supply within minutes, applications must be prepared in full before the booking window opens. Sponsors who prepare in advance and avoid technical or administrative errors are more likely to secure a slot and have their request processed within the target five-working-day timeframe. Employers relying on the service should also have contingency plans, as access to the priority route is never guaranteed on a given day.

1. Securing a Priority Slot

UKVI releases up to 100 priority request slots each working day, typically between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. These slots are allocated on a strict first-come, first-served basis. An authorised Level 1 or Level 2 user must log into the SMS and initiate the additional CoS request as soon as the slots become available. Sponsors who delay submission by even a few minutes risk missing out until the next working day. Network speed, browser performance and user readiness all impact success in securing a slot.

2. Completing the Request in the SMS

a. Selecting the Correct CoS Type

Sponsors must choose the correct CoS category—defined or undefined—based on the worker’s location and visa type. A mismatch will result in automatic rejection and loss of the £200 priority fee.

b. Providing Role Details

The SMS form must include precise information about the role, such as job title, Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, gross annual salary and proposed start date. All details must comply with the immigration route’s skill and salary thresholds, as UKVI will verify eligibility before granting additional CoS.

c. Justifying the Urgency

A clear and credible explanation for the request’s urgency is critical. Examples include fixed contractual start dates, sector-specific staffing crises, or urgent project delivery requirements. Requests without a persuasive business justification are likely to be refused, even if the sponsor meets technical eligibility.

3. Submitting Supporting Evidence

UKVI may request evidence to substantiate the urgency or confirm compliance. In health and care roles, this could include staffing rotas showing gaps or Care Quality Commission inspection requirements. In other sectors, it might involve project deadlines, signed client contracts, or proof of regulatory deadlines. Having this evidence ready before applying can avoid costly delays if UKVI requests it after submission.

4. Payment of the Priority Fee

Once a slot is secured, UKVI will email the sponsor with a Worldpay payment link for the £200 priority fee. Payment must be made within 72 hours. The Home Office will not begin processing the request until payment has cleared. Missing the payment deadline automatically cancels the request, requiring the sponsor to reapply and attempt to secure another priority slot.

5. Decision and Next Steps

If approved, the additional CoS will be added to the sponsor’s SMS allocation immediately, allowing prompt assignment to the worker. The assignment must still be completed accurately, as errors can invalidate the CoS and lead to visa refusal. If the request is refused, there is no appeal within the priority process, and the fee will not be refunded. The sponsor must either reapply via the priority route—subject to slot availability or use the standard allocation route, which can take weeks. Employers should factor this potential delay into recruitment planning to avoid losing candidates or breaching project timelines.

Section D: Costs and Processing Times

The CoS allocation priority service carries a separate fee in addition to the usual sponsor licence and visa costs. Employers using the service frequently, such as in high-turnover sectors or during seasonal peaks, should budget for these costs in advance. While the service is intended to speed up allocation requests, the actual processing time depends on how accurately the request is completed and whether the sponsor meets all compliance and evidential requirements. Even with priority status, a request can be delayed or refused if errors are made or information is missing.

1. Home Office Priority Service Fee

The Home Office currently charges a £200 fee for each priority CoS allocation request. This fee applies per request, not per CoS, meaning multiple additional CoS can be included in one request at no extra cost beyond the £200. The payment process begins once a priority slot is secured and UKVI sends the sponsor a Worldpay link by email.

Payment must be completed within 72 hours of receiving the link. If payment is late, the request will be cancelled, the slot forfeited, and the sponsor will need to reapply. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of outcome, including where the application is refused for non-compliance or withdrawn by the sponsor.

2. Standard vs Priority Processing Times

a. Standard Allocation Requests

Standard requests for additional undefined CoS can take several weeks, depending on UKVI workload, the sponsor’s compliance history and whether further checks are required. This timeframe can make standard requests impractical for urgent recruitment.

b. Priority Allocation Requests

Priority requests are generally processed within **five working days** from the point UKVI confirms receipt of both the SMS request and the £200 payment. The clock does not start until both have been received. If UKVI requests further evidence during assessment, the five-day target is paused until the additional information is provided.

• Well-prepared, compliant requests often complete within the stated five working days.
• Delays occur where the sponsor has a poor compliance record, incomplete documentation, or fails to respond quickly to evidence requests.
• The five-day timeframe is not a legal guarantee; UKVI may extend it for complex or high-risk cases.

Employers relying on priority processing to meet start dates should factor in the risk of delays and maintain recruitment flexibility. Over-reliance on the service without contingency planning can lead to visa application delays and missed onboarding deadlines.

