The Register of Licensed Sponsors: A Comprehensive Guide to UK Visa Sponsorship

in the UK, the Register of Licensed Sponsors, previously known as the Tier 2 sponsor list, is a public list of all UK organizations that hold a valid sponsorship license

Maintained by the Home Office, this list serves the purpose of identifying employers who have the necessary permission to employ sponsored workers under various visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa and temporary work visas

With over 32,000 organizations currently listed, it is a valuable resource for individuals seeking visa sponsorship in the UK.

Easy Navigation Through The Post

Finding a Sponsor

To apply for a sponsorship visa in the UK, it is crucial to be sponsored by a qualifying UK employer

This sponsorship allows the organization to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is required for the visa application to the Home Office

The Register of Licensed Sponsors provides the full names and addresses of each organization, enabling individuals to search by region and find potential sponsors.

Navigating the Register of Licensed Sponsors

When accessing the Register of Licensed Sponsors, users can utilize the search options provided by the Home Office

This allows them to search for organizations based on specific criteria such as region, company details, and address

Furthermore, the sponsor list includes information about the type of license held by each organization, whether it’s a Worker license, Temporary Worker license, or both

Additionally, the list specifies the visa routes that each organization is permitted to sponsor under, providing individuals with valuable information about their potential sponsorship opportunities.

Understanding Sponsorship Ratings

After receiving approval for a sponsorship license, the company obtains an A-rated sponsor license, which signifies that it has fulfilled the required criteria and possesses the authority to issue Certificates of Sponsorship. Consequently, eligible migrant workers can be recruited by the company.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to highlight that a sponsorship rating may be downgraded to a B-rating if the Home Office determines that the company has violated its obligations regarding sponsor license compliance.

Companies holding a B-rated license are prohibited from issuing new Certificates of Sponsorship until they address the concerns that caused the downgrade and regain an A-rating.

Consequently, individuals seeking employment and sponsorship should prioritize companies with an A-rated license.

Companies Not on the Sponsor List

It is possible for a company to initiate the recruitment process for a role without being listed on the sponsor list

However, before they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to a migrant worker, they must apply for a sponsor license and be added to the Register of Sponsors

This highlights the importance of checking the status of the organization on the sponsor list to ensure they have the necessary licensing before proceeding with the sponsorship process.

Job Eligibility

While finding a sponsor is a significant step, it’s equally important to ensure that the job being offered meets the requirements of the visa route under which the applicant is applying

For example, if applying as a Skilled Worker, the role must require a skill level of RQ3 or above, meet the minimum salary threshold, and be listed on the eligible occupations list

It is essential to carefully assess the job’s eligibility criteria to increase the chances of a successful sponsorship visa application.

Applying for a Sponsorship Visa

To apply for a UK sponsorship visa, individuals must meet the visa criteria and follow the correct application steps

The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common work visas in the UK

To be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa, an applicant must score a total of 70 points

Points can be obtained through various factors, such as having a job offer from an approved sponsor, meeting the required skill level, English language proficiency, and meeting the appropriate salary threshold

Additionally, the UK Shortage Occupation List plays a significant role in the visa application process

Occupations listed on the shortage occupation list carry additional points and may have lower application costs.

English Language Requirement

Meeting the English language requirement is an essential aspect of the sponsorship visa application

Several options exist to fulfill this requirement

Firstly, individuals who are citizens of majority English-speaking countries are considered to meet the English language requirement

Alternatively, holding a degree that is equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree or higher, which was taught or researched in English, can also fulfill the requirement

Another option is to pass a recognized English language test with a minimum B1 score on the Council of Europe’s common European framework for language and learning

Finally, individuals who have previously met the English language requirement during a grant of leave in the UK are considered to have fulfilled this criterion.

Maintenance Funds

In most cases, sponsors guarantee the maintenance funds for their prospective employees for the first month of employment in the UK

However, this privilege is only available for A-rated companies listed on the sponsor list

Applicants without a sponsor guarantee must provide evidence of access to their own funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

Certificate of Sponsorship

After meeting the necessary requirements and obtaining the sponsorship, the sponsor assigns the applicant a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The CoS includes a unique reference number that is used for the visa application

It is important to note that CoSs are non-transferable and cannot be used by other candidates or employers.

Collaborating with the Employer

Working closely with the prospective employer is crucial throughout the sponsorship visa application process

This is particularly beneficial when the employer has experience in hiring sponsored workers and has established processes to support applicants with their Home Office visa applications

It is advisable to communicate openly with the sponsor to understand the specific requirements and expectations, especially regarding spouses, partners, and dependent children accompanying the applicant to the UK.

Transition from Tier 2 to Skilled Worker Visa

The Tier 2 route has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa

Skilled workers coming to the UK from non-UK countries must be sponsored by an employer with a sponsorship license before they can apply for a work visa

It is important to be aware of this transition and focus on securing sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa category.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Sponsorship Visa

To navigate the process of obtaining a sponsorship visa, it is advisable to follow a step-by-step approach

First, individuals should check the Register of Licensed Sponsors to identify potential employers

Next, they should ensure that they meet the visa requirements, gather the necessary documents, and submit a complete and accurate visa application

Additionally, the payment of fees associated with the visa application and sponsor license should be taken into consideration.

Factors Affecting Sponsorship Visa Approval

The difficulty of obtaining a sponsorship visa depends on various factors, including the individual’s skill set, qualifications, and the industry in which they are seeking employment

Some occupations may be in high demand in the UK, resulting in numerous vacancies for suitable candidates

It is important to research the job market and understand the demand for specific skills and occupations.

Conclusion

The Register of Licensed Sponsors plays a vital role in the UK visa sponsorship process, allowing individuals to find potential employers who have the necessary sponsorship licenses

By utilizing this resource, applicants can identify suitable sponsors and navigate the complex requirements of the visa application process

Securing a sponsorship visa provides opportunities for individuals to work and contribute to the UK economy

By understanding the importance of the sponsor list, job eligibility criteria, and application steps, individuals can enhance their chances of a successful sponsorship visa application.

FAQs

How do I access the Register of Licensed Sponsors?

To access the Register of Licensed Sponsors, you can visit the official website of the Home Office

The register provides a comprehensive list of UK organizations that hold valid sponsorship licenses.

Can I apply for a sponsorship visa without a sponsor?

No, to apply for a sponsorship visa in the UK, you must have a qualifying UK employer who is willing to sponsor you

The sponsor will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a crucial requirement for the visa application.

What happens if a company’s sponsorship license is downgraded to B-rated?

If a company’s sponsorship license is downgraded to B-rated, they are not permitted to issue new Certificates of Sponsorship until they regain an A-rating

Upgrades are granted when the company demonstrates that they have rectified the issues that led to the downgrade.

What is the UK Shortage Occupation List?

The UK Shortage Occupation List is a register of jobs for which there is a high demand among employers but a shortage of labor in the UK market

Occupations listed on the shortage occupation list carry additional points for skilled workers and may have lower visa application costs.