A UK sponsor is an organization that has been granted a license by the UK Home Office to employ foreign workers. This license allows them to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas workers, which is a crucial document needed for most UK work visa applications.
Not all UK companies have a sponsor license. Obtaining and maintaining a license requires significant investment in compliance systems and payment of government fees. This is why many companies, especially smaller ones, may be hesitant to sponsor foreign workers unless they have a specific need for international talent.
Our comprehensive database of UK sponsors is one of the most valuable resources for your job search. It contains all organizations that currently hold a valid sponsorship license, updated daily with the latest information from the UK Home Office.
Search through over 50,000 UK companies with valid sponsorship licenses, updated daily with official Home Office data.
Search UK SponsorsRemember that being on the sponsor register doesn't guarantee a company is currently hiring or willing to sponsor new employees. It simply means they have the legal ability to do so. Your next step is to research these companies further.
Once you've identified potential sponsors from our database, thorough research is essential before making contact. This will help you target the right companies and customize your approach for better results.
Some industries are more likely to sponsor foreign workers than others. Consider focusing on:
Look for companies that have specific skills shortages that match your expertise. Organizations are more likely to sponsor when they struggle to find suitable local candidates with your specialized skills or experience.
How you approach potential sponsors can significantly impact your success. A strategic, well-prepared approach will help you stand out from other international candidates seeking sponsorship.
When applying for positions with potential sponsors:
For companies not currently advertising suitable roles:
When discussing sponsorship with potential employers:
Subject: Experienced [Your Profession] Seeking Opportunities at [Company Name]
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out because I've been following [Company Name]'s work in [specific project/product/service] and am particularly impressed with [specific achievement or aspect of their work].
I'm an experienced [your profession] with [X years] of expertise in [your key skills]. In my current role at [Current/Previous Company], I've [brief achievement that's relevant to them].
I understand that [Company Name] holds a UK sponsorship license, and I'm currently seeking opportunities that would require sponsorship. I believe my experience in [specific skill/area] could be valuable to your team, particularly given the current demand for these skills in the UK market.
Would you be open to a conversation about how my skills might align with your current or future needs? I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute to [Company Name]'s continued success.
Thank you for considering my inquiry.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Remember that sponsorship represents an investment for employers. Your task is to demonstrate that you offer skills, experience, or perspective that makes this investment worthwhile for their organization.
Finding a sponsor can be challenging, and it's important to be prepared for potential obstacles. Here are some common challenges and strategies to overcome them:
Even companies with licenses may have policies against sponsoring new hires. If you encounter this response, consider:
Many applications and outreach attempts may go unanswered. To improve your response rate:
UK work visas have minimum salary requirements that can be obstacles:
You're competing with local candidates who don't require sponsorship:
Finding a sponsor often requires persistence and a willingness to adapt your strategy. Consider:
For answers to common questions about finding sponsors, visa eligibility, application processes, and more, visit our comprehensive FAQ section: