UK Sponsor List – Official Register of Licensed Sponsors

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Anne Morris

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Key Takeaways

  • The UK sponsor list is the only official source to confirm if an employer is authorised to sponsor workers. Always check the live GOV.UK register before making recruitment decisions or visa applications.
  • Being listed does not guarantee active recruitment. Applicants must confirm the employer is hiring for roles that meet visa criteria.
  • Licence ratings matter. A downgrade to B status signals compliance issues and can create recruitment instability or visa refusal risk.
  • Employers must keep licence and SMS details accurate. Any mismatch with the register is visible publicly and can trigger Home Office scrutiny.
  • Licence status can change at any stage. Recheck the register before offers, CoS assignment and visa submission to avoid costly errors.
The UK Sponsor List, known as the Register of Licensed Sponsors, is an up-to-date record of employers with permission to sponsor foreign nationals for a work visa.

With more than 120,000 employers currently on the list, it’s a valuable resource for jobseekers and visa applicants, necessitating a methodical approach to identify and pursue tangible employment opportunities.

For employers, being on the sponsor list is both an opportunity and a commitment, permitting international recruitment but imposing strict compliance obligations and Home Office oversight. Fall foul of these duties and any resulting licence penalty will be made public on the sponsor list.

In this guide, we explain what the UK sponsor list is, how it works and what it means for visa applicants and sponsors.

SECTION GUIDE

 

Section A: What is the UK Sponsor List?

 

The UK sponsor list, formally called the Register of Licensed Sponsors, is the Home Office’s live record of every organisation approved to employ overseas nationals under the sponsored visa system. It covers both the Worker and Temporary Worker routes, from long-term skilled roles to short-term creative and seasonal positions.

If a company is on the list, it holds a valid sponsor licence.

For UK employers, appearing on the register signals that they have met the Home Office’s eligibility criteria, provided the necessary supporting evidence and have committed to ongoing compliance duties.

For overseas jobseekers, the list sets out which UK employers are permitted to issue valid Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign national workers, which is a mandatory requirement to apply for most work visas.

 

1. Purpose of the UK Sponsor List

 

The sponsor list exists to keep the sponsorship system transparent and enforceable. Anyone, including applicants, recruiters and regulators, can check it before a role is offered or a visa application is submitted. This open access reduces the risk of fraudulent job offers and ensures that visa applications are supported by genuine, authorised employers.

For the Home Office, the register is also a compliance tool. It allows them to track licence holders, monitor activity and intervene when standards are not met. When they remove a sponsor or change its licence rating, the update appears on the list almost immediately, signalling to the market that the organisation’s ability to sponsor is in question.

 

2. Scope of the Register

 

The register now contains over 120,000 organisations including multinational companies, NHS trusts, start-ups, charities, schools, care providers and arts organisations from across all industries and parts of the economy. The common factor is that each has passed the Home Office’s eligibility checks and agreed to meet its compliance requirements.

Each entry shows the sponsor’s name, town or city, licence rating and the visa categories they are authorised to sponsor. Categories include Skilled Worker, Minister of Religion, Senior or Specialist Worker, Creative Worker and Seasonal Worker. For candidates, this information is important because it confirms not only whether the sponsor is approved but also which visa routes they can use.

 

3. Licence Ratings and Status Changes

 

Every sponsor starts with an A rating, which means they meet all compliance standards. If the Home Office finds issues, such as poor record-keeping or failures in right to work checks, they can downgrade the licence to B. A B-rated sponsor must follow an action plan within a set time frame or risk losing the licence.

 

Licence Rating Home Office Meaning Impact on Employers Impact on Applicants
A Rating Fully compliant with sponsor duties Can assign Certificates of Sponsorship without restrictions Lower risk of visa delays or refusals
B Rating Compliance issues identified, working under an action plan May face restrictions on assigning new Certificates of Sponsorship and must resolve issues within a set timeframe Higher risk of disruption to the sponsorship process and potential uncertainty about long-term employment

The register changes often. New sponsors are added, others are downgraded or removed entirely. Using an out-of-date copy can lead to errors in recruitment or visa applications. The only reliable source is the live GOV.UK register.

