The UK maintains an official Register of Licensed Sponsors for Worker and Temporary Worker categories, as outlined in gov.uk guidance. This publicly available list helps identify organisations authorised to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to potential migrants. Generally, the register serves as a key resource for understanding which employers hold valid sponsor licences.
What is the Register of Licensed Sponsors?
According to gov.uk, the register compiles details of businesses, charities, and public bodies granted permission to sponsor staff from outside the UK. It focuses on sponsors in the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration categories. The rules state that only those listed can recruit under these sponsored work routes.
General Information Only
Content here draws from gov.uk publications and represents general summaries, not individual assessments or legal advice.
Sponsors must hold a valid licence to offer jobs requiring sponsorship. The register updates periodically to reflect additions, removals, rating changes, or other status updates.
Purpose of the Register
- Verify if an organisation can sponsor workers
- Check sponsorship ratings and licensed categories
- Support compliance in the sponsored work system
- Aid migrants and employers in navigating requirements
Gov.uk publishes the register to promote transparency. Typically, it enables checks on whether a prospective employer appears on the list before pursuing sponsored employment.
Key Resource
The register is downloadable in spreadsheet format from gov.uk for easy searching and filtering.
Types of Sponsors on the Register
The list distinguishes between Worker sponsors and Temporary Worker sponsors. Worker sponsors cover longer-term roles, while Temporary Worker sponsors handle short-term positions.
| Sponsor Type | Description | Examples of Visa Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Worker | For skilled roles with no time limit on stay | Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Business Mobility |
| Temporary Worker | For temporary roles, often time-limited | Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Government Authorised Exchange |
Sponsorship Ratings Explained
Sponsors receive ratings based on compliance history. The rules state ratings influence their ability to issue CoS.
Common Sponsorship Ratings
Rating Changes
Ratings can shift; always consult the latest register version from gov.uk for current status.
Information Contained in the Register
- Sponsor name and trading name
- Town, county, and postcode
- Sponsorship rating
- Worker or Temporary Worker licence category
- Date licence granted or last updated
Additional fields may include authorisation notes or restrictions. Gov.uk advises filtering by location, rating, or category for relevant matches.
How to Access the Register
Visit Gov.uk
Navigate to the publications section on licensed sponsors for workers.
Download the File
Obtain the latest Excel or CSV version, updated regularly (often weekly).
Search and Filter
Use spreadsheet tools to query by sponsor name, location, or rating.
Verify Details
Cross-check against the official list to ensure accuracy.
Categories Sponsors Can Support
Each sponsor's entry specifies licensed categories, aligning with specific visa subtypes. For instance, a Worker sponsor might cover Skilled Worker roles, while a Temporary Worker sponsor lists routes like Seasonal Worker.
| Worker Category Examples | Temporary Worker Category Examples |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Creative Worker |
| Health and Care | Charity Worker |
| Global Business Mobility - Senior or Specialist | Government Authorised Exchange |
| Expansion Worker | Religious Worker |
The register details precisely which categories apply to each sponsor, per gov.uk records.
Importance for Employers and Migrants
Employers use the register to confirm their listing and details. Migrants generally reference it to validate prospective sponsors. Compliance with sponsorship duties is required for all listed entities.
Compliance Duties
Sponsors must adhere to rules on record-keeping, reporting changes, and paying the Immigration Skills Charge where applicable.
Updates and Changes to the Register
Gov.uk adds new sponsors after successful licence applications, which involve fees starting from £536 for small sponsors (as of current guidance). Removals occur for non-compliance, voluntary surrender, or other reasons.
Licence Application Costs (Examples)
Processing times typically range from 8 weeks, with priority services available at extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the register updated?
Gov.uk generally refreshes the list weekly, incorporating new approvals and status changes.
Can all listed sponsors recruit immediately?
This depends on their rating; B-rated sponsors face CoS allocation limits.
What if a sponsor is not listed?
According to the rules, they cannot issue valid CoS for Worker or Temporary Worker routes.
Does the register include costs for visas?
No, it focuses on sponsor details; visa fees appear in separate gov.uk guidance.
How to report issues with a sponsor?
Gov.uk provides channels for reporting suspected sponsorship misuse.
Further Considerations
The register excludes Student or other non-worker routes. Sponsors must meet ongoing duties, including key personnel requirements like Authorising Officer and Level 1 User.
Revoked Licences
If a sponsor's licence is revoked, any ongoing sponsorship may be curtailed, affecting visa holders.
Explore More on Gov.uk Rules
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