CoS application rejected? Five reasons it happens and how to recover

Reason 1: salary below the SOC going rate. Easy fix — employer re-issues a CoS at the correct rate, or restructures the package.

Reason 2: SOC code mismatch. The role description doesn't match the SOC duties. Rewrite the duties to map cleanly; don't change the code to one you don't qualify for.

Reason 3: English language not evidenced. SELT certificates have a two-year window for the test date. Re-sit IELTS for UKVI or OET — Pearson PTE Academic UKVI is often the fastest turnaround.

Reason 4: maintenance funds not held for 28 consecutive days. The bank statement must show £1,270 (or the certifying-employer-covered confirmation on the CoS). Even one day below blows the application.

Reason 5: previous breach or overstay. Get specialist advice before reapplying — there are re-entry bans of 1, 5 or 10 years depending on circumstances. An honest disclosure with a strong personal statement often succeeds where a quiet reapplication fails.