UK Visa Tier 2 sponsor list: All You Need to Know

Being an expatriate or an individual whose working in a country other than their country of citizenship can be overwhelming. The process can be stressful and the financial hindrance, for some reason – is grueling. Not to mention the tension between finding an organization to sponsor you as one of the Skilled Visa Workers in the UK – also known as a Tier 2 Sponsor. This type of sponsorship is very popular in the country and extremely helpful to individuals looking for visa sponsorship in the UK.

What is the UK Tier 2 Sponsor List?

The UK Tier 2 Sponsor List is a public list of all the organizations in the country with valid sponsorship licenses. Technically, the list is maintained by the Home Office in order to identify all the businesses or employers who deserve to be Tier 2 Sponsors. In simple terms, the list consists of reputable and legitimate organizations that can employ non-EEA workers or those outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

What can a UK Tier 2 Sponsor List do for you?

The UK Tier 2 Sponsor List is for individuals who want to work in the country. It’s like a VIP invitation list for foreigners that ensures everyone is playing by the rules of law. As mentioned, it is maintained by a government agency in the UK so the list of companies and organizations available can vouch to those looking for a UK working visa. Here are the advantages of having a UK Tier 2 Sponsor:

Wide range of job opportunities

Having a UK tier 2 sponsor list means you are in for a treat. Imagine the numerous organizations or companies with licensed sponsorship who are more than willing to take the extra mile to make sure that you fill the specific position they need within the business. Also, being a Tier 2 sponsored worker means you have the advantage of being eligible for job roles that are not available to non-sponsored individuals.

Streamlined and simplified immigration process

With sponsorship in place, of course, you have a more secure and surefire way to obtain a working visa in the UK, allowing you to work legally and live in the country. This also eliminates the need to navigate complex (and nerve-wracking) visa requirements and increases your chances for a successful application.

Demonstrates to potential employers your value and credibility as a skilled worker

You see, being sponsored means that a trusted and reputable UK employer has recognized your skills and qualifications, thus, making you an attractive candidate for other job opportunities in the industry in case you want to change job roles. 

Allows you to be eligible for general government benefits in the UK

Who doesn’t want to access general benefits as a worker? From public healthcare services to education, the sky’s the limit if you garnered the attention of any company in the UK tier 2 sponsor list. These benefits are here to help contribute to a better quality of life and overall well-being for you and your loved ones. After all, we may face surprising bumps ahead, right?

What is a sponsorship rating?

If a company applies for a sponsorship license in the UK and was successful, the government will grant them an A-rated sponsor licence which means they are allowed to issue Certificates of Sponsorships to eligible migrant workers. This rating is based on the company’s compliance with the UK visa sponsorship requirements.

Furthermore, if a company has a B-rating, it means that they have a penalty issued by the Home Office due to breaching the compliance duties of being in the tier 2 Sponsor list.

The most important thing to remember is that B-rated companies are not permitted to issue new Certificates of Sponsorships to eligible migrant workers until they are up to A-rating again. If so, it only means that they corrected and took the time to improve the anomaly they faced resulting in a downgrade.

Although you can wait for these B-rated companies to get back on track (if they’re the company you truly prefer), it is generally advisable to prioritize A-rated sponsors as they have a proven track record of fulfilling their sponsorship duties.

Tier 2 Sponsor List categories

The following contents might get tough, especially for those new to the Tier 2 sponsor list of the UK. You may skip this part if you already know the category you are in, but it can be helpful for both employers and prospective employees to understand the different categories and codes listed to navigate the visa application process successfully.

Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa (General)

This category is for skilled workers coming to the UK to fill a specific job vacancy that cannot be filled by a settled worker. To fulfil a tier 2 – General, you should have a job offer from a company in the UK, a valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS), and a minimum salary of £20,800. 

Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)

This category is for religious workers who have been offered a job within a faith community in the country. A minister of religion visa can be long-term or less than 2 years, depending on the agreement between the two parties and the requirements the overseas employee can provide. 

Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

This category is for elite sportspeople and coaches who are internationally established at the highest level of their sport and want to further their career on UK soil. 

It is advisable to consult the UK Visas and Immigration website or seek professional advice to ensure a thorough understanding of the specific codes and requirements associated with each category.

Tier 2 Visa Point Attributes

If you want to be eligible for a UK sponsorship visa, criteria conventional on a visa point attribute are vital. As a general rule of thumb, you must attain a total of 70 points (50 points from mandatory requirements) to be considered a skilled worker in the country.

Mandatory Requirements

Tradeable Requirements (for the other 20 points)

Important notes: If a job is rated as RQF Level 3, it means it needs a good amount of know-how and experience, but you don’t have to be a total genius to do it. It’s like the Goldilocks of skills – not too easy, not too hard, just right in the middle.

Moreover, if your job is on the shortage occupation list, it’s like getting a golden ticket to work in the UK. The list helps the UK decide which jobs are super important and need skilled people ASAP.

How difficult is it to get a UK sponsorship visa?

The difficulty of getting a UK sponsorship visa will depend on the type of skill set, qualifications, and industry you have. It’s like going through a maze to prove you’re the perfect fit. But as we have said, the catch is having a job that is in short supply in the UK. These jobs have many vacancies and are most probable to hire suitable candidates at any time. 

How can I get a sponsorship visa in the UK?

It is important to do your due diligence to take a look at the Tier 2 sponsor list with available registered workers or temporary worker licensed sponsors. This must be the first thing you do to get a sponsorship visa in the UK as it will dictate whether your skills, industry, and qualifications can enter the job market of the country. You may visit the UK Visa Tier 2 sponsor list on the official GOV.UK page. 

Final Thoughts

Overall, understanding the Tier 2 Sponsor List is a fundamental aspect of successfully navigating the UK visa system. Whether you are an individual seeking employment opportunities in the UK or a business looking to expand your talent pool, being well-versed in the intricacies of this list will greatly enhance your chances of a smooth and successful visa application process.

References:

https://www.davidsonmorris.com/tier-2-sponsor-list/

https://www.davidsonmorris.com/sponsor-licence-application-2021/

https://www.gov.uk/

https://edmansco.com/tier-2-visa-general/