A sponsor licence number (SLN) is the unique reference number assigned by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to every employer, university, or organisation approved by the Home Office to sponsor foreign nationals for work or study in the UK.
It acts as proof that the sponsor has met all Home Office eligibility and compliance standards.
What Is a Sponsor Licence Number?
A sponsor licence number identifies a UK organisation approved by the Home Office to sponsor skilled workers or students under immigration routes such as the Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility, or Student visa.
This number links the employer or institution to the UKVI system and confirms their authorisation to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- For visa applicants: The sponsor licence number appears on your CoS (for workers) or CAS (for students).
- For employers/institutions: It is issued once your sponsor licence application is approved.
Example: A company licensed to hire overseas engineers will have its unique sponsor licence number printed on each CoS it issues to new hires.
Why the Sponsor Licence Number Matters
The SLN is essential for both sponsors and applicants:
| Purpose | Who Uses It | Where It Appears |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application | Applicant | On the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or CAS |
| Compliance & Reporting | Employer / University | Within the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) |
| Verification | Public / Employee | On the Register of Licensed Sponsors (GOV.UK) |
| UKVI Correspondence | Home Office | Used for audits, inspections, and official letters |
Each sponsor licence number is unique and non-transferable. If your business changes ownership or legal entity, you must reapply for a new licence.
How to Find a Sponsor Licence Number
For visa applicants
- Ask your employer or university — it is printed on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or CAS.
- You must enter this number when applying for a UK visa.
For employers and universities
- Log in to the Sponsor Management System (SMS) → under your licence details, the number appears in your profile.
- The Home Office also provides it in your licence approval letter sent after application approval.
For students
- Many UK universities display their licence number on their official website (usually under “Visa & Immigration” or “About Us” pages).
How to Verify a Sponsor Licence Number
You can verify if an employer or institution is licensed to sponsor overseas workers or students by checking the official Register of Licensed Sponsors maintained by the Home Office on GOV.UK.
Steps to verify:
- Visit: Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers
- Search for the company or university name.
- Check:
- Licence rating (A or B)
- Type of worker visa they can sponsor
- Location and address
If an organisation does not appear on the register, their licence may have expired, been suspended, or revoked.
Pro Tip: Always verify before accepting a job offer or sponsorship to ensure the sponsor’s licence is valid.
When the Sponsor Licence Number Is Used
The SLN must be quoted in:
- Visa applications and Home Office forms
- Sponsorship correspondence (emails, letters, reports)
- UKVI audits and compliance inspections
- When assigning new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
Employers must ensure that all documents use the correct SLN, as mismatches can delay visa processing or trigger compliance alerts.
Maintaining Compliance as a Sponsor
Holding a sponsor licence also brings ongoing duties. Employers and institutions must:
- Maintain accurate HR and right-to-work records.
- Report worker or student changes via the SMS.
- Ensure CoS and CAS information matches actual employment or course details.
- Renew their licence when due (now auto-renewed for 10 years since April 2024).
Failure to comply can result in suspension or revocation of the licence, preventing the employer from issuing future CoS numbers.
Common Questions
What is a sponsor licence number in the UK?
It’s a unique reference number given by the Home Office to every approved employer or institution allowed to sponsor foreign nationals.
Where can I find my sponsor’s licence number?
Check your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
How do I verify a sponsor’s licence number?
Search the official Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK.
Can a sponsor licence number change?
Only if the company’s legal entity changes — then a new licence (and number) is required.
Is the sponsor licence number the same as the CoS number?
No. The sponsor licence number identifies the employer; the CoS number identifies the individual job sponsorship.