Certificate of Sponsorship: Managing RFIs with expert support

Receiving a UKVI Request for Further Information (RFI) after submitting a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) can quickly slow down an international hire.

While an RFI is not a refusal, it signals increased scrutiny. How you respond can directly affect both your recruitment timeline and your sponsor licence.

This is where expert corporate immigration support makes the difference.

Why UKVI issues RFIs on Certificates of Sponsorship

UKVI will typically issue an RFI when it requires further reassurance regarding:

• The genuineness of the role
• Salary levels or Skilled Worker eligibility
• The organisation’s ability to sponsor the role
• Consistency with sponsor licence records

Even minor discrepancies can prompt follow-up questions, particularly for new sponsors, rapidly growing businesses, or specialist roles.

The risk of handling RFIs in-house

RFIs are not just administrative requests. They are formal compliance checkpoints and mishandling them can jeopardise both your recruitment timeline and your sponsor licence.

An unclear or rushed response can lead to:

• Delays in CoS approval
• Increased monitoring by UKVI
• Refusal of the CoS in serious cases 

For organisations reliant on international talent, these risks carry operational and reputational consequences and these risks are costly.

How we solve the problem

At Sable International, we manage UKVI RFIs end-to-end, allowing employers to respond confidently and compliantly.

We:

• Assess the RFI in the wider sponsor compliance context
• Prepare clear, compliant responses aligned with UKVI expectations
• Ensure consistency across your SMS, licence history and business records
• Reduce the risk of further queries or refusals

Our objective is straightforward: faster resolutions, reduced compliance risk, and complete peace of mind.

Protect your recruitment plans

An RFI doesn’t have to disrupt your recruitment plans. With expert support, they can be resolved efficiently and confidently, protecting both your sponsor licence and your ability to hire global talent.

Sable International supports UK employers in managing their sponsor licences, developing CoS strategies, and navigating Skilled Worker, or Global Mobility sponsorship from initial application through to ongoing compliance.

Book your complimentary consultation today. Don’t let a UKVI RFI delay your international hires. Speak to our experts on +44 (0) 20 7759 5420 or email [email protected] to resolve RFIs efficiently, safeguard your sponsor licence, and keep your recruitment plans on track.