If you’re targeting a Skilled Worker visa, finding an employer who can actually sponsor you is the first wall you’ll hit — and it’s higher than most expect. The good news: over 120,000 companies are on the official UK register, spread across tech giants, NHS trusts, high-street banks and mid-size manufacturers. This guide walks you through where to find them, how to check their licence status, and what sectors are actually hiring overseas talent right now.
Official register source: gov.uk · Tech sponsors example: Microsoft, Amazon, Apple · Health sponsors example: NHS, Bupa, AXA · Tier 2 list site: uktiersponsors.co.uk · Sponsor search tool: ukjobhunters.com
Quick snapshot
- The UK Register of Licensed Sponsors is maintained by the Home Office and updated as of 27 April 2026 (GOV.UK)
- Over 120,000 employers are on the Tier 2 Sponsor List (DavidsonMorris)
- Microsoft, NHS and PwC are confirmed high-profile sponsors (Wise)
- Exact 2026 sponsor count fluctuates as licences are granted or revoked throughout the year
- Specific role-level sponsorship availability changes week-to-week based on employer hiring
- UK nation breakdown (England/Scotland/Wales/NI) not formally published by region
- Register first published: 13 November 2013 (GOV.UK)
- Care worker overseas recruitment closed: July 2025 (Sponsor Licence Lawyers)
- Job seekers should verify A-rated status before accepting any offer, as B-rated sponsors cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship
- The Skilled Worker route remains the primary pathway; visa processing takes 1–3 months after receiving a CoS
The table below summarises the key sources for verifying UK visa sponsorship companies.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary source | gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers |
| Tier 2 list | uktiersponsors.co.uk |
| Search tool | ukjobhunters.com/search/sponsors |
| Tips source | wise.com/gb/blog/uk-visa-sponsorship-company-list |
Which companies can offer visa sponsorship in the UK?
The official Register of Licensed Sponsors is the single most authoritative source — it lists every organisation the Home Office has approved to sponsor Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker visas. The latest version was updated on 27 April 2026 and covers A-rated sponsors who can issue new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) as well as B-rated sponsors under an action plan. Over 120,000 employers are on the list, ranging from FTSE 100 giants to specialist manufacturers.
Official register of licensed sponsors
The GOV.UK official sponsor register (maintained by the UK’s Home Office) is the definitive database. You can search by company name, industry sector, or location — and the register distinguishes active A-rated sponsors from B-rated ones and shows any revoked licences. A-rated sponsors have met all compliance requirements and can issue new CoS immediately; B-rated sponsors cannot assign new CoS until they are upgraded under a Home Office action plan.
Tier 2 sponsor lists
Beyond the government register, third-party platforms like UK Tier Sponsors List and DavidsonMorris Tier 2 sponsor ratings guide offer filtered views by industry, region, or sponsor rating. These sites pull from the official register and add searchable interfaces that make it easier to narrow down to your sector.
Industry examples: tech, health, banking
The register covers a wide range of sectors. In technology, Wise fintech sector guide and the Sponsor Licence Lawyers company list cite Microsoft, Amazon and Apple as active sponsors. In pharmaceuticals, GSK employs over 17,000 people in the UK and sponsors researchers and manufacturing roles, while AstraZeneca has its global HQ in Cambridge with 18,000 UK employees and sponsors scientists. In banking, PwC, Barclays and Deloitte sponsor across tech, software engineering and cybersecurity roles. In retail, Tesco (148,000 employees) and Sainsbury’s (90,000 employees) sponsor skilled tech and logistics positions.
The pattern across sectors is consistent: large employers dominate the headlines, but specialist firms in engineering, fintech and niche healthcare make up the bulk of the 120,000+ register. UK companies sponsoring Skilled Worker visas span every region, though concentration is highest in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cambridge.
The sheer size of the register can be overwhelming, but it breaks down into manageable industry clusters. Tech, pharma and banking sponsors are concentrated in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cambridge — meaning your location strategy matters as much as your job-search strategy.
How do I find a company to sponsor me in the UK?
Finding a sponsor is less about luck and more about knowing where to look. Three tools cover most ground: the government register for direct verification, Tier 2 list aggregators for sector filtering, and job boards that flag active sponsorship.
Use government sponsor register
Start at GOV.UK employer sponsorship overview. Search the register by company name to confirm whether an employer holds a current licence and what their rating is. Focus on A-rated sponsors — they can issue a CoS straight away, whereas B-rated sponsors will delay your application.
