How To Check If A Company Has A Sponsorship License in the UK
I still remember the excitement in my chest when I opened that email.
A UK-based company had offered me a job and they claimed they were going to sponsor my visa. It sounded perfect.
The salary was better than anything I was earning, the role matched my qualifications, and the HR rep responded quickly and politely.
But something felt off. I couldn’t explain it.
I just knew I needed to be sure before taking any big steps.
So, I decided to check if the company actually had a sponsorship license.
It was a tough but eye-opening moment.
That’s why I want to show you exactly how to check if a company truly has a sponsorship license in the UK.
It could save you from heartbreak, scams, and wasted time.
Understand What a Sponsorship Licence Means
A sponsorship licence isn’t just a technical formality, it’s a legal necessity.
UK employers who want to hire international talent must apply for and obtain this licence from the Home Office.
It proves the company is legitimate, financially stable, and willing to take on the responsibility of sponsoring a foreign worker.
If an employer doesn’t have this licence, they cannot legally offer you visa sponsorship, no matter how promising the role looks.
So, before getting excited about a job offer, your first move should always be to verify if the company has that licence in place.
In fact, one of the key Reasons Why International Graduates Are Not Getting UK Jobs is the shortage of employers who hold this crucial certification.
1. Visit the Official UK Government Website
The safest and most reliable way to check if a company holds a sponsorship licence is by visiting the UK government’s official website.
You’ll need to download the “Register of Licensed Sponsors – Workers” list, which comes in Excel or CSV format.
Once you’ve opened the file, use Ctrl + F (or Command + F on a Mac) to search for the company’s name.
Be as precise as possible and include suffixes like “Ltd” or “Limited” if necessary.
If the company doesn’t appear on the list, then they’re not licensed and you should proceed with caution.
2. Cross-Check Company Details Thoroughly
Finding a matching name in the register is just the first step, you still need to confirm it’s the right company.
Many businesses have similar names, so make sure the spelling, punctuation, and structure all match exactly.
Also, verify the address listed on the register against what the company has provided you. If the cities or postcodes differ, that’s a major red flag.
Don’t forget to check their licence rating too.
An “A” rating means they’re fully compliant, while a “B” rating means they’re being monitored and may not be in the best position to sponsor new employees.
3. Be Aware That the Register Is Updated Frequently
Sometimes companies apply for a sponsorship licence and haven’t yet appeared on the register.
The UK government updates this list regularly, so if a company tells you they’re in the process, that might very well be true.
In that case, ask them for proof of application or any confirmation email from the Home Office.
Then give it a few weeks and check back to see if their name appears.
Just be careful not to send personal documents or sensitive information until their status is officially confirmed on the list.
4. Request the Sponsor Licence Number Directly
If you’re unable to find the company details in the register and you’re in touch with the employer, it’s perfectly okay to ask them for their Sponsor Licence Number.
This is a unique identifier issued by the Home Office that confirms their licensing status.
One of the essential tips to know if a company can sponsor you for a UK visa is to verify this licence number directly.
A legitimate employer will have no issue sharing this with you, after all, it’s part of the process
You can then plug that number into the register to make sure it aligns with their name and address.
If the company hesitates, dodges the question, or gives you a number that doesn’t match, treat that as a warning sign and reconsider moving forward.
Precautions You Should Take
1. Watch Out for Fake Companies and Scams
Unfortunately, job scams targeting foreign applicants are more common than many realize.
Some scammers create fake companies or impersonate real ones to offer attractive jobs that include visa sponsorship.
But once you engage, they ask for payment for “processing” or “fast-tracking” the visa money you’ll never get back.
Others may set up fake websites or email addresses that look real at first glance.
That’s why it’s so important to confirm every detail: the company’s name, address, sponsor status, and SLN.
If anything feels rushed, vague, or too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Consult an Immigration Expert If You’re Unsure
Not everyone feels confident navigating visa rules and government websites and that’s okay.
Resources like Job Sites For Graduates In The UK can also guide your search for legitimate employers.
Immigration laws are complex and frequently updated, so if you ever feel unsure, reach out to a qualified immigration adviser or solicitor.