 

4. Certificates of Sponsorship in Practice

 

A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a paper document. It is a digital record created in the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System (SMS). Once a sponsor assigns a CoS, the worker receives a unique reference number to use in their visa application. Without that number, the application will be refused.

Being on the sponsor list allows an employer to assign CoS but does not mean every role will qualify. Each visa route has its own requirements, including salary thresholds, skill levels and sometimes English language rules, which must be met before a certificate can be issued.

 

5. Why the Sponsor List Matters

 

For applicants, the list is the first check to confirm that a job offer is genuine and that the employer can support a visa application. For employers, it is a mark of credibility when recruiting internationally. For the Home Office, it is the mechanism that ensures only approved and monitored sponsors have access to the visa system.

The sponsor list shapes who can hire from abroad and on what terms. Without it, there would be no reliable way to confirm that overseas recruitment is lawful.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The UK sponsor list is incredibly useful as a starting point for researching potential UK sponsors, but workers need to recognise its limitations. With no indication of the sponsor’s recruitment status or activities, relying on the list alone to approach potential employers risks you wasting time and chasing dead leads.

For employers, the list is a public record of your sponsorship status. Of reputational concern is that the list also displays any enforcement action taken against you, which will be on publicly available to customers, clients, suppliers, competitors and the potential recruits.

 

 

 

Section B: Legal Framework and Home Office Oversight

 

The UK sponsor list is not just an administrative tool. It sits within a defined legal framework that gives the Home Office the authority to grant, monitor and, when necessary, remove sponsor licences. Understanding the legal basis and the role of Home Office oversight is essential for both employers and applicants who rely on the register.

The sponsorship system is embedded in the UK’s Immigration Rules, and supported by the official **Sponsor Guidance**, which is divided into three main parts covering licence applications, sponsoring workers and compliance duties. Together, they set the conditions for entry onto the register, the responsibilities of licence holders and the penalties for failing to meet those obligations.

 

1. Legislative Basis

 

The authority for the sponsorship system comes from the Immigration Act 1971, as amended by subsequent immigration legislation. The Immigration Rules provide the specific conditions under which an organisation can sponsor workers and the circumstances in which a licence can be refused, suspended or revoked.

The Rules are not static. The Home Office updates them regularly to reflect changes in immigration policy, labour market priorities and compliance requirements. Employers must ensure that their practices align with the latest version of the Rules, as relying on outdated provisions can lead to breaches.

 

2. Sponsor Guidance as the Operational Manual

 

The Home Office publishes detailed Sponsor Guidance on GOV.UK. This guidance acts as the operational manual for both the department and licence holders. It is divided into:

 

  • Part 1: How to apply for a sponsor licence, including eligibility criteria and required documentation.
  • Part 2: How to sponsor a worker, covering Certificates of Sponsorship, visa route-specific rules and sponsor management processes.
  • Part 3: Compliance obligations, monitoring procedures and enforcement actions.

 

While the Immigration Rules set the legal boundaries, the Sponsor Guidance explains how to operate within them in practical terms. The guidance also specifies how the Home Office will assess compliance and what evidence sponsors must keep.

 

3. Home Office Oversight

 

The Home Office oversees the sponsor list through its Sponsorship and Employers Compliance Unit, with specific remit over:

 

  • Conducting pre-licence checks to confirm eligibility and suitability.
  • Monitoring compliance through announced and unannounced audits.
  • Reviewing licence renewal applications and making rating decisions.
  • Taking enforcement action where necessary, such as downgrading ratings, suspending licences or revoking them altogether.

 

Oversight is ongoing. Holding a sponsor licence is not a one-time approval but a continuing permission that depends on meeting the required standards.

