In this blog post, we summarize a
critical discussion between Sarika and Amil from MAC25 Immigration,
covering:
- What’s causing CoS rejections
- Which industries are most affected
- Common compliance mistakes
- How to protect your license and visa approvals
Let’s dive in.
📊 Shocking Stats: CoS Refusals and License Suspensions
Skyrocket
- 🔴 In Q3 2024, nearly 40% of CoS applications
were refused, up from ~20% historically.
- ⚠️ In all of 2024, there were:
- 1,342 license suspensions
- 1,222 license revocations
- 🚫 In Q2 2024 alone, 223 licenses were revoked,
nearly double Q1's figure of 119.
Conclusion: The Home Office is cracking down hard on immigration
sponsors—especially those not meeting compliance expectations.
🤔
Why Are So Many CoS Applications Being Rejected?
Amil explains:
"This surge isn’t random. It’s
part of the UK government’s broader strategy to cut net migration. Every
application—defined or undefined—is now under detailed scrutiny."
- Defined CoS
= For international hires from outside the UK
- Undefined CoS
= For candidates already inside the UK (e.g. student visa holders,
graduates, etc.)
The pressure to reduce immigration
has led the Home Office to dig deeper into every sponsor’s justification for
hiring a foreign worker, as well as their business operations and
financial health.
🏢 Industries Facing the Most Rejections
While CoS scrutiny is across the
board, some sectors are being hit harder than others:
- 🔹 IT & Tech
- 🔹 Hospitality
- 🔹 Construction
- 🔹 Healthcare
- 🔹 New or recently licensed businesses
Amil confirms:
"Even established businesses
are getting questioned. But new sponsors are especially under the radar. The
Home Office wants to see if they’re genuinely trading and financially capable
of sponsoring workers."
🧾
What Kind of Home Office Inquiries Are Being Sent?
The Home Office sends detailed 20-point
request lists—yes, up to 20 documents or explanations per inquiry!
Here are common requests:
- Business bank statements (past 6 months)
- Payroll summaries and salary proof
- Website and job advertisement links
- Recruitment process documentation
- Client contracts (especially in IT or construction)
- Justification for role (Why this person? Why not hire
locally?)
📌 Important: These are not casual requests. If
sponsors fail to respond or justify each point properly, their CoS requests
may be refused—or worse, license suspended.
💥 Red Flags That Trigger CoS Scrutiny
Certain patterns or practices are
more likely to trigger Home Office suspicion:
- Offering borderline salaries (e.g., exactly
£31,000 for graduate roles)
- Hiring for generic roles like “business development
executive” without justification
- Misaligned SOC codes (wrong role description for the
job code)
- Repeated rejections with no improvement or changes
- Lack of transparent recruitment process (e.g.,
referrals without records)
✅
How to Ensure Approval: Amil’s Expert Tips
1.
Justify Every Hire
“If you're hiring a marketing
executive or paralegal, be specific. Why that person? Why not someone from the
local market? Have a compelling story.”
2.
Respond Fast and Accurately
- You have 5 working days to respond to a CoS
inquiry.
- Missing the deadline or sending vague replies can
trigger license audits.
3.
Be Transparent
“You don’t need fancy HR systems.
Even Excel sheets or basic documents are fine—just be honest and complete.”
4.
Use the CASCOT Tool
This Home Office-developed tool
helps you match your job title with the correct SOC code.
✔️ Go to the CASCOT Tool
✔️ Input your job title
✔️ Get a match score and job description
✔️ Use this to write your CoS accurately
“Many rejections happen just because
someone used the wrong job title or mismatched duties.”
📉 What Happens If You Keep Getting Rejected?
- Multiple refusals can lead to compliance checks
- Ignoring inquiries or reapplying without fixing issues
increases risk of:
- License suspension
- License revocation
- Being blacklisted as a sponsor
🔍 Are Home Office Visits Involved?
Physical inspections happen only in
specific cases:
- Pre-license compliance audits
- Post-license checks (announced or unannounced)
“For CoS rejections alone, visits
are rare—it’s all handled digitally.”
💼 What Should New Sponsors Do Differently?
- Be extra cautious if your business is under 12
months old
- Prepare your financial records, trading history,
and role justifications before requesting any CoS
- Avoid panic—take Day 1 of the inquiry seriously,
don’t wait until the last minute
📝 Final Thoughts from Amil
“The worst thing sponsors do is
panic. Instead, use the time wisely. Half your documents can be collected from
your accountant, the rest from HR or directors. It’s about being honest and
organized.”
“The scrutiny will increase. The
white paper has arrived. More laws are coming in 2026. Stay compliant, or you
may lose your right to hire.”
.webp)
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