What is the CoS Allocation Priority Service
The cos allocation priority service (often referred to online as cos priority service) is a UKVI route that can speed up decisions on requests for additional undefined Certificates of Sponsorship. It is aimed at A-rated sponsors who need more CoS quickly and cannot wait for standard processing.
This is essentially cos priority allocation: you are asking UKVI to approve extra undefined CoS sooner so you can assign them and keep recruitment moving. Priority helps where a standard request would create avoidable delay—such as missing a start date, disrupting service delivery, or risking contract obligations.
A CoS is an electronic record created in the Sponsor Management System (SMS). A worker needs an assigned CoS reference number before they can apply for a sponsored visa, so running out of undefined CoS can stop hiring immediately.
Priority is not unlimited. To be considered, you must obtain a daily Cos allocation slot (also called a priority service cos allocation slot or simply a cos priority slot). These are limited and highly competitive.
1. How the priority route works
The process starts with an additional CoS request in SMS, followed by an email submission to the priority team. If you secure a slot, UKVI issues a payment link. Once paid, UKVI aims to process the request quickly—this is the practical meaning of priority service for cos allocation.
Priority decisions are often made in around five working days once payment is received, but it can take longer if UKVI requests more details or carries out checks. This is why evidence quality and accurate forms matter.
2. Defined vs Undefined CoS (what priority covers)
Only one category is eligible for priority:
a. Undefined CoS
Used for in-country applications (such as extensions and switching). If you need extra undefined CoS and timing is urgent, this is where priority service for Cos allocation may help. People sometimes describe the outcome timing as the priority undefined certificate of sponsorship processing time—often about 5 working days after payment in straightforward cases.
b. Defined CoS
Used for Skilled Worker applicants applying from outside the UK. Defined CoS requests are separate and are not eligible for the priority allocation route. If you’re researching priority defined certificate of sponsorship processing time, note that defined CoS cannot be “fast-tracked” through this priority allocation service.
3. Standard CoS Allocation Requests vs Priority
Standard additional allocation requests cost no extra processing fee, but they can take much longer. Priority adds a fee and capacity limits, but typically reduces waiting time when you successfully obtain allocation priority.
| Aspect | Standard Allocation | Priority Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Valid sponsor licence with SMS access | A-rated sponsor licence with SMS access |
| Scope | Additional undefined CoS only | Additional undefined CoS only (not defined) |
| How to Apply | Submit request in SMS | Submit in SMS, then email the priority team and pay if accepted |
| Fee | No additional processing fee | £350 per request (usually non-refundable) |
| Daily Availability | No daily slot limit | ~100 per working day nationwide (slots run out) |
| Processing Time | Can be lengthy depending on workload | Typically ~5 working days after payment |
| When Clock Starts | When submitted in SMS | After UKVI has SMS request + payment |
Note: Defined CoS are not eligible for this priority allocation route.
4. Fees beyond the allocation request
The priority allocation fee is separate from normal sponsorship charges. Once you have the allocation and assign a CoS, the standard CoS assignment fee applies:
- £525 for Worker CoS
- £55 for Temporary Worker CoS
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) may also apply, depending on route and sponsor type.
CoS Priority Service Eligibility Criteria
UKVI restricts the cos allocation priority service to sponsors who meet eligibility requirements and follow the correct submission process. Even if you qualify, you still need to obtain a daily slot, which is why sponsors describe it as a competitive allocation priority system.
1. Basic eligibility
a. A-rated sponsor licence
You must be A-rated at the time you apply. B-rated sponsors are not able to use the priority route until they have restored their rating.
b. Undefined CoS only
Priority applies only to additional undefined CoS requests. Defined CoS are outside this service.
c. Compliance position
UKVI can check your compliance history. Where there are concerns, your request may be delayed or refused.
2. Slot limits (why it’s hard to get priority)
UKVI typically releases a limited number of priority spaces each working day. This is the key reason the challenges of obtaining a cos allocation via priority are frequently discussed by sponsors.
If you want to secure priority cos allocation, you need a clear, correct submission and you need to move quickly when slots are available.
How to Request the CoS Allocation Priority Service
A priority request is a two-part submission: the SMS request plus the email request. UKVI expects you to follow the latest worker and temporary worker priority service guidance when completing the priority form and supporting information.
Step-by-Step Process
Submit your additional undefined CoS request in SMS
Make sure the request is for additional undefined CoS and the numbers match your genuine need.
Email the priority team
Email postlicencepriorityservice@homeoffice.gov.uk with the correct priority request form and your explanation. This email is what competes for the daily Cos allocation slot.
If accepted, pay promptly
If you obtain a priority service cos allocation slot, UKVI will send a payment link. Pay within the deadline or the request can lapse.