Search Tier 2 lists
UK Tier Sponsors List searchable database lets you filter by industry and location, so you can build a shortlist of relevant employers before you start applying. This approach works well if you already know your target sector.
Job boards with sponsorship filters
UK Job Hunters visa sponsor search tool flags employers with active sponsor licences alongside job listings, so you can apply directly to companies that are already set up to sponsor your visa. The platform also offers guidance on the overall Skilled Worker process.
The implication: combining the official register with a sector-filtered aggregator and a job board with sponsorship flags gives you the fastest path from target sector to confirmed sponsor.
Focus on A-rated sponsors for stability — a B-rated sponsor cannot issue a new CoS, which can stall your application even after you’ve accepted a job offer.
How to check if a company sponsors a visa in the UK?
Don’t take a recruiter’s word for it — verify directly. There are three reliable methods, from quick online checks to formal licence lookups.
Verify sponsor licence status
The GOV.UK sponsor licence register lists every current and former licence holder. Search by the company’s exact name to see their status, rating and the routes they are licensed for. The list distinguishes active sponsors from revoked ones — always verify current status rather than relying on old listings.
Use official tools
The Tulia platform and UK Job Hunters licence verification service offer quick licence-status checks, often with additional context like the employer’s industry rating and renewal date. These are useful for cross-checking a company you’ve already identified.
Contact employer directly
If a company isn’t on the register yet, ask their HR or talent-acquisition team directly whether they hold a sponsor licence and which visa routes they use. Some employers are happy to share their licence number on request. Keep in mind that licence revocation can occur for non-compliance, disrupting operations — so always confirm the licence is current, not just historical.
What this means: the register includes over 2,847 licensed sponsors for tech roles, concentrated in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cambridge — but the majority are mid-size employers, not household names. Don’t limit your search to big brands; the real opportunity often sits with specialist firms you’ve never heard of.
Only use current register versions when verifying sponsors — older copies may list companies whose licences have since been cancelled.
What is the UK Skilled Worker visa sponsor list?
The Skilled Worker visa replaced the old Tier 2 (General) route and is now the main immigration pathway for skilled workers from outside the UK. The sponsor list for this route is part of the broader Register of Licensed Sponsors maintained by the Home Office, which covers both Skilled Worker and Temporary Worker routes.
Access official list
The GOV.UK full sponsor register is the official source. You can download the full CSV to search offline, or use the online search function to look up specific employers. The register is updated regularly — always use the most recent version, as older copies may include sponsors whose licences have since been revoked.
2025–2026 updates
One significant change: care worker roles (SOC codes 6135/6136) closed to new overseas recruitment from July 2025. This affects NHS trusts and private care providers previously eligible under the Health and Care Worker visa route. Employers in those sectors are now shifting focus to other Skilled Worker-eligible roles.
Filter by occupation
The GOV.UK eligible occupations and codes list shows which job codes qualify under the Skilled Worker route. Match the occupation code to the employer — a company may hold a licence for the route but not for your specific role, so check both. Tier 2 sponsor list and ratings provide additional context on how employers are rated.
The implication: checking both the employer register and the occupation codes prevents wasted applications to sponsors who hold a licence but not for your role type.
Which UK companies sponsor Health and Care visas?
The Health and Care Worker visa is a sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa designed for NHS staff and qualified social care workers. While the care worker stream has been restricted since July 2025, NHS trusts and private healthcare providers continue to sponsor clinical and clinical-support roles.
Care companies list
Private healthcare providers including Bupa, HCA Healthcare UK and Spire Healthcare hold active sponsor licences and recruit internationally for nursing, allied health professional and management roles. Sponsor Licence Lawyers care sector sponsor list maintain updated lists of care-sector licence holders.
NHS and private providers
NHS trusts across England, Scotland and Wales sponsor healthcare roles under the Health and Care Worker visa. Wise NHS sponsorship overview confirms the NHS as a major sponsor for both Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas. Private providers operate under the same licensing framework but often have faster hiring cycles.
Sponsorship licence holders
Employers must demonstrate genuine business operation, financial stability, and appoint key personnel — including an Authorising Officer — to obtain a sponsor licence, as DavidsonMorris sponsor licence requirements guide outlines. The Home Office applies rigorous checks, including on-site visits and financial audits, before granting a licence.
What this means: even large NHS trusts must undergo the same licensing process as private employers, so verification through the official register applies uniformly across the health sector.
