Becoming a skilled worker visa sponsor: guide for GP practices

The Online Application – CoS

CoS and CAS: Step 1 of 1

1. You will now need to enter how many Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) you need and explain why. There is no restriction on the number of CoS that can be granted (however it should be proportionate to the size of your organisation).

2. Undefined (previously unrestricted) CoS are for individuals already in the UK.

3. Defined (previously restricted) CoS are for individuals applying from overseas.

4. The allocation of undefined CoS is valid for a 12 month period.

The text below can be used as an example when explaining why you need a CoS. This can be tailored to reflect your individual practice circumstances (limited to 2000 characters):

• The UK has a national shortage of qualified General Practitioners to meet the growing demands of the population. Typical recruitment efforts have not provided us with the suitable candidates required to fulfil General Practitioner roles within our practice. The impact of this is extended waiting times for patients and greater pressure on our current workforce to meet the needs of our patients.
• The role of a General Practitioner is one that requires many years of specialist training including: a full medical degree, two years of foundation medical training and at least three years of specialist GP training. While there are concerted national efforts to increase the numbers of available GPs in the UK, this does not address the immediate pressure in our service and, for this reason, we anticipate needing to recruit from overseas.
• The role of a General Practitioner has been included on the UK Shortage Occupation list as of 6 October 2019.