 

4. Consequences of Non-Compliance

 

If an organisation fails to comply with the Immigration Rules or Sponsor Guidance, the Home Office can take action ranging from issuing an action plan to immediate licence revocation. The severity of the action depends on the nature and scale of the breach.

Losing a sponsor licence removes the organisation from the register, prevents them from issuing new Certificates of Sponsorship and can lead to the curtailment of existing sponsored workers’ visas. These consequences can disrupt operations, damage reputation and, in some cases, lead to legal disputes.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Being on the list of sponsors reflects the regulatory Home Office oversight that the sponsor operates under. Licence compliance has to be a daily concern and updates to the Immigration Rules, Sponsor Guidance or other relevant rules have to be accounted for, or the sponsor risks enforcement action.

 

 

 

Section C: Where to Access the UK Sponsor List

 

The official UK sponsor list is published by the Home Office on the GOV.UK website. It is freely available to the public and is updated regularly to reflect new licences, rating changes, suspensions and removals. Because the list changes often, checking the live version is the only way to be certain the information you are using is accurate.

Employers and jobseekers should always start with the GOV.UK register rather than relying on third-party versions. While other websites may provide search filters or user-friendly layouts, they can quickly become outdated and do not replace the official record.

 

1. Accessing the Official GOV.UK Register

 

The register can be accessed at www.gov.uk under the title Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers. The page provides a link to download the register as a CSV file, which can be opened in spreadsheet software such as Excel or Google Sheets.

The GOV.UK page also includes a “last updated” date. This date is important as it tells you how current the information is. In most cases, the Home Office updates the register at least once a month, although urgent changes, such as licence revocations, can appear sooner.

 

2. Understanding the CSV Format

 

The CSV file contains a table with columns showing the sponsor’s name, location, licence rating and the visa categories they are approved to sponsor. Users can search by sponsor name or filter by town, city or visa route. This makes it possible to quickly identify all sponsors in a particular region or sector.

Because the CSV is provided in a raw format, it may require some basic spreadsheet skills to navigate effectively. For example, you can use filters to show only Skilled Worker sponsors or only those based in a specific area.

 

3. Third-Party Search Tools

 

Some immigration law firms and recruitment platforms host their own searchable versions of the sponsor list. These often allow filtering by job type, sector or region without downloading a file. While these tools can save time, they should be treated as supplementary. You should always cross-check any results with the live GOV.UK register to confirm accuracy.

 

4. Risks of Using Outdated Information

 

Relying on an old or unofficial copy of the list can lead to serious problems. A sponsor that was approved last year may have been downgraded or removed since. This can result in visa refusals for applicants or wasted recruitment time for employers. The Home Office will not accept “I did not know” as a defence if an application is made using an invalid sponsor.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The Register of Licensed Sponsors is updated regularly. Always check you are accessing the most up-to-date version of the list before relying on the information it contains.

 

 

 

Section D: How to Verify a Sponsor’s Status

 

Checking the UK sponsor list is the first step to confirming whether an employer can lawfully sponsor a visa. However, simply seeing a name on the list is not enough. The information must be verified against the most recent data and the details of the actual job offer to help confirm that the sponsorship is valid and the application will meet Home Office requirements.

 

1. Use the Live GOV.UK Register

 

Always start with the latest version of the sponsor list on the GOV.UK website. The list changes regularly as new sponsors are approved, others are downgraded or removed, and visa categories are added or withdrawn. Relying on a saved file or unofficial source risks using outdated information, which could lead to a visa refusal.

Check the “last updated” date on the GOV.UK page before downloading the CSV file. If the date is more than a few weeks old, check back later to see if a new version has been published.

 

2. Understand the Licence Information

 

The UK sponsor list is more than a list of names. Each entry contains specific details that explain the sponsor’s current status, the scope of their licence and the visa routes they can use. Knowing how to read this information correctly is essential for applicants assessing a job offer and for employers checking competitor or industry data.

