The UK for work is a dream for many, whether as a recent graduate, a skilled professional, or someone looking for better opportunities. Getting a job in the UK often starts with finding companies that offer visa sponsorship. This guide will help you understand which UK companies offer visa sponsorship, which industries to look into, and how you can improve your chances of landing a job.
Visa sponsorship means a company is willing to support your visa application so you can legally work in the UK. This usually happens through the Skilled Worker visa route, which is one of the most popular paths for international professionals. If you’re aiming for a better future with stable employment, this route could be the right one for you.
Tech Companies with UK Visa Sponsorship
The UK tech industry is booming. Cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are full of start-ups and large corporations looking for tech talent. Because of the digital skills shortage in the UK, many of these companies are approved sponsors, meaning they can offer visa sponsorship.
Google UK
Based in London, Google offers roles in software engineering, data analysis, AI, and cloud solutions. These jobs often come with visa sponsorship and attractive salaries.
Amazon UK
With offices in London and development centres in Cambridge and Edinburgh, Amazon frequently hires international workers for roles in software, operations, and cloud computing.
IBM UK
Known for its roles in artificial intelligence, consulting, and cloud services, IBM supports visa sponsorship for international professionals.
Revolut
A fast-growing fintech company that hires in areas like product development, finance, compliance, and marketing, often with visa support.
Infosys UK
This global IT consulting company often supports skilled international workers in tech and digital transformation services. This company typically look for skills in software development, cloud computing, data science, AI, and cybersecurity. Having certifications or experience in these areas improves your chances of getting a job and visa sponsorship.
Healthcare and NHS Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
The healthcare sector is another major area where visa sponsorship is available. The NHS (National Health Service) is one of the largest employers in the UK and always in need of healthcare workers.
- NHS Trusts. Many NHS hospitals are on the UK government’s list of approved sponsors. They hire nurses, doctors, radiographers, and more.
- Bupa UK. A private healthcare provider offering jobs in nursing, physiotherapy, and healthcare management, often with visa sponsorship.
- Care UK and HC-One. These care home providers sponsor international applicants for roles like care assistants, support workers, and registered nurses.
Due to high demand, visa sponsorship is available for a wide range of roles, including healthcare assistants and even social care workers. This makes healthcare one of the most accessible fields for getting a UK work visa.
UK Engineering Companies That Sponsor Visas
If you have skills in engineering, the UK has many opportunities. The demand for engineers is high in fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Several companies actively hire internationally and offer visa sponsorship.
Major Engineering Firms in the UK
Rolls-Royce
Known for its work in aerospace and power systems, Rolls-Royce supports international engineers with visa sponsorship.
BAE Systems
A global defense and aerospace company that hires software engineers, mechanical engineers, and cybersecurity experts with visa sponsorship options.
Jacobs
This engineering and consulting firm offers roles in infrastructure, energy, and environmental services and supports visa applications.
Siemens UK
Siemens hires across several sectors including energy, healthcare tech, and manufacturing. They are a licensed sponsor for international employees.
Engineering jobs often pay well and are considered high-priority occupations. This means that even junior or mid-level engineers can find sponsorship if they have the right skills and experience.
Finance and Accounting Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
London is a global financial hub, making it one of the best cities in the world for finance and accounting professionals. Many of the top investment banks, fintech companies, and accounting firms sponsor skilled workers.
UK Finance Companies That Offer Visa Support
- HSBC. One of the largest banks in the UK, HSBC hires in areas like banking operations, risk management, and financial analysis with visa sponsorship.
- Barclays. This multinational bank supports visa applications for roles in finance, cybersecurity, compliance, and IT.
- PwC UK. One of the “Big Four” accounting firms, PwC sponsors workers in audit, tax, consulting, and technology.
- Deloitte UK. Another Big Four firm that regularly hires international candidates in consulting, data analytics, and financial advisory services.
- EY UK. Known for roles in auditing and consulting, EY is also on the UK Home Office’s list of approved sponsors.
Having qualifications such as ACCA, CFA, or ACA increases your chances of landing a role with visa sponsorship in this sector.
Universities and Research Institutions
The education and research sector also offers sponsorship to qualified professionals. Many universities in the UK are on the list of licensed sponsors. They hire lecturers, researchers, and academic support staff.
University of Oxford – Regularly sponsors international academics, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows.