Wait for a decision
UKVI aims to decide quickly once payment is received. Check SMS for updates.
What to include in your business justification
Sponsors often ask, what reasons to give for additional cos allocation. The most persuasive justifications are specific and evidenced, for example:
- Confirmed start dates, rota gaps, mobilisation or delivery deadlines
- Client contract requirements or service continuity risks
- Evidence of recruitment activity (shortlisting, offers made, acceptance)
- Clear numbers: how many CoS are needed and why those numbers are reasonable
Important notes
- The £350 fee is usually non-refundable if refused or rejected.
- Priority does not apply to defined CoS.
- Errors or missing information can cause a delay in priority cos request processing or a refusal.
Costs and Processing Times
Before using priority service, it’s worth confirming the real costs and the realistic timing.
Priority fees
The priority service approval cost for sponsorship visa uk is often discussed as “£350”, but it’s important to be precise: this is the fee for faster consideration of the allocation request (not the visa application itself).
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Request Fee | £350 | This is the priority service cost, charged per request (not per CoS). Usually non-refundable. |
| Worker CoS Assignment | £525 | Paid when assigning a Worker CoS |
| Temporary Worker CoS | £55 | Paid when assigning a Temporary Worker CoS |
Processing timeframes
Priority
~5 working days
Often described as the priority undefined certificate of sponsorship processing time. The clock typically starts after UKVI has both your SMS request and payment.
Standard
Varies
Standard timelines can be significantly longer, depending on UKVI workload and checks.
Refund policy
The £350 priority fee is usually non-refundable, including where requests are refused or rejected due to errors, or where payment is not made in time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Priority can be effective, but small mistakes can waste time and money. These are some of the most common issues we see—and why sponsors often talk about the challenges of obtaining a cos allocation through priority.
1. Applying for the wrong CoS type
Priority is for additional undefined CoS only—defined CoS are not covered.
2. Assuming a slot is guaranteed
Even eligible sponsors may not obtain a daily cos priority slot because capacity is limited.
3. Weak or generic justification
Explain urgency clearly and support it with dates, numbers, and operational impact.
4. Missing payment deadlines
Late payment can result in losing the priority service cos allocation slot.
Alternatives to the CoS Priority Service
If you can’t obtain a slot (or don’t want the risk), you still have options. In many organisations, better forecasting is the best way to reduce repeated reliance on priority service for cos allocation.
Plan allocation earlier
Build lead time into recruitment where possible, and use standard requests before allocations run out.
Increase annual allocation
If you repeatedly run out of CoS, request a higher annual allocation (where appropriate) to reduce urgent requests.
Improve compliance readiness
Keep right-to-work checks, HR files, and reporting systems audit-ready to reduce delays and queries.
Get specialist support
Specialist review can reduce errors and improve the clarity of your business case when pursuing priority.
Role of the CoS in the Sponsorship Process
A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic record created in SMS. Once assigned, the worker uses the CoS reference number to submit their sponsored visa application.
If your organisation runs out of undefined CoS, recruitment can stop until additional allocation is approved—this is where cos priority allocation (or a standard allocation request) becomes essential.
Summary
The cos allocation priority service can speed up additional undefined CoS requests when timing is urgent. Key points:
- 1 Priority is capacity-limited: you need a daily Cos allocation slot / cos priority slot to be accepted.
- 2 The priority service cost is £350 per request and is usually non-refundable.
- 3 Typical priority cos allocation time is around 5 working days after payment, but checks can extend it.
- 4 Priority does not apply to defined CoS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the priority cos allocation time?
What is the priority service cost?
Can I use the priority route for defined CoS (priority defined certificate of sponsorship processing time)?
Why is there sometimes a delay in priority cos request decisions?
What is a Cos allocation slot (cos priority slot)?
Glossary
Useful Links
UK Visa Sponsorship for Employers
Official government guidance on sponsoring workers
Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Requirements and application process
Certificate of Sponsorship Guidance
Official CoS requirements and procedures
Register of Licensed Sponsors
Check if an employer is a licensed sponsor
Sponsor a Skilled Worker
Detailed sponsorship guidance from UKVI
Immigration Skills Charge
ISC rates and exemptions explained
About Our Priority Service
Atlas Priority Services supports sponsors using the cos allocation priority service, including preparing submissions and reducing avoidable errors that lead to refusal or delay.
We understand how competitive it can be to obtain a daily slot and how important it is to submit a clear, evidence-based case when trying to secure priority cos allocation.
If you need help navigating the process, reducing risk, or planning longer-term CoS usage so you’re less reliant on urgent requests, we can help.
Need Help with Your CoS Allocation Request?
We can help you prepare and submit your request accurately and improve your chances of obtaining a daily Cos allocation slot under the priority service.