 

a. Sponsor Name

The first column shows the registered name of the sponsoring organisation. This may not always match the trading name used in job adverts. In some cases, large groups hold the licence under a parent company name rather than the brand familiar to applicants. Where there is any doubt, confirm the corporate structure through Companies House or directly with the employer.

 

b. Town or City

The second column indicates the location linked to the sponsor licence. This is usually the organisation’s head office or main operating address. It is not always the location of the job role being offered. For example, a national retail chain may have its licence registered in London but employ sponsored workers in stores across the UK.

 

c. Licence Rating

Every sponsor has a rating. An A rating means the organisation meets all compliance requirements. A B rating means the organisation has been found to have compliance issues and is working under an action plan set by the Home Office. B-rated sponsors can continue to sponsor workers but are under strict monitoring and must regain an A rating to avoid losing their licence.

Licence ratings can change without warning. A sponsor listed as A-rated today may be downgraded in the next update. Checking the live register before taking action is therefore critical.

 

d. Visa Categories

The visa category column lists the specific immigration routes the sponsor is approved to use. These fall under either the Worker or Temporary Worker routes. Common examples include:

 

  • Skilled Worker
  • Minister of Religion
  • Senior or Specialist Worker
  • Creative Worker
  • Seasonal Worker

 

A sponsor may be licensed for multiple categories or only for one. Applicants should ensure the category listed matches the type of role being offered. An offer for a Skilled Worker role from a sponsor licensed only for Seasonal Worker visas will not meet the Home Office’s requirements.

 

e. Cross-Checking Information

When reviewing the sponsor list, it is good practice to cross-check the sponsor’s details with the vacancy information and, where possible, the organisation’s own public statements. Discrepancies between the job offer and the sponsor list entry should be clarified before any visa application is made.

 

3. Match the Sponsor Name Exactly

 

The sponsor name in the register must match the entity named in the job offer or employment contract. If the names differ, find out why. Many larger organisations operate under group structures where the licensed entity is a parent company. In these cases, the parent company may hold the licence while subsidiaries employ the workers. If there is any uncertainty, request written confirmation from the employer.

 

4. Confirm the Licence Rating

 

If the sponsor is B-rated, this means they are working under an action plan to resolve compliance issues. While they can still assign Certificates of Sponsorship, there is a higher risk that the licence could be suspended or revoked if they fail to improve. For applicants, this can create uncertainty about the long-term stability of the role. For employers, it is a clear signal to strengthen compliance practices without delay.

 

5. Check the Visa Categories

 

Ensure that the visa category listed for the sponsor matches the role being offered. For example, a Skilled Worker position must be supported by a sponsor licensed for the Skilled Worker route. If the sponsor is only approved for a Temporary Worker category, the application will not be valid.

 

6. Look for Recent Changes

 

A sponsor’s status can change between the job offer and the visa application. Before applying, check whether the licence has been downgraded, suspended or revoked since the offer was made. Even a short delay can affect the outcome if the sponsor’s approval changes during that time.

 

7. Request Direct Confirmation

 

When in doubt, contact the employer directly and ask for their sponsor licence number. This number is not shown on the public register but should be available from the organisation’s HR or immigration compliance team. Providing it is standard practice for legitimate sponsors.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The UK sponsor list includes limited information on each sponsor, some of which may require further clarification. The company name, for example, may be the holding company’s name rather than the trading name, and the licence rating is indicative of compliance status and may impact whether the sponsor is allowed to assign a new CoS to a new sponsored worker.

It’s also not enough to check the list once. You should check the list daily to make sure the information you’re relying on is still correct and up to date.

 

 

 

Section E: Using the Sponsor List as a Jobseeker

 

For overseas applicants and those already in the UK on a visa, the sponsor list is a starting point for identifying genuine employment opportunities that can lead to visa sponsorship. Understanding how to use the register effectively can save time, avoid wasted applications and reduce the risk of falling for fraudulent offers.

