If you are an international professional planning to work in the United Kingdom, you have likely come across the term “Tier 2 sponsor list UK”. Historically, the Tier 2 (General) visa was the primary route for skilled workers outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to secure legal employment in the UK. While the immigration system underwent a major overhaul, the legacy terminology remains one of the most widely searched terms by visa seekers worldwide.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what the Tier 2 sponsor list is today, explain the transition to the modern visa system, and show you exactly how to navigate the official directory of over 124,000 licensed companies to secure a sponsored job offer.
The Transition: Tier 2 General vs. Skilled Worker Visa
In December 2020, following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Home Office officially retired the “Tier 2 (General)” visa category. It was replaced by the modern Skilled Worker Visa.
Despite the name change, the core concept remains the same: to work in the UK as a non-UK citizen, you must be sponsored by an employer that holds a valid licence from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Here are the key differences between the old Tier 2 system and the new Skilled Worker system:
- Lower Skill Threshold: Under the old Tier 2 (General) route, jobs had to be skilled to RQF Level 6 (degree level). Under the Skilled Worker route, the skill threshold was lowered to RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent), opening up sponsorship to a much wider range of occupations.
- Abolition of the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT): Previously, employers had to advertise roles locally for 28 days to prove no settled worker could do the job before offering it to an overseas candidate. This bureaucratic hurdle has been completely removed, making the hiring process much faster.
- Expanded Occupations: Dozens of new roles, including care assistants, laboratory technicians, and trade roles, became eligible for sponsorship.
Because of these changes, the number of companies on the UK sponsor list has surged from around 30,000 in 2020 to over 124,000 today.
What is the Tier 2 Sponsor List UK?
The Tier 2 sponsor list UK (now officially the Register of Licensed Sponsors) is a public database maintained by the Home Office. It lists every organisation in the UK that is authorised to act as a visa sponsor. If an employer is not on this list, they cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is the document you need to apply for your work visa.
The list includes the following crucial details for each employer:
- Organisation Name: The official registered name of the company.
- Town/City: The registered office location of the employer.
- County: The geographical region.
- Licence Type: Whether they are licensed for “Workers” (long-term routes like Skilled Worker) or “Temporary Workers”.
- Compliance Rating: The rating assigned by UKVI based on audits.
- Visa Route: The specific sub-routes they are licensed to sponsor (e.g., Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker).
How to Search and Check the UK Sponsor List
Navigating a database of 124,000+ companies manually can be exhausting. The official list is published as a massive CSV file on GOV.UK, which is difficult to filter and search on mobile devices or without spreadsheet software.
To make this data useful, we have built two free tools that index the official register and update daily:
1. Use Our Live Sponsor Directory
Our searchable Sponsor Directory allows you to filter the entire list of companies by name, city, industry, and visa route. For example, if you want to find software companies in Manchester that can sponsor visas, you can do so in just a few clicks.
2. Use Our Instant Sponsor Licence Checker
If you are applying for a job and want to check if the company is licensed, type their name into our Sponsorship Checker. It will instantly tell you if they are active on the register, their rating, and what routes they support.
Understanding Sponsor Licence Ratings: A-Rated vs. B-Rated
When searching the register, pay close attention to the company’s compliance rating:
- A-Rating: This is the default status for compliant employers. An A-rated sponsor is in good standing with the Home Office and can actively issue Certificates of Sponsorship to hire new international workers.
- B-Rating: A B-rating is a penalty status. It means UKVI audited the employer and found compliance failures (such as poor record-keeping or failing to report changes in worker duties). B-rated sponsors are put on an action plan and cannot sponsor new workers until they regain their A-rating.
For more detailed information, read our guide on Sponsor Licence Status Explained.
Actionable Steps to Get Hired by a Licensed UK Sponsor
Building a list of licensed companies is only the first step. To secure a sponsored job offer, follow this strategy:
- Build a Shortlist: Use our directory to find 30–50 licensed companies in your specific industry and target location. Focus on regions with lower living costs like the North of England or the Midlands.
- Optimize Your CV: Ensure your resume is optimized for UK standards and ATS systems. Clearly highlight your key accomplishments. We have free templates available on our Free Resources Page.
- Monitor New Additions: Newly licensed companies are often the most active recruiters because they have invested time and money into getting a licence to fill specific roles. Keep an eye on our Recent Changes Page to find newly approved employers.
- Be Transparent: When applying, clearly state that you are looking for an employer who holds a sponsor licence. This prevents wasting time with companies that cannot sponsor you.
Summary & Resources
Securing a sponsored job in the UK takes time and persistence, but starting with a verified list of licensed employers is the most effective way to focus your efforts. Use the following links to start your search: