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)

• From: UK Visas and Immigration
• Published: 7 April 2014
• Last updated: 7 September 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 7 September 2026

     Added a link to the new manual 13 and updated the glossary.

  2. 16 December 2025

     Updated to remove reference to premium customer service.

  3. 2 July 2025

     SMS guide 12: restricted certificates of sponsorship updated.

  4. 4 December 2024

     Updated to clarify defined CoS expiry time.

  5. 10 July 2024

     Screenshots in pdf version updated.

  6. 12 March 2024

     Updated screenshots of the sponsorship management system to reflect Immigration Rules changes.

  7. 6 February 2023

     Added accessible version.

  8. 11 October 2021

     Updated in line with changes to the Immigration Rules on 11 October 2021.

  9. 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.

  10. 1 December 2020

      Updated version of the guide published.

  11. 6 April 2015

      Updated guidance.

  12. 16 July 2014

      Updated guidance.

  13. 7 April 2014

      First published.

Documents

SMS guide 12: restricted certificates of sponsorship (accessible)

HTML

SMS guide 12: restricted certificates of sponsorship

PDF, 1 MB, 35 pages

Details

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• view previously refused, withdrawn or rejected applications