The UKBA sponsor list refers to the official register of licensed employers in the United Kingdom that are approved to sponsor foreign workers under the UK Skilled Worker and other sponsored visa routes. Although the UK Border Agency (UKBA) no longer exists and has been replaced by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), many job seekers still search for the UKBA sponsor list when looking for companies that can legally offer visa sponsorship.
This guide explains what the UKBA sponsor list is, who can use it, eligibility requirements, employer obligations, how to search the list, costs involved, common mistakes, and frequently asked questions.
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What Is the UKBA Sponsor List?
The UKBA sponsor list is the official register of organizations licensed by the UK government to sponsor overseas workers. Today, the list is maintained by UK Visas and Immigration and is commonly called the Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Employers on this list are legally authorized to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign nationals applying under sponsored visa routes such as:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Global Business Mobility routes
- Scale-up Worker visa
- Minister of Religion visa
If a company is not on the UKBA sponsor list, it cannot legally sponsor a worker from outside the UK under these routes.
Who Can Use the UKBA Sponsor List?
The sponsor list is useful for two main groups:
International Job Seekers
- Applicants seeking Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
- Healthcare professionals applying for NHS roles
- IT, engineering, and finance professionals seeking UK employment
- Graduates switching from Student visas to Skilled Worker visas
UK Employers
- Businesses verifying competitor sponsorship status
- HR teams checking compliance requirements
- Organizations preparing to apply for a sponsor licence
For job seekers, the UKBA sponsor list is a critical tool for identifying companies already approved to sponsor overseas workers.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsored Workers
Being hired by a company on the UKBA sponsor list does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Workers must meet Skilled Worker visa requirements.
Worker Eligibility Criteria
- Have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Meet the required salary threshold
- Work in an eligible occupation code
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet financial maintenance requirements, if applicable
The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas varies depending on occupation and immigration rules in force at the time of application.
Employer Requirements to Appear on the UKBA Sponsor List
To be listed as a licensed sponsor, an employer must apply for and receive a sponsor licence from UKVI.
Core Employer Requirements
- Be a legally operating UK business
- Have appropriate HR and compliance systems
- Demonstrate a genuine vacancy
- Appoint key personnel to manage sponsorship duties
- Comply with UK immigration and employment laws
Once approved, the employer is added to the public UKBA sponsor list and can begin assigning Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible workers.
How to Check the UKBA Sponsor List
The sponsor list is published by the UK government and updated regularly. It is available as a downloadable spreadsheet.
Steps to Search the Sponsor List
- Visit the official UK government website
- Download the Register of Licensed Sponsors file
- Open the spreadsheet and search by company name
- Filter by visa route if needed
- Confirm the sponsor licence status is active
The list includes important details such as:
- Company name
- Location
- Type of licence held
- Visa routes approved
Always verify that the company’s licence is active before accepting a job offer that includes visa sponsorship.
Types of Sponsor Licences on the UKBA Sponsor List
Employers may hold different types of sponsor licences depending on the visa categories they use.
Worker Licence
- Skilled Worker
- Health and Care Worker
- Global Business Mobility
Temporary Worker Licence
- Charity Worker
- Creative Worker
- Religious Worker
- Government Authorised Exchange
Some employers hold both Worker and Temporary Worker licences.
Costs Associated with UK Visa Sponsorship
Employer Costs
- Sponsor licence application fee
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee
- Immigration Skills Charge
- Compliance and legal support costs
Employee Costs
- Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometric enrolment fee
- English language test fee
UK law prohibits employers from passing certain sponsorship costs to the employee, particularly the Immigration Skills Charge.
Common Mistakes When Using the UKBA Sponsor List
- Assuming every listed company is actively hiring
- Not verifying the sponsor licence status
- Applying for roles outside eligible occupation codes
- Ignoring updated salary thresholds
- Relying on outdated versions of the sponsor list
The sponsor list confirms licensing status but does not guarantee job availability. Applicants must still apply directly through company recruitment channels.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
- Target roles on the Skilled Worker occupation list
- Focus on sectors with high demand such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction
- Tailor your CV to UK standards
- Highlight shortage occupation skills
- Apply directly to companies already on the UKBA sponsor list
Healthcare roles within NHS trusts are among the most active sponsors, especially under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
FAQs About the UKBA Sponsor List
Is the UKBA sponsor list still valid?
Yes. While the UK Border Agency no longer operates, the term UKBA sponsor list is commonly used to refer to the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors.
How often is the sponsor list updated?
The UK government updates the register regularly to reflect new licences, suspensions, or revocations.
Can I apply directly for sponsorship without a job offer?
No. You must first secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor before applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
Does being on the sponsor list guarantee visa approval?
No. You must still meet all visa eligibility requirements, including salary and English language criteria.
Can a sponsor licence be revoked?
Yes. Employers that fail to meet compliance duties can have their licence suspended or revoked.
Final Thoughts
The UKBA sponsor list is an essential resource for international professionals seeking employment and visa sponsorship in the United Kingdom. It provides a verified database of employers authorized to sponsor foreign workers under UK immigration rules.
For job seekers, the strategy is clear: focus on companies listed as licensed sponsors, ensure your occupation qualifies under Skilled Worker rules, and meet salary and eligibility thresholds. For employers, maintaining compliance is critical to staying on the sponsor register.
Understanding how the UKBA sponsor list works can significantly improve your chances of securing lawful employment and long-term work authorization in the UK.