You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor before you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. This page explains the register of licensed sponsors and how to search it.
Search on ImmigrationGPT
You can check if a company can sponsor a visa, or search sponsors by city, industry and visa route.
Steps
Know what the register is
The Home Office register of licensed sponsors lists every employer that can sponsor workers. Only an employer on it can assign a certificate of sponsorship.
Search the register
Search by company name, town, industry (SIC code) or visa route on ImmigrationGPT, or open the register file on GOV.UK.
Read the entry
Each entry gives the organisation name, town, county, the type and rating of the licence, and the route. A B-rated sponsor cannot assign new certificates of sponsorship until it gets its A rating back.
Open the company page
Each company page shows whether the employer is on the register today, its routes and rating, its licence history and its Companies House record.
After a job offer
The employer assigns a certificate of sponsorship (CoS). You use the CoS reference number in your visa application.
Common questions
Can any UK company sponsor a visa?
No. Only companies that hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office can sponsor workers. You can search the register of licensed sponsors on ImmigrationGPT or GOV.UK.
What is an A-rated sponsor?
An A-rated sponsor has met all of the Home Office's compliance requirements. A B-rated sponsor has been found to have issues and is on an action plan. A B-rated sponsor cannot assign new certificates of sponsorship until it gets its A rating back.
Do I need a job offer before applying for a visa?
Yes, for the Skilled Worker route. You must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before submitting your visa application.
Can I approach companies not on the register?
Yes, but they would need to apply for a sponsor licence first. Processing times and fees vary, so employers should check the current sponsorship guidance and fee tables on GOV.UK.
Are there recruitment agencies that specialise in sponsored roles?
Some UK recruitment agencies place candidates who need visa sponsorship. The employer, not the agency, must hold the sponsor licence.