They can help you assess whether a job offer is legitimate, walk you through the visa process, and even communicate with the employer on your behalf.
It’s a small investment that could save you from losing thousands or missing out on a real opportunity simply because of an oversight.
3. Verify the Company’s Online Presence
Before trusting any company with your career journey, take time to research them online.
A genuine, licensed sponsor will typically have a professional website, an active presence on LinkedIn, and maybe even posts on job platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor.
Don’t just check if the company exists. Look at how long they’ve been operating, the kind of jobs they post, and whether there’s consistency between what they’ve told you and what’s online.
Try searching for reviews from current or past employees.
Glassdoor is a great place to find out how the company treats its staff and whether they’ve ever mentioned visa sponsorships in their feedback.
If the company has no online trace or everything looks vague, outdated, or just plain suspicious, take that as a warning sign.
A legitimate employer won’t hide their identity online.
4. Connect With Current or Former Employees
One of the most overlooked ways to verify a company’s sponsorship status is by talking to people who work there or have in the past.
Platforms like LinkedIn make it easy to find employees.
Look for people with job titles similar to yours or who’ve recently joined from abroad.
Send a polite message explaining that you’re considering an offer from the company and would love to know about their sponsorship experience.
You might be surprised how many people are willing to help, especially if they’ve been in your shoes.
This kind of insider information gives you real clarity about what the company does versus what they say in an email.
You’ll also get a feel for how the company treats its international hires, which is just as important as being on the sponsor list.
5. Don’t Rush the Process Just Because You’re Desperate
When you’re hungry for a breakthrough, it’s easy to let excitement override caution.
You’ve applied to dozens of jobs, and then one finally replies saying they’ll sponsor your visa.
It feels like a lifeline.
But take a breath. Rushing can cost you.
Scammers know how to play on urgency.
They’ll push you to make quick decisions, send documents fast, or even pay “fees” before you’ve verified anything.
Remember, if the opportunity is real, it won’t vanish overnight.
Take your time to go through all the necessary checks.
Look up the company on the register. Ask for the sponsor licence number.
Cross-check details. If something feels rushed or too good to be true, press pause and reevaluate.
Your future is worth that patience.
Check out these 12 Smart Tips for Getting a Job After College With No Experience.
6. Double-Check That the Role Qualifies for Sponsorship
Even if a company is licensed, not every role they offer will qualify for visa sponsorship.
You need to make sure the position you’re applying for is listed on the UK’s Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List or meets the required criteria.
This includes checking that the job title is eligible, the salary meets the minimum threshold set by the government, and you have the right qualifications and experience to match the position.
Many people get excited about a job offer, only to find out later that the role doesn’t meet sponsorship requirements.
Do your homework in advance to avoid disappointment.
7. Make Sure the Offer Includes a Certificate of Sponsorship
At the end of the day, the only way you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa is with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
This is a formal document generated by the UK Home Office through your employer.
It contains a unique reference number that links to your job role, salary, and employer details.
Don’t just take verbal promises or email attachments as proof.
Ask the company directly when you’ll receive your CoS and what your reference number is.
If they give excuses like “We’ll do it after you start the job” or “We’re working on it,” be careful.
No company should expect you to relocate or begin work without first providing the CoS.
Once you have the CoS, you’ll use that number to complete your visa application.
It’s the final confirmation that you’re being genuinely sponsored and without it, you can’t proceed.
Remember, securing your Certificate of Sponsorship is one of the best ways to migrate to the UK from Nigeria, because without that official reference number, a Skilled Worker visa application simply can’t move forward.
Final Thought
Getting a UK sponsorship job is possible but only if you’re smart about it.
Always check the official sponsor register and bookmark it for future updates.
If a company isn’t listed now, they might apply later.
If you’ve already accepted an offer and something feels off, don’t ignore it
Contact the company directly, and if needed, report to Action Fraud UK.
Talk to an immigration adviser to stay on the safe side.
Real sponsors are transparent and supportive.
You won’t have to chase them for answers.
Stay cautious, trust your instincts, and remember that your dream is still valid.