How to apply for a UK visa once you have a sponsor
Securing a job offer from a licensed sponsor is only the first step. Here is how the rest of the process works and what to watch for at each stage.
Step 1 — Confirm the sponsor’s licence
Before accepting any offer, search the GOV.UK register to verify the employer holds an active A-rated licence. B-rated sponsors cannot issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship until they are upgraded, which can cause delays of weeks or months.
Step 2 — Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship
Once your employer assigns a CoS, they record it on the Home Office system. You’ll receive a CoS reference number, which you need for your visa application. The CoS must match the role and occupation code for which your employer holds a licence.
Step 3 — Apply online and pay fees
Submit your Skilled Worker visa application online, pay the application fee and the Immigration Skills Charge (paid by your employer). You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay. The processing time for applications is typically 1–3 months after you receive your CoS, as DavidsonMorris visa processing guide notes.
Step 4 — Biometrics and decision
Book a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) point. Provide your passport, Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable) and supporting documents. Decisions are typically communicated by email within the standard service window — paid priority services can shorten this to 5 working days.
The implication: processing delays typically stem from CoS assignment issues, not the application itself — confirming sponsor status before accepting an offer prevents the longest waits.
“A-rated sponsors have met all Home Office compliance requirements and can issue new Certificates of Sponsorship immediately.”
— DavidsonMorris, Immigration Experts
“The Tier 2 Sponsor List has grown substantially in recent years, and now includes over 120,000 employers across every sector from tech to healthcare.”
— Wise, Visa Sponsorship Company Guide
Tech leaders like Microsoft and Amazon feature prominently on the 2025 sponsor company list, compiled from gov.uk’s register of over 120,000 eligible employers for Skilled Worker visas.
Frequently asked questions
What is a UK sponsor licence?
A sponsor licence is an authorisation from the UK Home Office that allows an employer to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a non-UK worker. Without this licence, a company cannot legally sponsor a Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker or Temporary Worker visa. Employers must demonstrate genuine business operation, financial stability, and appoint key personnel — such as an Authorising Officer and a Level 1 user — before being granted a licence.
How often is the sponsor register updated?
The GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors is updated regularly. The most recent version was published on 27 April 2026. New licences are added as employers are approved, and revoked licences are flagged. If you are verifying a specific employer, always check that you are looking at the current version — older copies may list companies whose licences have since been cancelled.
Can small companies sponsor visas?
Yes — the register includes companies of all sizes. Mid-size and smaller specialist firms often hold active licences, particularly in technology, engineering and niche healthcare sectors. The key requirement is that the employer can demonstrate genuine business operations, financial stability and compliance capability, regardless of their headcount.
What visas require sponsorship?
The main routes requiring a sponsor licence are the Skilled Worker visa, the Health and Care Worker visa, and the Temporary Worker visa (covering creative, sports, charity and religious worker routes). The Intra-Company Transfer route also uses a sponsor licence framework. Each route has different eligibility requirements and validity periods.
How to apply after finding a sponsor?
Once a licensed employer offers you a job and assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship, you apply online for the relevant visa (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, etc.), pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge, attend a biometric appointment, and wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 1–3 months under standard service, or around 5 working days with priority service.
What if a sponsor loses their licence?
If a sponsor’s licence is revoked or downgraded to B-rated, they cannot issue new CoS. This can affect workers already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa — their leave to remain is tied to their sponsor, and any status change should be reported to the Home Office. Workers in this situation should seek legal advice promptly.
Are there fees for sponsors?
Yes. Employers pay an application fee to obtain a sponsor licence, and in most cases an Immigration Skills Charge for each sponsored worker for each year of their stay. The fee varies by company size and the visa route used. These costs are set by the Home Office and are reviewed periodically.
For job seekers targeting UK sponsorship, the path is straightforward in principle: identify A-rated employers in your sector, verify their licence on the official register, apply, and follow the Skilled Worker process. The complexity is in the detail — care sector applicants face a much tighter landscape after July 2025 restrictions, while tech, pharma and financial services sponsors remain actively hiring across a wide range of roles. Bookmark the GOV.UK register, filter by your occupation code, and treat A-rated status as a non-negotiable check before accepting any offer.
Nadia Collins is Public Affairs Editor at CivicInsight.uk. She leads coverage of British politics, public institutions, government agencies, local councils, policy proposals and public debate.