 

What the List Shows What It Does Not Show Actions for Jobseekers
Organisation name, location, licence rating and approved visa categories Whether the organisation is currently recruiting or the types of roles available Research employer websites and job boards for live vacancies
Current Home Office compliance rating Recruitment cycles or hiring preferences for overseas candidates Contact the employer directly to confirm recruitment activity
Visa routes for which the organisation is licensed Salary levels, skill requirements or sponsorship availability for specific roles Check Immigration Rules for the role’s eligibility before applying

 

 

1. Identify Employers in Your Sector

 

The sponsor list covers a wide range of industries, from healthcare and education to engineering, hospitality and the arts. Start by filtering the list by visa category and sector. For example, if you are a qualified nurse, focus on Skilled Worker sponsors with a track record in health and social care. This targeted approach increases your chances of finding relevant opportunities.

 

2. Search by Location

 

If you have a preferred location, use the town or city column in the CSV file to find sponsors in that area. Remember that the registered address on the list may not match the job location. Some employers recruit nationally or across multiple sites, so check the employer’s own recruitment pages for specific job postings.

 

3. Match Your Skills to Visa Requirements

 

Being listed as a sponsor does not mean an employer can offer sponsorship for any role. Each visa route has its own eligibility rules, such as minimum salary levels, English language requirements and recognised skill levels. Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements for both the role and the visa category.

 

4. Check Employer Recruitment Practices

 

Some sponsors only hire internationally in response to skills shortages. Others may have recruitment cycles or specific programmes for overseas applicants. Reviewing an employer’s careers website or contacting their HR team can help you understand when and how they recruit sponsored workers.

 

5. Avoid Unofficial Job Offers

 

Fraudulent offers often come from individuals claiming to represent legitimate sponsors. If a role seems suspicious, verify the details against the sponsor list and contact the organisation directly through official channels. Avoid making payments to secure a job or sponsorship, as legitimate sponsors do not charge applicants for visa sponsorship.

 

6. Keep Track of Changes

 

A sponsor’s status can change quickly. If there is a delay between your initial application and the visa process, recheck the list to ensure the employer is still approved and rated A. This step is critical for avoiding last-minute application refusals.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The list of sponsors really is only a starting point for job seekers. It tells you which organisations can sponsor you, in theory, but it doesn’t tell you if they’re actually hiring. You will need to research and investigate further to identify credible prospects.

Also remember that the sponsorship and the visa application are contingent on the criteria being met; the job role has to be genuine and eligible, the salary has to meet the relevant threshold and the worker has to meet the suitability requirements.

 

 

 

Section F: Using the Sponsor List as an Employer

 

For employers, appearing on the UK sponsor list is both a recruitment advantage and an ongoing responsibility. The listing confirms to potential candidates, clients and partners that the organisation is authorised to sponsor overseas workers. At the same time, it signals to the Home Office and the public that the organisation is accountable for meeting immigration compliance standards.

 

1. Attracting International Talent

 

Being listed as a licensed sponsor opens access to a wider talent pool. Skilled candidates, particularly in shortage occupations, often search the sponsor list before applying for roles. An up-to-date A rating reassures applicants that the organisation can issue Certificates of Sponsorship and that their visa application will have valid backing.

Employers can also use their presence on the list as part of their recruitment marketing, highlighting the ability to support skilled migration where needed.

 

2. Managing Recruitment Processes

 

Employers should integrate the sponsor list into their recruitment checks. Before issuing a job offer that requires sponsorship, HR or recruitment teams should confirm that the organisation’s details on the GOV.UK register are accurate and that the relevant visa category is included.

It is also good practice to train recruitment staff on visa eligibility rules so they can advise candidates correctly. This avoids offering sponsorship for roles or categories that do not meet Home Office criteria.

