Tier 2 Sponsor List UK

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, maintained by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Although the name has changed, the function remains the same: it is the official UKVI sponsorship list of UK organisations licensed to sponsor foreign workers.

UKVI Official Sponsorship List

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the branch of the Home Office that handles immigration, maintains the official Register of Licensed Sponsors. This is commonly referred to as the "UKVI sponsorship list" or "UKVI approved sponsors list".

The UKVI sponsor register includes every company, charity, NHS trust, and public body that is licensed to sponsor foreign workers on:

• Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General)
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Temporary Worker visas (formerly Tier 5)

As of July 2026, the UKVI sponsorship list contains over 126,731 licensed sponsors. You can search the complete UKVI register using our sponsor directory or sponsor licence checker.

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.

UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Companies — Full List

If you’re searching for UK tier 2 visa sponsorship companies, you’re looking for employers that held Tier 2 General licences and have now transitioned to the Skilled Worker sponsor licence. These companies span every major industry sector:

All companies listed above that previously held Tier 2 General licences have automatically transitioned to the new Skilled Worker licence type. You can search the complete list of 126,731+ sponsors using our sponsor directory or sponsor licence checker.

Browse Sponsors by Category

You can filter the complete list of 126,731 sponsors by location or industry to find opportunities relevant to you.

What is a Tier 2 Sponsor?

A Tier 2 sponsor is a UK employer that was approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to hire foreign workers under the old Tier 2 (General) visa route. Since December 2020, the Tier 2 visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa, but the concept of sponsorship remains identical.

A Tier 2 sponsor (now Skilled Worker sponsor) must:

• Hold an active sponsor licence issued by UKVI
• Be a genuine UK organisation with a legitimate need for overseas workers
• Have HR systems in place to track and report on sponsored workers
• Issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to workers they wish to hire
• Pay sponsored workers at or above the minimum salary threshold

Verify any sponsor: Tier 2 Sponsor Licence Check

How to Get Sponsorship for Tier 2 Visa in the UK

Getting sponsorship for a Tier 2 visa (now Skilled Worker visa) involves several key steps:

1. Find a licensed sponsor — Use our sponsor directory to identify companies in your industry and city that hold active sponsor licences.
2. Apply for jobs — Target companies on the register. Tailor your CV to highlight your skills and qualifications that match the job requirements.
3. Receive a job offer — Your employer must offer you a role at the appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3+) and salary threshold.
4. Get your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — Your employer applies to UKVI for a CoS on your behalf, which contains your job details and salary.
5. Apply for your visa — Use the CoS reference number to submit your Skilled Worker visa application to UKVI.

Full guide: How to Get Sponsored in the UK

What Are Tier 2 Jobs in the UK?

Tier 2 jobs — now Skilled Worker eligible roles — are positions that meet the minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-levels or above). This covers a wide range of occupations:

Who is Eligible for a Tier 2 Visa?

To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa (now Skilled Worker visa), you must meet these requirements:

• Job offer from a licensed sponsor — The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Job at the right skill level — RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent or higher).
• Minimum salary threshold — Generally £38,700 per year or the "going rate" for the occupation, whichever is higher. Some roles have lower thresholds.
• English language requirement — You must prove your English ability at CEFR Level B1 or above.
• Sufficient funds — You must show you have at least £1,270 in savings (unless your employer certifies maintenance).

Full details: Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility & Salary Requirements

What is the Minimum Salary for Tier 2?

The minimum salary for a Tier 2 visa (Skilled Worker) depends on your occupation and circumstances:

• General threshold: £38,700 per year (from April 2024)
• Going rate: Some occupations have a higher going rate that applies instead
• New entrant rate: Reduced rate (70% of going rate) for under-26s, PhD holders, or those switching from a student visa
• Health & Care route: Lower threshold of £23,200 for eligible healthcare roles
• Shortage occupations: Some roles have reduced thresholds — check the Immigration Salary List

How Much Does It Cost a Company to Sponsor a Tier 2 Visa?

The total cost for a UK company to sponsor a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa includes several fees:

Note: The visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are typically paid by the worker, not the employer, though some employers cover these as part of their relocation package.

Which Companies Are Offering Tier 2 Sponsorship in the UK?

Over 126,731 companies currently hold sponsor licences (formerly Tier 2 licences) in the UK. Some of the most well-known sponsors include:

• Technology: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Accenture, Infosys, TCS
• Finance: HSBC, Barclays, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY
• Healthcare: All major NHS Trusts, Bupa, Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare
• Education: University of Oxford, UCL, Imperial College London, University of Manchester
• Care sector: HC-One, Barchester Healthcare, Four Seasons Health Care

Search the full register: Browse All 126,731+ Sponsors