How do I check if an employer is on the care worker sponsor list?

You can check the official government Register of Licensed Sponsors at gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers. Download the spreadsheet and search for the employer name. You can also use CareVisa's free sponsor search tool which makes the data easier to search and includes additional information like CQC ratings and location mapping.

How many licensed care sponsors are there in the UK?

There are approximately 12,500+ licensed care sponsors in the UK as of 2026. However, this number changes frequently as new licences are granted and existing licences are revoked. UKVI revoked hundreds of care sponsor licences in 2024 and 2025 due to non-compliance, so the list is regularly updated.

Can an employer sponsor me if they are not on the register?

No. Only employers who hold a valid sponsor licence can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. If an employer claims they can sponsor you but is not on the register, they are either lying or confused about the process. Never pay money to an employer who is not on the official register. After the July 2025 route closure, new overseas sponsorship for care roles is no longer possible regardless.

How often is the sponsor register updated?

The official government sponsor register is updated regularly, typically several times per month. However, there can be a delay between when a licence is granted or revoked and when the register is updated. For the most current status, you can also check directly with UKVI or use CareVisa's tool which cross-references multiple data sources.

What should I look for when choosing a care sponsor?

Key things to verify: the employer is on the official sponsor register, they have a good CQC rating (Good or Outstanding), they pay at least the going rate for your SOC code, they do not charge you for the Certificate of Sponsorship, they have a clear employment contract, and they have positive reviews from current or former staff. Red flags include asking for upfront payments, holding passports, or not being CQC registered.

Sponsor Verification

Care Worker Sponsor List UK 2026: How to Find and Verify Licensed Sponsors

Q: What happens if my sponsor's licence is revoked?

If your employer's sponsor licence is revoked, UKVI will curtail your visa and give you 60 days to find a new sponsor. During this time, you can legally remain in the UK and search for a new employer. Use CareVisa to quickly find alternative licensed sponsors in your area. Submit a new visa application before the 60-day deadline.

How to search the UK care worker sponsor register, verify employers, spot red flags, and find a legitimate licensed sponsor for your Health and Care Worker visa.

Updated February 20268 min read

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What Is the Sponsor Register?

The Register of Licensed Sponsors is an official list maintained by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) of all employers authorised to sponsor migrant workers. Only employers on this register can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which you need to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa.

The register is published as a downloadable spreadsheet on gov.uk and is updated regularly. It contains the employer's name, location, sponsor type (Worker or Temporary Worker), and the tier of their licence.

As of February 2026, there are approximately 12,500+ licensed care sponsors in the UK, though this number fluctuates as licences are granted and revoked.

How to Check the Register

Option 1: CareVisa Sponsor Search (Recommended)

CareVisa provides a free, easy-to-use search tool specifically for care sponsors. Our tool adds value over the raw government register by:

Filtering specifically for care sector sponsors
Including CQC ratings and inspection history
Showing location on a map
Providing contact information where available
Flagging recently revoked licences

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Option 2: Government Register

The official register is available at gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers. Download the CSV file and use Excel or Google Sheets to search by employer name or location. The register includes all sponsor types, not just care, so you will need to filter for relevant entries.

What to Check Before Accepting a Sponsor

Sponsor licence is active

Verify the employer appears on the current register. Licences can be revoked at any time

CQC registration and rating

All regulated care providers in England must be CQC registered. Check their rating at cqc.org.uk. Prefer Good or Outstanding rated providers

Salary meets the going rate

The offered salary must meet the going rate for your SOC code. See our salary guide

Clear employment contract

You should receive a written employment contract before starting work, detailing salary, hours, duties, and notice period

No upfront charges

A legitimate employer will never charge you for the Certificate of Sponsorship or ask for upfront fees for the job

Red Flags: Warning Signs of Bad Sponsors

Charging you for the CoS

The Certificate of Sponsorship cost (GBP 239) is the employer's responsibility. If they ask you to pay, this violates UKVI rules

Requesting your passport

No employer should ever hold your passport or immigration documents. This is a criminal offence and a sign of modern slavery

Not on the official register

If an employer claims they can sponsor you but does not appear on the register, they cannot legally sponsor you

Requires CQC rating or no CQC registration

An Inadequate CQC rating or no CQC registration is a serious warning sign. These providers are at higher risk of licence revocation

Salary below the going rate

If the offered salary does not meet the going rate, the visa application will fail and the employer may be acting unlawfully

Vague about the role or location

Legitimate sponsors have a specific role, location, and contract. If details are vague or keep changing, be cautious

Licence Revocations

UKVI regularly revokes sponsor licences from employers who fail to comply with their sponsorship duties. In 2024-2025, hundreds of care sector licences were revoked. Common reasons include:

Failing to pay the going rate or minimum wage
Not reporting changes in workers' circumstances
Issuing CoS for roles that do not genuinely exist
Not maintaining proper HR records
CQC enforcement action or closure
Modern slavery or exploitation findings

If your sponsor's licence is revoked, see our guide to switching sponsors for immediate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if an employer is a licensed sponsor?

Use CareVisa's free sponsor search or download the official register from gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers. Search by employer name or location.

How many licensed care sponsors are there?

Approximately 12,500+ as of 2026, though the number changes regularly as licences are granted and revoked.

Can an unlicensed employer sponsor me?

No. Only employers on the official register can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Never pay money to an employer not on the register.

How often is the register updated?

Several times per month. There may be short delays between licence changes and register updates.

What should I look for when choosing a sponsor?

Active licence on the register, good CQC rating, salary at or above the going rate, no upfront charges, clear contract, and positive staff reviews.

What happens if my sponsor's licence is revoked?

You get 60 days to find a new sponsor. Use CareVisa to search for alternatives immediately. See our switching sponsors guide for full details.

Related Guides

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