 

3. Monitoring Licence Details

 

Licence details on the sponsor list must match the organisation’s legal status and business operations. If a company changes its trading name, registered address or corporate structure, it must update the Home Office promptly. Delays in updating details can cause discrepancies on the register, which can confuse applicants and may raise compliance concerns during Home Office checks.

 

4. Demonstrating Compliance to Stakeholders

 

An A-rated listing is a visible indicator of compliance. Clients, industry partners and investors may view sponsor status as a measure of operational reliability, especially in sectors that rely heavily on skilled migration. Maintaining this rating requires meeting all sponsor duties, including right to work checks, record-keeping and reporting changes through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

 

5. Responding to Licence Issues

 

If the Home Office downgrades, suspends or revokes a licence, the consequences are immediate. The employer’s name and rating on the sponsor list change, and the ability to assign new Certificates of Sponsorship is restricted or removed. Employers should have internal escalation procedures to respond quickly, address compliance issues and, if possible, restore the licence rating without prolonged disruption to recruitment.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Sponsors don’t have to worry about using the list for day-to-day operations, but they do need to make sure the fundamentals of licence compliance are actively covered. The SMS should be maintained regularly and the details correct at all times. Remember, if the information is not in the SMS, in the Home Office’s eyes, it didn’t happen. Preventing breaches means you safeguard your A-rating, which will be reflected publicly on the Register as a signal of compliance.

 

 

 

Section G: Common Issues and Pitfalls

 

Using the UK sponsor list effectively requires more than simply locating a name. Employers and applicants can make costly mistakes if they rely on outdated information, misunderstand licence details or overlook compliance risks. Identifying these common issues in advance helps avoid visa refusals, recruitment delays and enforcement action from the Home Office.

 

1. Relying on Outdated Copies of the List

 

The sponsor list changes frequently. New organisations are added, ratings are downgraded, and licences are suspended or revoked. Applicants who rely on a saved version from months earlier may find the sponsor is no longer approved. Employers who assume their rating is unchanged may discover too late that the register shows otherwise. Always check the live GOV.UK list before taking any action.

 

Status Change Trigger Impact on Recruitment Action Required
Licence Downgrade to B Rating Compliance issues identified during Home Office monitoring May limit ability to assign new Certificates of Sponsorship Implement and complete action plan to regain A rating
Licence Suspension Serious breaches of sponsor duties All new sponsorship activity paused until investigation concludes Address compliance concerns and provide evidence to the Home Office
Licence Revocation Failure to comply with sponsor duties or resolve action plan issues Cannot sponsor new or existing workers, visas may be curtailed Cease sponsorship activity and seek advice on alternative workforce options

 

 

2. Confusing the Sponsor Name with Trading Names

 

The list records the name of the legal entity that holds the sponsor licence. In some cases, this is different from the name used in advertising or on job offers. Without checking corporate details, applicants can mistakenly believe an employer is not listed when it is, or apply to an organisation that appears similar but is not authorised.

 

3. Misinterpreting Licence Ratings

 

An A rating means the sponsor is compliant. A B rating signals that the sponsor is on an action plan to resolve issues. While B-rated sponsors can still issue Certificates of Sponsorship, there is an increased risk that their licence could be suspended or revoked if they fail to meet the plan’s requirements. Applicants should weigh this risk before accepting a sponsored role.

 

4. Assuming Any Role Can Be Sponsored

 

Being on the sponsor list does not mean an employer can sponsor every position they advertise. Visa routes have strict criteria for eligible roles, salary thresholds and skill levels. Applicants must ensure that the specific role meets these rules. Employers should confirm eligibility before issuing a job offer that includes sponsorship.

 

5. Ignoring Licence Changes Between Offer and Application

 

The time between a job offer and a visa application can be several weeks. During this period, a sponsor’s status can change. If a licence is downgraded, suspended or revoked before the visa decision, the application may be refused. Both employers and applicants should recheck the sponsor list at key stages in the recruitment process.

