The UKVI list of sponsors is the official register of UK employers licensed by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor overseas workers and temporary staff. This list is essential for international professionals seeking Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and for UK businesses that want to hire foreign talent legally.
If a company does not appear on the UKVI list of sponsors, it cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship and cannot legally sponsor a migrant worker under the UK points-based immigration system.
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What Is the UKVI List of Sponsors?
The UKVI list of sponsors, formally known as the Register of Licensed Sponsors, is a publicly available database published by the UK government. It includes organizations approved to sponsor workers under various immigration routes.
The list confirms:
- Company name
- Location
- Type of sponsor licence held
- Visa categories approved for sponsorship
This register is updated regularly and is the primary source for verifying whether an employer is authorized to sponsor migrant workers.
Visa Routes Covered Under the UKVI List of Sponsors
Employers on the UKVI list of sponsors may be licensed under one or more visa categories.
Worker Routes
- Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Global Business Mobility routes
- Minister of Religion visa
- International Sportsperson visa
Temporary Worker Routes
- Creative Worker visa
- Charity Worker visa
- Religious Worker visa
- Government Authorised Exchange visa
- Seasonal Worker visa
Some employers hold both Worker and Temporary Worker sponsor licences.
Who Should Use the UKVI List of Sponsors?
International Job Seekers
- Professionals seeking Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
- Healthcare workers applying for NHS and private care roles
- Graduates switching from Student visas to work visas
- Overseas candidates applying from outside the UK
UK Employers
- Companies reviewing competitor sponsorship status
- HR departments preparing compliance audits
- Businesses planning to apply for a sponsor licence
For foreign workers, the UKVI list of sponsors is a starting point when searching for visa sponsorship opportunities in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsored Workers
Being hired by a company on the UKVI list of sponsors does not automatically guarantee visa approval. The applicant must meet immigration requirements.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
- Confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Role must be on the list of eligible occupations
- Salary must meet minimum threshold requirements
- Proof of English language ability
- Financial maintenance evidence if required
The salary threshold varies depending on the occupation code and current immigration rules.
Employer Requirements to Appear on the UKVI List of Sponsors
To be included on the UKVI list of sponsors, a business must successfully apply for a sponsor licence.
Core Sponsor Licence Requirements
- Be a genuine and legally operating UK business
- Show a legitimate need to hire overseas workers
- Implement robust HR systems for compliance
- Appoint key personnel to manage sponsorship duties
- Comply with UK employment and immigration laws
Failure to meet compliance obligations can lead to suspension or revocation of the sponsor licence.
How to Check the UKVI List of Sponsors
The UK government publishes the Register of Licensed Sponsors as a downloadable spreadsheet.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official UK government website
- Download the latest Register of Licensed Sponsors file
- Search by employer name using the spreadsheet filter function
- Confirm licence type and status
- Check whether the employer is licensed for the relevant visa route
Always verify that the licence status is active at the time of your job application.
Costs Associated With UK Visa Sponsorship
Employer Costs
- Sponsor licence application fee
- Certificate of Sponsorship assignment fee
- Immigration Skills Charge
- Legal and compliance costs
Employee Costs
- Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometric appointment fee
- English language testing costs
Employers are not legally allowed to pass certain sponsorship-related charges, such as the Immigration Skills Charge, onto the worker.
Common Mistakes When Using the UKVI List of Sponsors
- Assuming all listed companies are actively recruiting
- Failing to confirm sponsor licence status
- Applying for roles outside eligible occupation codes
- Ignoring updated salary thresholds
- Relying on outdated versions of the sponsor register
The list confirms licensing status only. It does not indicate whether a company currently has open vacancies.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
- Focus on shortage occupation roles
- Apply to healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction sectors
- Tailor your CV to UK recruitment standards
- Highlight specialized skills and certifications
- Apply directly to employers on the UKVI list of sponsors
Healthcare employers, including NHS trusts and private care providers, remain among the largest sponsors under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
FAQs About the UKVI List of Sponsors
Is the UKVI list of sponsors publicly available?
Yes. The UK government publishes the register online and updates it regularly.
How often is the sponsor list updated?
The register is updated frequently to reflect new licences, suspensions, and revocations.
Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa without a sponsor?
No. A valid job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer are mandatory.
Does inclusion on the sponsor list guarantee visa approval?
No. You must still meet salary, occupation, English language, and eligibility requirements.
Can a sponsor licence be revoked?
Yes. Employers that fail to comply with immigration rules can lose their licence.
Final Thoughts
The UKVI list of sponsors is a critical resource for both employers and international job seekers navigating UK visa sponsorship. It provides official confirmation of which organizations are legally authorized to sponsor overseas workers.
For applicants, targeting employers already on the UKVI sponsor register increases the likelihood of securing lawful employment and a Skilled Worker visa. For employers, maintaining compliance ensures continued access to international talent.
Understanding how the UKVI list of sponsors works is essential for anyone pursuing UK work authorization through employer sponsorship.