The Tier 2 CoS annual allocation process will soon begin meaning that any unused unrestricted Tier 2 Certificates of Sponsorship (‘CoS’) held by sponsors will expire on 5 April 2019.
Tier 2 sponsors should therefore check to ascertain if, when their Tier 2 CoS annual allocation expires, they are likely to need to issue unrestricted CoS for the year 6 April 2019 to 5 April 2020. If so they should apply using the Sponsor Management System for a new allocation.
Who to include?
Sponsors only need to apply for a new unrestricted Tier 2 CoS annual allocation if they believe that they may need to issue unrestricted CoS during next year’s cycle to:
- any current Tier 2 sponsored employees to enable them to extend their permission to remain in the UK;
- new hires who will earn more than the higher rate salary threshold (currently £159,600);
- new hires who are already in the UK in a category that will allow them to switch in to Tier 2 (for instance, students who hold Tier 4 leave or employees who are sponsored by other companies);
- employees who will transfer under the ICT category (if the sponsor licence also includes Tier 2 (ICT)).
Requests for a new Tier 2 CoS annual allocation should include justification for the number of CoS required.
Sponsors can also request additional certificates throughout the year should the need arise.
Should EU/EEA employees be included in the Tier 2 CoS annual allocation calculation?
Based on the information currently available, there is no need for Tier 2 sponsors to include EU/EEA citizens and family members who may be working for them in their Tier 2 CoS annual allocation calculations.
Our Brexit Analysis contains information on the latest position concerning the UK’s departure from the EU.
How we can assist
If you need advice or assistance in managing your Tier 2 CoS annual allocation request, please contact one of our experts.
