Checking your employer’s sponsor licence status is an important step for anyone working in the UK under a visa.
Organisations must hold a valid sponsor licence to legally sponsor employees from outside the UK. Failing to verify this could lead to complications, such as visa cancellations or employment issues.
This guide will walk you through the process on how to check sponsor licence status to ensure you secure genuine employment and save yourself from fraud.
Making sure your employer has a valid sponsor licence helps you avoid unexpected issues with your visa application. Knowing how to check this status is empowering and ensures you can proactively manage your work status in the UK.
Here are the essential steps to verify an organisation’s sponsor licence status in the UK. Protect your visa and employment by staying informed and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
How to check company sponsorship licence?
Step 1: Access the Official Register of Licensed Sponsors
The UK government publishes a regularly updated list of organisations authorised to sponsor workers. This list, known as the Register of Licensed Sponsors, is publicly available online.
Simply download the document and search for your employer’s name. If their name appears, they hold a valid licence.
Click here to download the List of companies with Sponsor licence
Download the excel sheet and then search for the company name and if the name of the company is there, then it holds a valid licence.
This link contains the official data sheet from UKVI and latest additions are made from time to time.
Step 2: Confirm the Licence Type
It’s essential to verify that the type of licence aligns with your visa category. For example, if you’re on a Skilled Worker visa, ensure your employer’s licence specifically covers this category and has skilled worker sponsor licence. This ensures they’re eligible to sponsor your role under the correct guidelines.
Step 3: Contact the Employer for Clarification
If you have further questions, reach out to your employer directly. Licensed organisations should be able to provide proof of their sponsor licence status and clarify any doubts.
It is possible that someone else is pretending to be an employer with a sponsor licence, so always seek direct communication with employer via their official website/ email or office visit.
There are certain rare cases where employees were issued fake Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) by recruitment consultants, resulting in a 10-year ban on UK travel. Therefore, ensure that your employer is legitimate and willing to sponsor you for the Skilled Worker visa.
Step 4: Watch for Updates or Suspensions
Holding a licence doesn’t mean it’s always in good standing. Licences can be suspended or revoked if the organisation fails to meet compliance requirements.
Regularly check the register for updates to ensure the licence remains active and valid. All valid employers will be listed in the sheet.
Also read: Success Story: Suspended Sponsor Licence Reinstated for Care Provider
Step 5: Seek Professional Advice
If the process feels overwhelming or you face complications, consulting immigration experts is a wise choice.
They can offer guidance on next steps and provide clarity on any issues that arise during the verification process. We at Nara Solicitors are always here to help you.
Verifying your employer’s sponsor licence status is essential to protect your visa and employment in the UK.
By following these steps, you can confirm their sponsor licence and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Don’t leave this to chance—proactively check their status and safeguard your career.
If you need assistance or encounter challenges during the process, contact Nara Solicitors for expert advice.
