What happened to the Tier 2 Sponsor List?
On 1 December 2020, the UK government introduced a new points-based immigration system. As part of this change, the Tier 2 (General) visa route was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa route.
Consequently, the "Tier 2 Sponsor List" is now officially known as the Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers and Temporary Workers.
Although the name has changed, the function remains the same: it is the official list of UK organizations licensed to sponsor foreign workers.
Key Changes: Tier 2 vs Skilled Worker
- Restricted to RQF Level 6 (Degree level)
- Annual cap on numbers
- Strict Resident Labour Market Test
- Open to RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent)
- No annual cap on numbers
- No Resident Labour Market Test required
How to Check if a Company Can Sponsor You
If you fit the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2), you need a job offer from an approved sponsor. A company must hold a valid sponsor licence to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
You can use our Sponsorship Checker Tool to verify a company's status instantly.
Understanding the Ratings
- Type: Most private companies will have a "Worker" licence (formerly Tier 2 General).
- Rating: Look for A-rated sponsors. This means they are fully compliant and can issue Certificates of Sponsorship. B-rated sponsors are under scrutiny and cannot issue new certificates.
Browse Sponsors by Category
You can filter the complete list of 124,486 sponsors by location or industry to find opportunities relevant to you.