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Updated 9 July 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/creating-and-assigning-a-cos-sms-guide-8/sms-guide-8-creating-and-assigning-a-cos-accessible
There are 12 SMS manuals available, plus a supplementary policy guide for completing a CAS. The manuals are grouped into three categories: common, CAS and CoS. The table below describes the purpose and audience of each manual.
You should read all manuals applicable to your licence before contacting the relevant helpdesk.
The table below shows each status which can apply to a CoS.
Follow the step by step instructions below to prepare and assign an undefined CoS within Worker or Temporary Worker routes.
You should read the SMS guide 8a – Creating a CoS – guide for business sponsors and Sponsorship policy guidance before creating and assigning CoS.
Follow the step by step instructions below to create a CoS based on an existing CoS. This function is useful if you wish to assign a CoS to extend their employment, as the migrant’s details will be pre-populated.
You should read the SMS guide 8a – Creating a CoS – guide for business sponsors and Sponsorship policy guidance before creating and assigning CoS.
Follow the step by step instructions below to create a batch of CoS, add CoS to a batch and then assign a batch.
Creating and using batches can save time as CoS can be added with pre-populated employment details. Once complete, the batch can be assigned and paid for with a single transaction.
You should read SMS guide 8a – Creating a CoS – guide for business sponsors and Sponsorship policy guidance before creating and assigning batches of CoS.
Follow the step by step instructions below to retrieve a CoS that has not yet been assigned in order to edit, assign or delete it. This function is useful if you have previously created and saved a CoS with partial information.
You should read the SMS guide 8a – Creating a CoS – guide for business sponsors and Sponsorship policy guidance before editing and assigning CoS.
Follow the step by step instructions below to find a batch of CoS, add CoS to the batch (with or without pre-populated details) and assign the batch. This function is useful if you have already created a batch of CoS but now wish to add additional CoS, assign and pay for the batch.
You should read the Sponsorship policy guidance before creating and assigning batches of CoS.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
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