Checking the sponsorship status in the UK is a crucial step for anyone involved in visa or immigration matters, especially those working with or for organisations that sponsor foreign workers. At its core, checking the sponsorship status means verifying whether a company or organisation holds a valid sponsor licence issued by the UK Home Office. This status confirms that the employer is authorised to sponsor non-UK nationals for work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa. Ensuring this can make or break visa applications and employment legality, so understanding how to check sponsorship status clearly is essential.
Why Checking Sponsorship Status Matters
A sponsor licence acts like a golden ticket for companies wishing to employ people from outside the UK. Without it, organisations cannot legally sponsor employees to work under UK immigration laws. For prospective employees, verifying a company’s sponsorship status protects them from costly visa refusals and potential job losses. It’s a vital step in making sure that the job offer is legitimate and that the employer truly has the authority to sponsor their visa application.
Employers, meanwhile, must follow strict rules once granted a sponsor licence, including regular reporting and record-keeping, to maintain their licence. Failure to comply could result in licence suspension or revocation, which in turn affects all sponsored employees. Thus, keeping an eye on sponsorship status helps everyone stay compliant and avoid unnecessary legal troubles.
How to Check a Company’s Sponsor Licence: The Practical Approach
The UK government maintains a publicly accessible document known as the Register of Licensed Sponsors. This register is updated regularly and includes all organisations currently authorised to sponsor migrant workers. It lists company names, licence types, and sponsorship ratings, giving you a clear snapshot of who holds valid sponsor licences.
To check a company’s sponsorship status, start by downloading the latest version of this register from the official UK government website. This file is typically in spreadsheet format, making it easy to search for the specific company name. A simple text search on your computer (often CTRL + F) lets you find the company and review the licence type. For example, if you’re applying for a role under the Skilled Worker route, the company needs to have this licence category.
The register also shows sponsorship ratings. An A-rating means the licence holder meets all requirements and can issue Certificates of Sponsorship. A B-rating is a red flag indicating some compliance problems, with no new sponsorships allowed until resolved. There are alternative online tools to check sponsor licences, but cross-referencing the official register remains the most reliable method.
What to Do If the Company Doesn’t Appear on the Register
If your prospective employer isn’t listed in the Register of Licensed Sponsors, it means they do not hold a valid sponsor licence. This is crucial information for international workers because employment with such a company will usually jeopardise visa applications. It’s wise to confirm sponsorship details with the company directly and be cautious before proceeding with any job offer.
If in doubt or facing complicated cases, seeking legal advice helps you understand your options and protects your immigration status. There are experienced professionals who specialise in this field and can guide you confidently through sponsorship and visa matters.
Bonus Tips: Checking Your Certificate of Sponsorship
In addition to verifying the employer’s licence, employees can also check the status of their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This unique number is issued by the employer once the sponsorship licence is active and forms part of your visa application. The UK Visas and Immigration website allows workers to enter their CoS number and date of birth to confirm validity. Valid certificates list details like employer name, job title, salary, and employment dates, giving further assurance that your sponsorship is on track.