Certificate of Sponsorship Priority Service 2025
Get your CoS allocation in just 10 working days instead of standard 8 weeks. £750 priority fee for urgent recruitment needs. 9am daily queue, first-come first-served.
The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) priority service UK 2025 offers fast-track processing for employers who need urgent recruitment. Instead of the standard 8 weeks, you can secure CoS allocation in just 10 working days by joining the 9am daily queue. The priority fee is £750 (increased from £500 in October 2025) on top of standard licence costs.
October 2025 Fee Increase
The priority fee increased from £500 to £750 in October 2025. This applies to both initial licence applications and post-licence CoS management requests. All applications submitted after October 1, 2025, are subject to the new fee.
What is the CoS Priority Service?
The CoS priority service is an expedited processing option for employers applying for a sponsor licence or requesting CoS allocations through the Sponsor Management System. It dramatically reduces waiting times for urgent recruitment needs.
Processing Time Comparison:
Who Benefits Most?
- Healthcare sector: Urgent NHS recruitment, qualified doctors and nurses
- IT and engineering: High-demand tech roles with immediate start dates
- Finance sector: Critical hires for time-sensitive projects
- Construction: Specialist contractors needed for active projects
- High-growth startups: Companies scaling rapidly with urgent hiring needs
Priority Service Fees 2025
Initial Sponsor Licence Application
Pay £750 priority fee when applying for your first sponsor licence. This is in addition to the standard licence fee.
Post-Licence CoS Requests
If you already have a licence and need urgent CoS allocations, pay £350 for priority processing of your CoS management request.
This fee applies when requesting additional CoS through the Sponsor Management System after your initial licence is approved. Ideal for ongoing recruitment needs.
How the 9am Daily Queue Works
First-Come First-Served System
The CoS priority service operates on a first-come first-served basis with a 9am daily release of priority slots. Applications are processed in the order they are received.
Submit Application via SMS
Log into the Sponsor Management System and submit your priority service request. You can do this for an initial licence application or for additional CoS allocations.
Join the Daily 9am Queue
Priority slots are released at 9am each working day. Your application is queued in the order it was received. The earlier you apply, the sooner you'll be processed.
Pay the Priority Fee
Pay the £750 priority licence fee or £350 priority CoS management fee through the SMS payment portal. Payment must be completed before processing begins.
Decision in 10 Working Days
The Home Office processes priority applications within 10 working days. You'll receive a decision notification via SMS and email. If approved, CoS are immediately available for assignment.
When Should You Use Priority Service?
✅ Good Use Cases
- • Candidate's current visa expires soon
- • Critical project start date approaching
- • Urgent NHS or healthcare recruitment
- • High-demand IT, engineering, or finance roles
- • Business expansion with immediate hiring needs
- • Competitive candidate with multiple offers
- • Time-sensitive contracts or client commitments
❌ Not Recommended If
- • You have 8+ weeks before candidate needs to start
- • Candidate is already in the UK with valid visa
- • Budget constraints make £750 fee prohibitive
- • Recruitment is for future planning, not urgent need
- • Standard processing time won't impact business operations
Priority vs Standard Service Comparison
| Feature | Priority Service | Standard Service |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 10 working days | 8 weeks |
| Licence Application Fee | £750 extra | £0 extra |
| CoS Management Fee | £350 extra | £0 extra |
| Queue System | 9am daily, first-come first-served | Standard queue |
| Ideal For | Urgent recruitment | Advance planning |
| Compliance Requirements | Identical - no difference | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the 9am daily CoS release happen?
Priority service slots are released at exactly 9am UK time each working day (Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays). Applications are processed in the order they were received, so submitting earlier in the queue gives you faster processing.
Is the £750 priority fee refundable if my application is refused?
No, the priority fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. It covers the cost of expedited processing, not the approval decision. Always ensure your application meets all requirements before paying the priority fee.
Can I upgrade to priority service after submitting a standard application?
No, you cannot upgrade an existing standard application to priority. You must select priority service at the time of initial submission and pay the fee upfront. If you've already submitted a standard application, you'll need to wait for the 8-week processing time.
Does priority service guarantee approval?
No, priority service only guarantees faster processing (10 working days vs 8 weeks). Your application must still meet all Home Office requirements, including compliance checks, genuine vacancy verification, and proper documentation. Priority service does not lower approval standards.
How many CoS can I request with priority service?
There is no limit on the number of CoS you can request with priority service. However, each priority CoS management request (after initial licence) costs £350. For large-scale recruitment, calculate whether the urgency justifies the additional cost.
Ready to Fast-Track Your Recruitment?
Use our salary calculators and compliance tools to ensure your priority application meets all requirements before submission.
Related Sponsor & Worker Resources
Get Your Sponsor Licence First
You need an active sponsor licence before you can request CoS (standard or priority).
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
After getting CoS, your worker applies for Skilled Worker visa. Learn the full process.
Healthcare Worker CoS
Priority service also available for Health & Care Worker CoS (lower salary threshold).