If you’re considering moving to the UK for work, finding an employer that can sponsor your visa is a critical step.

Many UK companies are licensed to sponsor skilled workers under the Skilled Worker visa route (formerly the Tier 2 visa).

Below is a guide to help you identify UK immigration companies or employers that sponsor work visas, along with tips on navigating the process.

Understanding Sponsorship and Work Visas in the UK

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker visa allows non-UK nationals to live and work in the UK if they are employed by a licensed sponsor. To qualify:

• The job must meet the skill and salary thresholds (usually £26,200 annually or £10.75/hour, but can be lower for shortage occupations).
• The employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Sponsorship Requirements for Employers

Employers must be approved by the Home Office and listed on the Register of Licensed Sponsors. They are responsible for:

• Issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Ensuring the worker meets visa requirements.

Sectors with Sponsorship Opportunities

The following industries commonly sponsor Skilled Worker visas:

Healthcare and Social Care
Roles such as doctors, nurses, social workers, and care assistants are in high demand, and many employers in this sector are on the shortage occupation list.

Information Technology (IT)
Software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists are highly sought after in the UK.

Engineering
Civil engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers are among the professions often eligible for sponsorship.

Education
Secondary school teachers, especially in STEM subjects, are frequently sponsored by schools.

Hospitality and Agriculture
The UK Seasonal Worker visa covers roles in hospitality and farming, although these are typically temporary.

UK Companies Sponsoring Work Visas

Healthcare

NHS Trusts: The National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest sponsors of Skilled Worker visas. Almost all NHS hospitals sponsor work visas.

Barchester Healthcare: Specializes in care homes and often sponsors care assistant roles.

HC-One: Provides social care and recruits globally for various roles.

IT and Tech

Capgemini: An IT consultancy firm that regularly sponsors Skilled Worker visas.

Accenture: A global consulting and IT services company with sponsorship opportunities.

Amazon UK: Known to sponsor in logistics and technical fields.

Engineering

Rolls-Royce: Sponsors Skilled Worker visas for engineers in various disciplines.

Jacobs Engineering Group: Offers roles in engineering and project management.

Atkins Global: A leading design, engineering, and project management consultancy.

Education

Academy Trusts: Trusts such as Ark Schools or Harris Federation often sponsor teachers in shortage subjects.

International Schools: Many international schools in the UK sponsor teachers from abroad.

Finance

HSBC: Offers sponsorships for roles in finance, compliance, and technology.

PwC UK: Provides sponsorships for professional services and consulting roles.

How to Identify Sponsorship Opportunities

Home Office Register of Sponsors

The UK government maintains a public list of licensed sponsors:

• Access the Register of Licensed Sponsors.
• Search by sector or company name.
• Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies
• Use job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor with filters for “visa sponsorship.”
• Specialized agencies like Hays or Reed may help connect you with sponsoring employers.

Networking

• Attend job fairs and industry events, especially those targeted at international talent.
• Join LinkedIn groups related to your profession.

Tips for Securing a Sponsored Job

• Tailor Your CV
• Highlight your skills and experience relevant to the UK job market.
• Focus on Shortage Occupations
  Roles on the shortage occupation list are more likely to result in sponsorship.
• Contact Employers Directly
  Reach out to HR departments or recruiters at companies known to sponsor visas.
• Be Aware of Costs
  Some companies cover visa application fees, while others do not. Clarify this during the recruitment process.
• Prepare for Interviews
• Familiarize yourself with UK employment practices and be ready to explain your visa requirements.

Immigration Consultants and Legal Support

If you need help navigating the process, consider hiring an immigration consultant. Some reputable firms include:

• Fragomen LLP: Specializes in UK immigration and work visas.
• VisaConnect: Offers comprehensive visa and job placement services.
• IAS Immigration Advice Service: Provides visa advice and application support.

Where to find sponsored jobs in the UK

Finding sponsored jobs in the UK typically involves identifying employers that are licensed to sponsor work visas. Here’s how to find such opportunities:

1. UK Government Website (Skilled Worker Sponsor List)

The UK Home Office maintains a list of employers licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. You can search for approved employers directly.

