Home / UK Sponsor Licence List 2026
Updated 2026-05-28125,000+ sponsors
UK Sponsor Licence List 2026
Search every company licensed by the Home Office to sponsor Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas in the UK.
What is the UK sponsor licence list?
The UK sponsor licence list — officially published by the Home Office as the Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers — is the definitive record of every UK organisation authorised to sponsor overseas workers on immigration routes including the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, and Global Business Mobility visas.
Only companies on this list can legally make a sponsored job offer to an overseas worker. If a company is not on the list, they cannot sponsor a visa regardless of their size, reputation, or intent to hire internationally.
As of 2026, the register contains over 125,000 organisations — from FTSE 100 multinationals and NHS trusts to small businesses and sole traders. The list is updated by the Home Office approximately every two weeks as new licences are granted and old ones expire or are revoked.
Sponsors by sector
The sponsor licence list spans every major industry. Technology, healthcare, and engineering account for the largest share of active sponsors and Certificates of Sponsorship issued in 2025.
Approximate figures based on Home Office data. Search the tool above for exact results.
How to use the sponsor licence list in your job search
Search before you apply
Before spending time on an application, check the company using the tool above. If they are not on the list, move on — they cannot sponsor your visa.
Check sponsorship activity, not just the licence
A company being on the list does not mean they are actively hiring sponsored workers. Look at the sponsorship history (CoS issued per year) — ★★★ Actively Sponsoring companies have issued visas in 2025 and are your best targets.
Match the registered name carefully
The list uses registered legal names, not trading names. 'Meta' is listed as 'Facebook UK Ltd'. 'PwC' is 'PricewaterhouseCoopers'. Our search tool handles this mapping automatically.
Use the Chrome extension for bulk checking
If you are searching across LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor, the free extension checks every company as you scroll — no searching required. Saves hours every week.
Check the list on every job board automatically
The free Chrome extension shows sponsor status as you browse LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor — no searching required.
Official register vs. this search tool
| Feature | GOV.UK spreadsheet | This search tool |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Excel / CSV download | Instant web search |
| Searchable by trading name | ✗ Legal name only | ✓ Maps trading → legal name |
| Sponsorship history (CoS counts) | ✗ Not included | ✓ Annual history since 2022 |
| Activity level indicator | ✗ Not included | ✓ ★★★ active vs. dormant |
| Works while job searching | ✗ Manual lookup | ✓ Chrome extension (automatic) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK sponsor licence list?▾
The UK sponsor licence list — officially the Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers — is the Home Office record of every organisation authorised to sponsor overseas workers on routes including the Skilled Worker visa. Only companies on this list can legally make a sponsored job offer.
How many companies are on the list in 2026?▾
Over 125,000 organisations appear on the register in 2026 — ranging from FTSE 100 multinationals and NHS trusts to small businesses and sole traders.
How often is the list updated?▾
The Home Office updates the official register approximately every two weeks. The search tool on this page reflects the most recent available data.
Can I download the full sponsor licence list?▾
Yes — the Home Office publishes it as a downloadable spreadsheet on GOV.UK. However, it has 125,000+ rows and is not searchable by trading name. The search tool above is faster for individual lookups.
Does being on the list mean a company is hiring?▾
No — the list shows who is licensed to sponsor, not who is actively hiring. Use the search tool to see each company's visa history and identify which ones are actively issuing Certificates of Sponsorship.
Related tools & guides
Stop checking manually
Install the free Chrome extension and see sponsor status automatically on LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor and every job board — no spreadsheets, no searching.
Install Free — Chrome Web Store