UK visa sponsor search
A UK employer needs a sponsor licence before it can hire someone on a Skilled Worker visa. The Home Office publishes every licensed sponsor. This copy is from 2026-10-28.
United Kingdom: route to indefinite leave to remain
Graduate, use the Graduate visa to find a sponsored job, then qualify for settlement on a Skilled Worker visa.
- Student visaUK degree
- Graduate visaWork without a sponsor2 years (3 for PhD); 18 months for applications from Jan 1, 2027
- Skilled WorkerLicensed sponsor hires youDegree-level job and salary threshold
- Qualifying yearsLive and work in the UK5 years today; a 10-year baseline has been proposed
- ILRSettlementGraduate visa time does not count
United Kingdom: route to indefinite leave to remain
Since July 22, 2025 most new Skilled Worker visas need a degree-level job. Only roles on the Temporary Shortage List remain open below that level.
- TSL jobRole on the Temporary Shortage ListOpen to new visas until Dec 31, 2026
- Skilled WorkerSponsor licence requiredNo dependants on these roles
- Qualifying yearsLive and work in the UKSettlement rules are under review
- ILRSettlementCheck current rules before relying on this route
Rules as of October 2026. Sources: Burness Paull on the Temporary Shortage List, Paragon Law, Graduate visa 2026 guide. Always confirm with the official immigration authority.
Visa types and requirements
Pick a visa to see its language, education and experience requirements, how long it lasts and where it leads.
Student Student visa
- Language
- CEFR B2 for degree-level study
- Education
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed sponsor
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Proof of funds
- Length of stay
- Length of the course
- Leads to
- Graduate visa
Graduate Graduate visa
- Language
- No new test
- Education
- UK bachelor's, master's or PhD completed on a Student visa
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- No sponsor needed; time does not count towards settlement
- Length of stay
- 2 years (PhD 3); 18 months for applications from Jan 1, 2027
- Leads to
- Skilled Worker
Skilled Worker Skilled Worker visa
- Language
- CEFR B2 for new applications from Jan 8, 2026
- Education
- Job at degree level (RQF 6); below that only Temporary Shortage List roles until Dec 31, 2026
- Experience
- As the job requires
- Other conditions
- Licensed sponsor and a salary of at least £41,700 or the going rate
- Length of stay
- Up to 5 years, renewable
- Leads to
- Indefinite leave to remain
ILR Indefinite leave to remain
- Language
- English requirement and the Life in the UK test
- Education
- None
- Experience
- Qualifying years on Skilled Worker
- Other conditions
- 5 years today; a 10-year baseline has been proposed but not yet in force
- Length of stay
- Permanent
- Leads to
- Citizenship, usually 12 months later
October 2026 rules. Sources: DavidsonMorris on Skilled Worker English, Burness Paull on the Temporary Shortage List, Paragon Law, Graduate visa 2026. Confirm with the official immigration authority before applying.
Loading employers…
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A licence means the company can sponsor; it doesn't mean it has a vacancy. Check that the role you were offered is eligible for the visa route.
Licences by visa route
Towns with the most sponsors
Source
Register of licensed sponsors: workers, UK Home Office. The register is updated on working days; this site refreshes it monthly.