Link: UK Home Office Sponsor List

2. Job Search Websites

These platforms often list visa sponsorship jobs. Use keywords like “visa sponsorship,” “Skilled Worker visa,” or “Tier 2 visa sponsorship” when searching:

LinkedIn: Search for UK-based jobs with visa sponsorship filters.

Indeed UK: Use search terms like “sponsorship jobs” or “Skilled Worker visa.”

Reed: Another UK job portal with options to filter for sponsored positions.

Glassdoor: Search for companies known to sponsor international employees.

3. Sector-Specific Job Boards

Some industries are more likely to offer sponsorships, such as healthcare, IT, and education. Check industry-specific job boards:

Healthcare: NHS Jobs (NHS Careers Website) often lists roles with sponsorship for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.

Tech: Websites like Hired.com or Otta.com often feature tech roles with sponsorship.

Education: Check TES (Times Education Supplement) for teaching roles with sponsorship opportunities.

4. Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Visa Sponsorship

Some recruitment agencies specialize in matching international talent with UK employers who can sponsor visas:

• Pearson Anderson (healthcare and nursing roles)
• Hays Recruitment
• Global Career Networks

5. Networking and LinkedIn Connections

Connect with professionals in your field working in the UK. They can often share insights about companies hiring internationally.

Join LinkedIn groups or forums focused on UK immigration and job sponsorships.

6. Shortage Occupation List

Check the UK Shortage Occupation List for professions where visa sponsorship is more likely due to high demand (e.g., healthcare, engineering, IT).

Link: Shortage Occupation List

7. Graduate and International Student Opportunities

If you recently graduated or are studying in the UK, many companies offer post-study visa sponsorships under the Skilled Worker route. Check:

Graduate schemes with multinational companies (e.g., Deloitte, PwC, Accenture).

Universities’ career services often list employers hiring international students.

Work visa pathways in the UK

The UK offers several pathways for work visas, depending on your skills, qualifications, job offer, and personal circumstances. Below is an overview of the most common types of UK work visas:

1. Skilled Worker Visa

Purpose: For individuals with a job offer in the UK from an approved employer in an eligible skilled occupation.

Eligibility:

• A confirmed job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor visas.
• The job must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds (usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour, but lower thresholds apply for shortage occupations or certain roles).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Duration: Up to 5 years, with the possibility of extension or permanent residency.

Key Benefit: Can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

Purpose: For qualified healthcare professionals with a job offer in the UK.

Eligibility:

• Work in eligible roles like doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals.
• Job offer from an NHS organization or approved healthcare provider.
• Salary threshold is typically lower than for Skilled Worker visas.
• English proficiency proof required.

Duration: Same as the Skilled Worker Visa.

Key Benefit: Reduced visa fees and faster processing times.

3. Global Talent Visa

Purpose: For leaders or potential leaders in specific fields like academia, arts, or digital technology.

Eligibility:

• Must be endorsed by a recognized UK body in your field (e.g., Tech Nation for digital technology).
• No job offer is required.

Duration: Up to 5 years, with extensions available.

Key Benefit: Flexibility to work, switch jobs, or be self-employed.

4. Start-up and Innovator Visas

Start-up Visa:

• For entrepreneurs starting a new, innovative business.
• Requires endorsement by an approved UK organization.
• Valid for 2 years but cannot lead directly to settlement.

Innovator Visa:

• For experienced business people with an innovative business idea.
• Requires endorsement and a minimum investment of £50,000.
• Valid for 3 years and can lead to settlement.

5. High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

Purpose: For graduates of top global universities.

Eligibility:

• Must have graduated within the last 5 years from a university on the UK’s list of top global institutions.
• No job offer is required.

Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD holders).

Key Benefit: Freedom to work, study, or start a business.

6. Temporary Work Visas

Types:

• Seasonal Worker Visa (e.g., agriculture).
• Creative Worker Visa (e.g., artists, performers).
• Charity Worker Visa.

Youth Mobility Scheme (for eligible countries).

Duration: Short-term (6 months to 2 years, depending on the visa type).

Key Benefit: Allows temporary employment but does not lead to permanent residency.

7. Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa

Purpose: For employees transferring to a UK branch of their current employer.

