UK Visa Sponsorship Employer Checker
Search licensed UK employers authorized to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). Verify 2026 Skilled Worker salary thresholds, Defined vs Undefined COS rules, and A-Rating compliance.
Search Licensed UK Sponsor Database
National Health Service (NHS Trust Network)
📍 UK Wide • 🏢 Healthcare • SOC: 2211 / 2230
Deloitte LLP
📍 London & Regional • 🏢 Professional & Financial Services • SOC: 2421
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS UK)
📍 London, Manchester • 🏢 Technology & IT • SOC: 2136
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC UK)
📍 UK Wide • 🏢 Professional & Financial Services • SOC: 2421
Barclays Bank PLC
📍 London, Northampton • 🏢 Financial Services • SOC: 2422
Rolls-Royce PLC
📍 Derby, Bristol • 🏢 Engineering & Manufacturing • SOC: 2121
University of Oxford
📍 Oxford • 🏢 Education & Research • SOC: 2311
Amazon UK Services Ltd
📍 London, Manchester • 🏢 Technology & Logistics • SOC: 2135
Arup Group Ltd
📍 London, Birmingham • 🏢 Engineering & Construction • SOC: 2122
AstraZeneca UK
📍 Cambridge, Macclesfield • 🏢 Pharmaceuticals & Biotech • SOC: 2112
Comprehensive UK Visa Sponsorship Guide (2026 Rules)
1. Minimum General & Occupation-Specific Salary Rules
Under the updated Home Office Skilled Worker rules, every sponsored job offer must meet TWO distinct conditions: the General Minimum Threshold (£38,700 per year) AND the specific Occupation Code (SOC 2026) Going Rate.
| Applicant Route | General Min Salary | SOC Going Rate Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Experienced Skilled Worker | £38,700 / yr | 100% of 50th Percentile Rate |
| Health & Care Worker (NHS AfC) | £29,000 / yr | 100% of NHS AfC Band Rate |
| New Entrant (Graduate / Under 26) | £30,960 / yr | 30% Discount on Standard Rate |
| Relevant STEM PhD Holder | £30,960 / yr | 20% Discount on Standard Rate |
2. Defined vs. Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
When a sponsor employer assigns a COS to an international candidate, they must select the correct category:
- Defined COS: Required for out-of-country applicants applying for entry clearance from overseas. The employer must submit a specific application to the Home Office for approval before assigning it.
- Undefined COS: Issued from the employer's pre-approved annual allocation for candidates switching visas in-country (e.g. Graduate Route, Student Visa, Youth Mobility) or extending an existing Skilled Worker visa.
3. Maintenance Certification by A-Rated Sponsors
If your sponsor employer holds an A-Rating on the Home Office Register, they can check the box on your Certificate of Sponsorship certifying your maintenance funds. This exempts you from having to show £1,270 in your personal bank account for 28 days!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sponsorship Application Steps
- Find Licensed Employer: Verify company is listed on GOV.UK register with A-Rating.
- Verify Salary & SOC Code: Ensure salary meets £38,700 standard or £29,000 health threshold.
- Obtain COS Reference: Get 21-digit Certificate of Sponsorship number from employer.
- Prepare SELT B1/B2 English: Take IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic, or ECCTIS degree proof.
- Submit UKVI Application: Pay visa fee and IHS fee online within 3 months of COS date.