University of Cambridge – Offers sponsorship for various academic and administrative roles.
Imperial College London – Known for its engineering and science departments, with regular openings for international staff.
UCL (University College London) – Offers roles in teaching, research, and management that often include visa sponsorship.
Skilled Worker Visa and UK Shortage Occupation List
Before applying to any job in the UK, it’s important to understand the Skilled Worker visa process. This visa is the main route for people from outside the UK to work legally in the country. One key factor is the Shortage Occupation List. This list includes jobs where there aren’t enough UK workers, so companies are encouraged to hire internationally.
If your job is on the list, the visa process becomes easier. Some of the roles on the list include:
- Nurses and healthcare assistants
- Civil engineers
- Software developers
- Secondary school teachers in maths, physics, and computing
- Social workers
- Lab technicians
Companies hiring for these roles are more likely to offer visa sponsorship. You can find the list on the official UK government website, but many job boards also filter jobs based on visa eligibility.
How to Find UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs
If you’re searching for a job with visa sponsorship in the UK, using the right platforms and tools makes a big difference. Some websites specialize in jobs for international applicants or allow you to filter by visa support.
Some of the best job platforms to use include:
- LinkedIn Jobs – Use filters like “visa sponsorship available” or look for employers who have previously hired international candidates.
- Glassdoor UK – A helpful platform to read company reviews, salary expectations, and whether the company has sponsored visas before.
- Indeed UK – Add keywords like “visa sponsorship available” when searching for jobs.
- UK government website (GOV.UK) – The official site lists all registered companies that are licensed sponsors.
- Tier 2 Sponsor List – Search for this term to find a PDF or searchable list of companies that are allowed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.
Use clear and simple terms when applying. Make sure your resume (CV) is tailored for UK employers and includes your skills and experience relevant to the role.
Education Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
There’s a high demand for teachers in the UK, especially in specific subjects like science, maths, and computing. This means schools and academies are often willing to sponsor visas for qualified international teachers.
Schools and Academies Hiring International Teachers
Ark Schools
A network of schools across the UK that hires teachers with support for visas.
United Learning
One of the largest school trusts in the UK, regularly hiring international staff.
- Teach First. Though focused on training UK graduates, they sometimes offer visa sponsorship for specialists in shortage areas.
- Academy Trusts. Local school networks that often hire science, IT, and special education teachers with visa sponsorship options.
If you’re a qualified teacher or hold a teaching license, you may be eligible. You may also be required to pass certain tests, like the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) assessment.
UK Hospitality and Construction Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
The UK hospitality and construction sectors are also facing labour shortages. These fields may not be the first that come to mind for sponsorship, but many employers are now licensed sponsors due to staffing needs.
Hospitality Jobs Offering Sponsorship
- Hilton Hotels UK: Offers roles like chef, hotel manager, and food and beverage manager, with visa sponsorship in certain locations.
- Marriott Hotels UK: Known for sponsoring chefs and hospitality professionals in high-demand regions.
- Compass Group: A large hospitality company offering roles in catering, food service, and event management.
Construction Companies That Sponsor Visas
- Kier Group: A large construction and infrastructure company with roles for civil engineers, architects, and project managers.
- Laing O’Rourke: Known for hiring skilled workers and engineers from abroad.
- Mace Group: Offers sponsorship in project management, planning, and site engineering roles.
If you have technical skills or experience in hands-on work like plumbing, electrical, or project supervision, your chances of getting sponsored are higher in these sectors.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
Visa sponsorship can be competitive, so it’s important to stand out. Here are some tips to help you improve your chances:
Build a Strong CV
Make sure your CV is clean, easy to read, and follows the UK format. Include relevant skills, years of experience, and certifications. Tailor your CV to each job you apply for.
Get Certified or Qualified
Having certifications from globally recognised bodies can make a big difference. For example:
- Tech professionals should consider AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud certifications.
- Accountants should aim for ACCA, ACA, or CIMA.
- Engineers can benefit from Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or PMP for project management.
Prepare for Online Interviews
Most UK companies conduct remote interviews, especially when hiring international talent. Make sure your internet is stable, and practice answering common questions in your field.
Stay Updated on UK Immigration Rules
The UK changes visa rules often. Visit the GOV.UK site regularly to stay up to date with Skilled Worker visa requirements, fees, and processing times. Following immigration updates can help you plan better and apply with confidence.