Finding jobs with licensed sponsors

A practical routine for searching, applying and following up.

Checked against gov.uk on 22 Oct 2026

Who this is for: International students and graduates searching for UK jobs.

The Home Office publishes a register of licensed sponsors. It is the starting point for building a shortlist. It tells you which employers are allowed to sponsor workers. It does not tell you whether a given employer will sponsor your role, so you still have to ask.

The routine that works is simple. Build a shortlist of 40 to 60 employers in your field. Check each one's careers page weekly. Tailor your CV to each role. Ask about sponsorship early and politely, usually at the screening call. Track every application in one sheet.

Key points

  • Use the register to build a shortlist, then check each employer's own careers page.
  • Being on the register does not mean a specific role is sponsored.
  • Ask about sponsorship at the first screening call. Do not hide your status.
  • Tailor your CV to each role. Mirror the duties in the job description.
  • Keep one tracker with company, role, date applied, status and next step.

Typical order of events

  1. Week 1Build your shortlist from the register and job boards.
  2. WeeklyCheck careers pages, apply to the best matches, follow up on older applications.
  3. Screening callConfirm whether the role is sponsored and who handles it.
  4. OfferAsk what sponsorship documents will be issued and when.

General information only. This page does not say whether you qualify for anything, and rules change, so check the linked gov.uk pages. For advice on your own case, use an IAA-registered adviser or a solicitor.