Before investing time and effort into a job application with a UK company, one of the most important things you can do is verify whether that company actually holds a valid sponsor licence. Without a licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a company simply cannot sponsor your work visa — no matter what they may promise during the recruitment process. This guide explains exactly how to check if a company can sponsor your visa, what to look for, and how to protect yourself from scams.
What is a Sponsor Licence?
A sponsor licence is official permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that allows a UK-based employer to hire foreign workers on sponsored visa routes. Think of it as a licence to recruit internationally — without it, a company has no legal mechanism to bring workers from overseas on work visas.
To obtain a sponsor licence, a company must demonstrate to UKVI that they are a genuine, operating business with appropriate HR systems, compliance procedures, and the ability to meet their ongoing sponsorship duties. The application process is thorough and involves document verification, background checks, and sometimes in-person compliance visits.
The licence is not permanent — it must be renewed every four years, and UKVI can revoke or suspend it at any time if the sponsor fails to meet their obligations. This is why checking a company’s licence status is not a one-time activity; you should verify it at multiple stages of your job application process.
Step-by-Step: How to Check a Company’s Sponsorship Status
Method 1: Use Our Free Sponsor Licence Checker (Recommended)
The fastest and easiest way to verify a company’s sponsor licence is using our sponsor licence checker. Here’s how:
- Visit the Sponsor Licence Checker page.
- Type the company name (or part of it) into the search box.
- View the results showing the company’s licence status, compliance rating, location, and approved visa routes.
Our data is refreshed from the official UKVI register every day, so you’re always seeing the most current information available. The entire process takes less than 10 seconds.
Method 2: Search Our Sponsor Directory
For a broader search, use our sponsor directory. This allows you to browse all licensed sponsors with filters for city, region, and industry. Each sponsor has a dedicated profile page showing their full details as listed on the UKVI register.
Method 3: Download the Official GOV.UK CSV
If you prefer to use the raw official data, you can download the Register of Licensed Sponsors directly from GOV.UK. This is a CSV (spreadsheet) file that you’ll need to open in Excel, Google Sheets, or a similar program. While authoritative, this method is less convenient as it has no search functionality, requires manual downloads, and may not be updated as frequently as our daily database.
What to Look For in the Results
When you check a company’s sponsorship status, several pieces of information are critical:
Licence Status: Active vs. Not Found
The most fundamental check is whether the company appears in the register at all. If they don’t appear, they do not have a sponsor licence and cannot sponsor your visa. Period. If a company claims they can sponsor you but doesn’t appear in the register, this is a serious red flag.
Rating: A-Rated vs. B-Rated
An A-rated sponsor is in good standing and can actively issue Certificates of Sponsorship. A B-rated sponsor has compliance issues and typically cannot issue new certificates until the issues are resolved. Always prioritise A-rated sponsors when job searching. Learn more about ratings in our sponsor licence status guide.
Licence Type: Worker vs. Temporary Worker
Make sure the company holds the right type of licence for your visa. A “Worker” licence covers Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas (the most common for long-term employment). A “Temporary Worker” licence covers seasonal and temporary routes. Some companies hold both.
Approved Visa Routes
Within each licence type, the company is approved for specific visa routes. Verify that the route you need (e.g., Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker) is listed among their approved routes.
When to Check a Sponsor Licence
We recommend checking at these key stages:
- Before applying: Don’t waste time on applications to companies that can’t sponsor you.
- After receiving an offer: Verify the licence is still active before signing your contract.
- Before visa submission: Do a final check right before you submit your visa application to UKVI.
- If there are delays: If your employer takes longer than expected to issue your Certificate of Sponsorship, recheck their licence status.
- If something feels wrong: Trust your instincts. Any evasiveness about sponsorship status warrants immediate verification.
Red Flags: Signs a Company Cannot Legitimately Sponsor You
Beyond checking the register, watch for these warning signs that suggest a company may not be a legitimate sponsor:
- They ask you to pay for the Certificate of Sponsorship: This is illegal. The employer bears the cost of the CoS and the sponsor licence. Any request for payment is a scam.
- They’re not on the register: If a company claims they can sponsor but doesn’t appear in the UKVI register, walk away immediately.
- Vague or evasive answers: A legitimate sponsor will be able to tell you their licence number, confirm their A-rating, and explain the CoS process clearly.
- Pressure to pay fees quickly: Scammers create urgency. Legitimate employers never rush you into payments.
- No written job offer: A real sponsoring employer will provide a formal, written job offer before starting the CoS process.
- The job description is vague: Sponsored roles must be genuine positions with specific duties that meet the skill level requirements. A vague or generic job description is suspicious.
- They use a personal email address: Legitimate employers use company email addresses, not Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail accounts.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a fake sponsorship scheme:
- Report the fraud to Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre): 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk.
- If money was transferred, contact your bank immediately to attempt a chargeback.
- Report the company to UKVI via the GOV.UK immigration crime reporting tool.
- Do not use any documents provided by the scammers in a visa application, as submitting fraudulent documents can result in a UK visa ban.
Prevention is always better than cure. Use our daily sponsor licence checker before engaging with any employer to verify their legitimacy. It takes seconds and could save you thousands.
Additional Verification Resources
Beyond our checker, you can cross-reference potential employers using these resources:
- Companies House: Check the company’s registration details, directors, and accounts at companieshouse.gov.uk.
- CQC (for care sector): Verify healthcare providers at cqc.org.uk.
- Glassdoor / Indeed Reviews: Read employee reviews for insights into the company culture and legitimacy.
- LinkedIn: Check if the company has a professional presence with real employees.
Ready to check a company? Use our sponsor licence checker right now — it’s free, instant, and updated every day.