Does the start date on COS need to be within 3 months of its assigment date?

[karas007]

A prospoective employer has already assigned a COS to me a few weeks ago. Now someone from the team is telling me that my start date must be within 3 months after the COS assignment date.

May I confirm with you if this is correct?

I'm asking because according to the GOV website, it looks like I actually have more time.

[*]When you assign the certificate to a worker, they must use it to apply for their visa within 3 months. They must not apply for their visa more than 3 months before the start date of the job listed on the certificate.

Is my understanding correct that, say the COS was assigned to my name in 15 March, then I need to submit my application no later than 15 June (3 months from the date of COS assignment), and technically speaking, we can set the start date on the COS to no later than 15 Sep (3 months from the date of application)?

[lolo2]

The CoS is valid for three months, so you have this timeframe to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

A CoS also must include a work start date. This work start date can be postponed if required - under mutual agreement and with an appropriate justification as per the rules, the employer should know this.

If for example you need to work a notice period on your current role, the new employer should be aware of this and issue the CoS and set the start date accordingly.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... accessible

[karas007]

The CoS is valid for three months, so you have this timeframe to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

A CoS also must include a work start date. This work start date can be postponed if required - under mutual agreement and with an appropriate justification as per the rules, the employer should know this.

If for example you need to work a notice period on your current role, the new employer should be aware of this and issue the CoS and set the start date accordingly.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... accessible

Thanks so much for looking into this. So is it correct that the start date on the COS doesn't necessarily need to be within 3 months of the COS assignment date?

[lolo2]

Correct.

However, see paragraph S3.11.

... they cannot apply for entry clearance or permission more than 3 months in advance of their employment start date, as stated on their CoS. You must make sure the timing of your recruitment and the date you assign the CoS does not put the worker in a situation where they cannot make a successful application for entry clearance or permission.

The same guidance clearly instructs to adjust timing accordingly.