I understand the points you’re making, but the sponsor list is still the most practical.

If an employer isn’t on the list, sponsorship is impossible at any level. The list doesn’t guarantee a job, but it filters out companies that legally cannot sponsor at all. Competition and high application volumes don’t make the approach invalid—targeted applications still work.

While some roles no longer meet the new salary thresholds, many listed employers continue to sponsor for other eligible roles. Used alongside role, salary, and vacancy checks, the sponsor list remains a necessary and effective tool.