Last updated: 24 September 2026
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What is a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence?
A Tier 2 sponsor licence was the permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that allowed UK employers to hire foreign workers on the Tier 2 (General) visa route. Since December 2020, the Tier 2 visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa, but the licence system remains fundamentally the same.
Companies that previously held Tier 2 licences have automatically transitioned to the Skilled Worker route. The process for checking a sponsor's licence status is identical — whether you search for "tier 2 sponsor check" or "skilled worker sponsor check", you're verifying the same UKVI register.
As of September 2026, over 127,261 companies hold active sponsor licences across the UK.
How to Do a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence Check
Checking a tier 2 (Skilled Worker) sponsor licence is simple and free:
- Go to our sponsor licence checker — Enter any company name for instant results.
- Review the results — Check the company's licence status (active/revoked), compliance rating (A or B), and which visa routes they cover.
- Verify the rating — Only apply to A-rated sponsors. B-rated sponsors may not be able to issue new Certificates of Sponsorship.
Tier 2 vs Skilled Worker — What Changed?
The UK government replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa with the Skilled Worker visa on 1 December 2020. Key changes:
- Lower skill threshold — From RQF Level 6 (degree) to RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent).
- No annual cap — The 20,700 annual limit on Tier 2 visas was removed.
- No Resident Labour Market Test — Employers no longer need to prove they couldn't find a UK worker first.
- Same licence system — The sponsor licence process, compliance requirements, and ratings remain the same.
For a full comparison, see our Tier 2 Sponsor List explainer page.
Why a Daily Tier 2 Sponsor Check Matters
Sponsor licences are dynamic — they can be granted, suspended, or revoked at any time. Our daily licence checker ensures you always verify against the most current data.
- Revocations happen regularly — Hundreds of licences are revoked each year for compliance failures.
- New sponsors join weekly — Being first to apply gives you a competitive advantage.
- Ratings change — An A-rated sponsor can become B-rated after a compliance audit.
What is a Tier 2 Sponsor?
A Tier 2 sponsor is a UK employer that holds (or held) a licence from UKVI to hire foreign workers on the Tier 2 visa route. Today, these same employers are known as Skilled Worker sponsors. They include:
- Private companies (from SMEs to multinationals like Deloitte, Amazon, HSBC)
- NHS trusts and healthcare providers
- Universities and educational institutions
- Charities and non-profit organisations
- Government bodies and public sector employers
Browse the full list: Sponsor Directory | Top Sponsorship Companies
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a company has a Tier 2 sponsor licence?
Use our free sponsor licence checker to instantly verify any company's status. Enter the company name and see their licence status, rating, and visa routes.
Is a Tier 2 sponsor the same as a Skilled Worker sponsor?
Yes. The Tier 2 visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020. All Tier 2 sponsors automatically transitioned to the new system.
Can I sponsor myself for a Tier 2 visa?
No. You cannot sponsor yourself. You need a genuine job offer from a UK employer that holds an active sponsor licence. The employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship.
How much does it cost a company to sponsor a Tier 2 visa?
A sponsor licence costs £536 for small companies or £1,476 for medium/large companies. Additionally, employers must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (£364-£1,000 per year per worker) and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (£239 per worker).