Section E: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Errors in CoS allocation priority requests can waste time, increase costs, and disrupt recruitment. The Home Office does not refund the £200 fee for unsuccessful requests, so accuracy, preparation, and compliance are essential. Many mistakes occur under time pressure, but most are avoidable through careful pre-submission checks and ensuring the application fully aligns with the sponsor guidance. Well-prepared sponsors who avoid these pitfalls are more likely to secure approval within the target processing time and prevent repeated applications.

1. Selecting the Wrong CoS Type

Choosing the incorrect CoS category—defined or undefined—is one of the most common errors. The correct type depends entirely on the worker’s location at the time of application and the visa route they are using. A defined CoS is required for Skilled Worker visa applications made from outside the UK, while undefined CoS are for in-country Skilled Worker applications and certain other eligible visa categories. Selecting the wrong type in the SMS will result in automatic refusal, with the fee lost and a fresh application required.

2. Submitting Without Valid Business Justification

a. Genuine Reason Requirement

The Home Office expects a specific, credible reason for using the priority route, such as filling an urgent vacancy to meet a fixed contractual start date, avoiding service disruption, or addressing a regulatory staffing shortfall in healthcare.

b. Risks of Vague Justifications

Generic or poorly explained reasons—such as “urgent recruitment needs” without further detail—are unlikely to succeed. Weak justifications can also prompt compliance scrutiny, as they may suggest poor workforce planning or misuse of the priority process.

3. Missing the Daily Request Window

Priority slots are released each working day between 7am and 5pm and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand can be high, and slots are often taken within minutes. Sponsors who miss the release window must wait until the next working day to try again, potentially delaying onboarding and risking the loss of a preferred candidate to another employer.

4. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information

Mistakes in job title, SOC code, salary level or start date are common reasons for refusal or requests for further evidence. All information must be consistent with the job description, meet Immigration Rules salary thresholds, and match the details provided to the candidate. Sponsors should cross-check every data field against the most recent sponsor guidance and Appendix Skilled Occupations before submitting the request.

5. Over-Reliance on Priority Requests

Using the priority service as a substitute for proactive workforce planning increases both cost and risk. Sponsors who depend on last-minute priority requests face repeated application cycles under time pressure, which raises the likelihood of mistakes. This approach also leads to higher recruitment costs and potential disruption if a slot is unavailable. A better strategy is to forecast recruitment needs, maintain an adequate standard CoS allocation, and only use the priority service for genuine unforeseen needs.

Section F: Alternatives to the CoS Priority Service

When the daily limit of 100 CoS allocation priority slots is reached, employers must turn to alternative methods to secure the Certificates of Sponsorship they need. While none of these options offer the same speed as the priority service, they can be effective when used strategically. Advance planning, accurate forecasting, and good internal controls over CoS usage can help sponsors avoid operational disruption and reduce unnecessary costs.

1. Standard Allocation Request

The standard process for requesting additional undefined CoS is available at any time without a fee. Applications are submitted via the SMS in the same way as a priority request, but without the need to secure a daily slot. Processing times vary, depending on UKVI workload and whether additional verification checks are required. While slower, the standard route is cost-effective for non-urgent recruitment, making it suitable for roles where start dates can be planned well in advance.

For defined CoS, which are required for overseas Skilled Worker hires, standard requests are typically processed within one working day. However, sponsors should still build in contingency time in case UKVI requests additional information or undertakes compliance checks.

2. Increase Standard Allocations in Advance

a. Undefined CoS Forecasting

During the annual allocation renewal process, sponsors can request a higher number of undefined CoS to meet anticipated recruitment needs for the year ahead. This requires accurate workforce planning, including analysis of projected turnover, planned expansions, and seasonal hiring peaks.

b. Defined CoS Planning

For overseas hires, monitoring recruitment pipelines allows sponsors to submit standard defined CoS requests well in advance of intended start dates. This reduces reliance on last-minute applications and the priority service, which may be unavailable when demand is high.

3. Adjust Recruitment Timelines

For positions that are not immediately business-critical, employers can adjust recruitment schedules to account for standard processing times. This approach avoids the unpredictability of daily priority slot availability and can free up the priority route for genuinely urgent hires. Aligning start dates with the expected Home Office decision period also improves candidate onboarding planning and reduces the risk of last-minute delays.

4. Reallocate Unused CoS

Sponsors should regularly review their current allocation to identify unused CoS that can be reassigned. In some cases, a previously assigned CoS may no longer be needed—such as where a candidate has withdrawn from the process or a role has been cancelled. Provided the CoS has not been used in a visa application, it can be withdrawn and reallocated to another eligible candidate. This internal reallocation can meet recruitment needs without submitting a fresh request and avoids additional costs or waiting times.

Section G: Role of the CoS in the Sponsorship Process

The CoS is central to the UK’s sponsorship framework. It is the official confirmation by a licensed employer that they are offering a genuine role to a migrant worker which meets the Immigration Rules and sponsor guidance. The CoS is not a physical document but an electronic record stored in the SMS and linked directly to the sponsor’s UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) compliance history. Every CoS issued becomes part of the sponsor’s official immigration record, meaning any errors or misuse can have immediate operational, financial, and compliance consequences.

1. Importance in the Sponsorship Process

Without an assigned CoS, a migrant worker cannot submit a valid visa application under a sponsored route. The details recorded in the CoS must precisely match the terms of the employment offer, the relevant Immigration Rules, and the sponsor guidance. This includes the job title, SOC code, salary, contracted hours and intended start date. Any inconsistency between the CoS and the worker’s visa application can result in refusal or, if discovered after grant, curtailment of the worker’s leave.

Errors can also delay recruitment timelines, cause the worker to miss intended start dates, and trigger additional Home Office checks. For this reason, CoS drafting and assignment should always be undertaken by trained Level 1 or Level 2 users who understand the legal and compliance requirements.

2. Compliance Duties When Assigning a CoS

a. Role Suitability and Eligibility

Sponsors must ensure the role is genuine, meets the minimum skill level, and satisfies the salary thresholds for the visa route in question. Misclassification of the SOC code or inflating job descriptions to meet thresholds is considered a serious compliance breach.

b. Accuracy of CoS Data

Every detail in the CoS must be accurate and consistent with the employment contract. Any later amendments must also be reported to UKVI in line with reporting duties.

c. Appendix D Record-Keeping

Sponsors must retain documentary evidence supporting the CoS allocation, including recruitment records, interview notes, job advertisements, and right to work check evidence. These must be stored securely and made available to UKVI on request.

d. Assigning Only to Eligible Applicants

The CoS must only be issued to workers with a genuine job offer who meet all immigration route eligibility criteria. Assigning a CoS to an ineligible worker can result in visa refusal and compliance penalties.

3. Risks of Incorrect or Misused CoS

Incorrect or inappropriate use of a CoS—such as assigning it for a role that does not meet Immigration Rules, or to an individual who lacks eligibility—can lead to serious UKVI action, including:

• Refusal of the worker’s visa application, delaying recruitment and potentially losing the candidate.
• Unannounced compliance visits or desk-based audits by UKVI to investigate the breach.
• Licence downgrading to a B-rating, requiring the sponsor to follow a costly and time-consuming action plan.
• Licence suspension or revocation, immediately halting all sponsored recruitment activity.

Repeated errors, evidence of negligence, or patterns of non-compliance can also damage the sponsor’s reputation with UKVI, making future allocation requests more likely to be scrutinised and potentially affecting licence renewal.

4. Maintaining a Strong Compliance Record

Sponsors should treat CoS allocation as an integral part of their overall compliance management strategy. This means implementing robust internal processes for role approval, CoS drafting, and record-keeping. Regular internal audits should be carried out to ensure all CoS issued meet the Immigration Rules and are supported by required evidence under Appendix D.

Embedding compliance into recruitment workflows also improves the speed and success of future CoS allocation requests, standard or priority, and reduces the likelihood of Home Office sanctions. Sponsors who can demonstrate consistent compliance are more likely to retain an A-rating and benefit from smoother interactions with UKVI.

Section H: Summary

The CoS allocation priority service provides licensed sponsors with a faster route to secure additional Certificates of Sponsorship when urgent recruitment needs arise. It is a valuable tool for time-sensitive hiring but should be used strategically and only when justified. The daily limit on available slots, the non-refundable fee, and the risk of refusal for incomplete or inaccurate requests mean that sponsors must prepare carefully before applying.

Used alongside a well-planned recruitment and compliance strategy, the priority service can support sponsors in meeting business needs without compromising Home Office compliance.

Section I: FAQs

Can multiple CoS be requested under one priority application?

Yes. Sponsors can request more than one CoS in a single priority allocation application, provided all the roles meet the eligibility requirements and the justification covers each position. The priority fee applies per application, not per CoS.

Is the priority service fee refundable if the application is refused?

No. The Home Office does not refund the priority fee if the request is refused or withdrawn. Sponsors should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and submit a complete, accurate application before paying.

Does using the priority service increase compliance scrutiny?

Not directly. However, all CoS allocations, whether obtained through priority or standard processing, are subject to the same compliance checks. Repeated priority requests without clear business justification may prompt questions during an audit.

Can the priority service be used for both Defined and Undefined CoS?

Sponsors can only use the priority service for undefined CoS allocation requests. Defined CoS are ineligible.

What happens if I miss the daily release of priority slots?

If all slots are taken before you submit your request, you must wait until the next working day to try again. Alternatively, you can submit a standard allocation request, although it will take longer to process.

Section J: Glossary

Section K: Useful Links