Eligibility:

• Must work for a multinational company with operations in the UK.
• Meet salary thresholds (£42,400/year or £23,000/year for graduate trainees).

Duration: Up to 5 years within a 6-year period.

Key Limitation: Does not directly lead to settlement.

8. Graduate Visa

Purpose: For international students who have completed an eligible course in the UK.

Eligibility:

• Must have studied on a Student Visa.
• Completion of a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree.

Duration: 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).

Key Benefit: Freedom to work or search for employment.

9. Investor, Business Development, and Talent Pathways

Investor Visa: For individuals investing at least £2 million in the UK economy.

Sole Representative Visa: For employees of overseas businesses setting up UK branches.

General Requirements for Most Visas

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Proof of financial ability to support yourself.
• Health surcharge payment.
• Criminal record certificate (for certain roles).

How to Apply

Applications are made online via the UK Government website.

Most visas require biometric data submission at a Visa Application Centre or through the UK Immigration ID Check app.

Pathways to permanent residence in the UK

In the UK, there are several pathways for obtaining permanent residence (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR). Below are the key routes:

1. Work-Based Routes

Skilled Worker Visa: If you have a job offer from an approved UK employer and meet the salary and skill requirements, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. After 5 years of continuous work under this visa, you can apply for ILR.

Global Talent Visa: For individuals recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in fields like science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and technology. This visa leads to ILR after 3 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s achievements.

Health and Care Worker Visa: A variant of the Skilled Worker Visa aimed at healthcare professionals. After 5 years, you can apply for ILR if employed continuously under this visa.

Start-up and Innovator Visas: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK. After 3 years on the Innovator Visa, you can apply for ILR if your business is successful and meets specific criteria.

2. Family-Based Routes

Spouse or Partner Visa: If you are married to or in a long-term relationship with a UK citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a spouse or partner visa. After 5 years on this visa, you can apply for ILR.

Parent of a British Child Visa: If you are the parent of a British child and have been in the UK for 5 years, you may be eligible for ILR.

3. EU Settlement Scheme (for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens)

EU Settlement Scheme: Following Brexit, EU nationals and their family members can apply for Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, you can apply for ILR.

4. Long Residence

If you have legally lived in the UK for at least 10 continuous years, you can apply for ILR under the Long Residence route. This includes a variety of visas, such as work, student, or family-based visas, as long as you have been in the UK without significant gaps.

5. Refugee and Humanitarian Protection

Refugees: If you have been granted asylum in the UK, you can apply for ILR after 5 years of holding refugee status.

Humanitarian Protection: If granted humanitarian protection, you can apply for ILR after 5 years.

6. Investor, Entrepreneur, and Graduate Routes

Investor Visa: For individuals investing a significant amount of money (typically £2 million or more) in the UK economy. After 5 years of maintaining the investment, you can apply for ILR.

Graduate Visa: This is a temporary visa for international students who have completed an eligible UK degree. You can stay for 2 years (or 3 years for doctoral students) to work or look for work, but this visa doesn’t directly lead to ILR. However, it can be a stepping stone toward another work visa that may eventually lead to ILR.

General Requirements for ILR:

Continuous residence: You need to show you’ve lived in the UK continuously for a set period (usually 5 years, or 10 for long residence).

Good character: Applicants must not have a serious criminal record and must meet other character-related criteria.

English language proficiency: Applicants need to demonstrate their ability to speak English (usually through a language test or a degree taught in English).

Life in the UK Test: A test that assesses knowledge of British culture, history, and traditions.

No breaches of immigration law: Applicants must not have overstayed visas or otherwise violated UK immigration laws.

After obtaining ILR, you can eventually apply for British citizenship, typically after holding ILR for one year.

How do I check if a company sponsors visas?

Visit the Register of Licensed Sponsors.

What documents are needed for a Skilled Worker visa?

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Passport and proof of funds (if required).

Can family members accompany me?

Yes, dependents (spouse and children) can apply to join you under the Skilled Worker visa.

Conclusion

By focusing on industries and employers actively hiring international workers and leveraging resources like job boards and the official sponsor register, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a job and a sponsored work visa in the UK.