Finding a UK Job That Sponsors Your Work Visa
The UK publishes a public list of every company licensed to sponsor visas. Here's how to use it — and how to actually find sponsor jobs.
Official source — verify hereGOV.UK — register of licensed sponsors (workers) ↗Unlike some countries, the UK makes this easy: it publishes a public register of every employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. You don't need to guess which companies sponsor — you can check directly.
The official register
The UK Home Office publishes the "Register of licensed sponsors: workers" — a public, regularly updated list of every organisation authorised to sponsor Skilled Worker (and other work) visas. This is the authoritative source; we link to it directly below rather than maintaining our own list, since a company's sponsor status can change and only the government's list is guaranteed current.
How to use the register effectively
- Search the register for companies in your target industry or specific companies you're interested in.
- Note that being on the register doesn't guarantee they're currently hiring or will sponsor you specifically — it means they're legally able to sponsor if they choose to hire you.
- Cross-reference the register with job boards — search for roles at companies confirmed on the list, or filter job boards for "visa sponsorship available" where that filter exists.
Practical job-search approach
- Target industries with known shortages — IT, engineering, healthcare, and specific skilled trades are more likely to have sponsor-friendly employers, reflected in the UK's shortage occupation list.
- Use LinkedIn and job boards' sponsorship filters where available, then verify the employer against the official register.
- Contact recruiters who specialise in your field — many know which of their client companies sponsor visas.
- Check your target salary against the visa threshold — see our UK Visa Cost Calculator and the current Skilled Worker salary requirements before applying, so you don't waste time on roles that won't clear the threshold.
Costs to understand before you apply
The employer pays the sponsor licence and Immigration Skills Charge; you (or your employer, depending on the offer) typically cover the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Understand the full cost picture with our UK Visa Cost Calculator before accepting an offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a public list of companies that sponsor UK work visas?
Yes — the UK Home Office publishes a public "Register of licensed sponsors: workers," listing every organisation authorised to sponsor Skilled Worker and other work visas. It's searchable and regularly updated, and is the only reliable source since sponsor status can change.
Does being on the sponsor register mean a company is hiring?
No — it only means the company is legally licensed to sponsor a visa if they choose to hire you. You still need to find and apply for an actual open role there, the same as any other job application.
Which industries most commonly sponsor UK work visas?
IT, engineering, healthcare and several skilled trades are common, often reflecting the UK's shortage occupation list, which can also carry a lower salary threshold. That said, sponsor companies exist across virtually every industry — check the register for your specific field.
Who pays for visa sponsorship costs in the UK?
By law, the employer must pay the sponsor licence fee and the Immigration Skills Charge, and cannot pass the Skills Charge to you. The visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are typically the employee's responsibility, though many employers choose to reimburse them — always clarify this before accepting an offer.
References & official sources
Always confirm current deadlines, eligibility and open programmes on the official sites below — they are the authoritative, real-time source, and this guide is only a plain-English summary.
Related tools
⚠️ Deadlines, eligibility and open programmes change every cycle. This guide is general information — always confirm the current details on the official portal linked above before you apply.