Understanding the Renewal and Allocation Process for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
For licensed sponsors, staying compliant is more than a requirement - it’s the foundation for maintaining the ability to sponsor international students or staff without disruption. The UK Home Office’s 2025 guidance and ongoing immigration changes have made it more important than ever for sponsors to manage their Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) efficiently.
At Student Connect, we believe that strong compliance ensures stability and credibility, helping our students, partners, and institutions continue their operations smoothly.
What Is the Sponsorship Management System (SMS)?
Every licensed sponsor in the United Kingdom manages their sponsorship activities through the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS). This system allows educational institutions and employers to assign CoS or CAS to eligible candidates.
Two main processes are essential for keeping a sponsor license active and compliant:
- Annual allocation renewal
- Requests for additional CoS or CAS
Understanding the Two Key Processes
Annual Allocation Renewal
Each year, sponsors are given a set number of Certificates of Sponsorship based on their previous usage, compliance history, and type of license. These allocations are crucial for continuing to sponsor new students or employees.
At the end of the allocation year, sponsors undergo a renewal process. For compliant and trusted sponsors, this is often handled automatically - the Home Office extends allocations based on strong past performance and consistent record-keeping.
Automatic renewals not only help avoid operational delays but also reflect confidence in the sponsor’s compliance standards, reporting accuracy, and ethical practices.
Requesting Additional CoS or CAS
When a sponsor expects growth - such as increased student recruitment or staffing needs - they can manually request additional allocations through the SMS.
The process involves submitting a short justification outlining the number of additional CoS required and the reasons behind the request. The Home Office then reviews and approves the request based on the sponsor’s compliance record and demand.
For instance, Student Connect, known for its strong compliance framework and expanding operations, may receive automatic renewals while also submitting additional requests to support rising student numbers across its global network. This reflects proactive management and a commitment to upholding Home Office regulations.
Why It Matters
Understanding and managing CoS allocations effectively isn’t just about administration - it directly impacts a sponsor’s ability to operate smoothly. Any lapse in renewal or compliance could delay recruitment or admissions, affecting students, partners, and staff alike.
By staying compliant and organized, sponsors:
- Maintain uninterrupted sponsorship capability
- Demonstrate reliability to the Home Office
- Strengthen their reputation within the international education ecosystem
Student Connect’s Compliance Strength
What sets Student Connect apart is our dedicated and experienced Compliance Team, which ensures every CoS and CAS process meets Home Office requirements with precision. Our proactive monitoring, accurate documentation, and transparent reporting practices mean our partners can trust that their sponsorship activities remain secure and compliant.
In Summary
Effective management of annual CoS allocations and additional requests safeguards a sponsor’s licence status and operational continuity. At Student Connect, our robust compliance processes and expert team enable us to provide uninterrupted support to our students and partners - reinforcing our commitment to excellence, trust, and seamless operations in every step of the journey.