 

6. Failing to Keep Organisational Details Up to Date

 

Employers sometimes neglect to update the Home Office when their address, company name or corporate structure changes. This can cause discrepancies between the sponsor list and official records, raising questions during compliance checks and potentially leading to penalties.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Overlooking compliance remains a key source of risk for sponsors. Have the processes, systems and personnel in place and you’ll be able to respond quickly, competently and confidently should the Home Office investigate.

 

 

 

Section H: Conclusion

 

The UK sponsor list is a cornerstone of the country’s immigration sponsorship system. For jobseekers, it is the definitive source for verifying whether an employer can lawfully support a visa application. For employers, it is both a public statement of authorisation and a reminder that ongoing compliance is a condition of retaining that status.

Accessing and interpreting the list correctly is vital. The details it contains influence whether a role can be sponsored and whether an application will succeed. Employers and applicants who fail to use the latest information risk delays, refusals and potential legal consequences.

 

Section J: FAQs

 

What is the UK sponsor list?

The UK sponsor list, formally called the Register of Licensed Sponsors, is the official Home Office record of organisations approved to employ overseas nationals under the Worker and Temporary Worker visa routes.

 

How often is the UK sponsor list updated?

The Home Office updates the register regularly, often at least once a month. Urgent changes, such as licence suspensions or revocations, may appear sooner. Always check the “last updated” date on the GOV.UK page before downloading the latest version.

 

What does an A or B licence rating mean?

An A rating means the sponsor is meeting all compliance standards. A B rating means the sponsor has compliance issues and is working under a Home Office action plan. While B-rated sponsors can still issue Certificates of Sponsorship, they are at risk of losing their licence if they do not improve.

 

Can I apply for a visa if the employer is not on the sponsor list?

In most cases, no. For sponsored work routes, your employer must be on the sponsor list and approved for the specific visa category linked to your role.

 

Do all roles with a licensed sponsor qualify for sponsorship?

Each visa route has its own criteria, such as minimum salary, skill level and English language requirements. The role must meet these conditions before the sponsor can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

 

Where can I find the official sponsor list?

The official Register of Licensed Sponsors is available on the GOV.UK website as a downloadable CSV file. This is the only authoritative version and should be used instead of any unofficial copies.

 

Section K: Glossary

 

 

Term Definition
UK Sponsor List The official Home Office record, formally called the Register of Licensed Sponsors, showing organisations approved to employ overseas workers under specific visa routes.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) A digital record issued by a licensed sponsor to support a visa application. It contains a unique reference number used by the applicant when applying for a work visa.
Licence Rating The Home Office assessment of a sponsor’s compliance status, shown as either A (fully compliant) or B (compliance issues under an action plan).
Worker Route Long-term work visa categories, such as Skilled Worker and Minister of Religion, that require sponsorship by an approved employer.
Temporary Worker Route Short-term work visa categories, such as Creative Worker and Seasonal Worker, that require sponsorship by an approved employer.
Sponsorship Management System (SMS) The secure online platform used by licensed sponsors to assign Certificates of Sponsorship, manage licence details and report changes to the Home Office.

 

 

Section L: Additional Resources and Links

 

 

Resource Description URL
Official Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers The official Home Office register showing all organisations approved to sponsor workers under the UK immigration system. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Sponsor Licence Guidance Collection Home Office guidance for employers on applying for and managing a sponsor licence, including compliance duties. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sponsorship-information-for-employers-and-educators
Immigration Rules: Workers The Immigration Rules that govern all sponsored work routes, including eligibility requirements and licence conditions. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-workers
Home Office Compliance Guidance Detailed guidance on sponsor compliance obligations and how the Home Office monitors licence holders. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sponsor-compliance
Companies House – Search for a Company Public register of UK companies, useful for confirming the legal name of a licensed sponsor. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk

 

About our Expert

Picture of Anne Morris

Anne Morris

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration. She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications. Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
Picture of Anne Morris

Anne Morris

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration. She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications. Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

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Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.