If you’re dreaming about working in the UK but don’t have the legal right to live and work there, don’t worry—it’s not impossible.
Many people around the world land jobs in the UK every year with visa sponsorship. It’s not always easy, but with the right steps and a bit of patience, it can definitely happen.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to actually find UK jobs that offer visa sponsorship, and what you need to do to secure one.
What Is Visa Sponsorship?
Let’s start with the basics. A UK visa sponsorship means a UK-based employer is willing to sponsor your work visa so you can legally work in the country. The most common route for this is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the old Tier 2 (General) visa.
To qualify, the job needs to be on the list of eligible occupations, and the company must be a licensed sponsor.
Step 1: Understand What Kind of Jobs Offer Sponsorship
Not every job qualifies for sponsorship, so you need to focus on roles that meet the UK government’s visa requirements. These are usually:
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Tech jobs (software developers, data analysts, IT support)
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Healthcare roles (nurses, care workers, doctors)
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Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical)
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Teaching (especially STEM subjects)
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Skilled trades (electricians, welders)
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Finance and accounting
Basically, if your job requires some level of technical expertise or qualifications, there’s a decent chance you’ll find employers willing to sponsor.
Step 2: Target Licensed Sponsors
The UK government actually keeps a list of employers who are licensed to sponsor work visas. You can find it online by searching for the “UK licensed sponsors list” on the gov.uk website.
Pro tip: Use this list to cross-check job ads. If a company isn’t on the list, they probably can’t sponsor you.
Step 3: Where to Find Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Now comes the job hunt. Here are some practical ways to find UK jobs that come with sponsorship opportunities:
1. Use Job Boards That Filter for Visa Sponsorship
Some job sites make it easier to find sponsorship roles. A few to check out:
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UKHired.com – This site only lists jobs that come with visa sponsorship.
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LinkedIn Jobs – Use keywords like “visa sponsorship” and filter for jobs in the UK.
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Indeed.co.uk – Again, add “visa sponsorship” to your search terms.
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Glassdoor – Can also be helpful, especially for company reviews.
2. Search for Multinational Companies
Large international companies often have more resources (and experience) to sponsor foreign workers. These include names like:
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PwC
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Deloitte
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Amazon UK
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NHS (National Health Service)
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Capgemini
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Accenture
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Google UK
Even if they don’t mention sponsorship in the ad, they might still be open to it if they really want you.
Step 4: Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
You’re up against tough competition, so make sure your CV fits UK standards and highlights any skills that match the job description exactly.
Tips:
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Keep your CV to 2 pages max.
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Don’t just list responsibilities—focus on results and achievements.
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Mention your eligibility or interest in visa sponsorship clearly in your cover letter.
Step 5: Nail the Interview
Once you land an interview, the goal is to prove you’re worth the extra effort of sponsoring. That means:
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Be clear about your visa status, but also be confident about your value.
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Prepare well—research the company, know your stuff.
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Show them how your skills are hard to find locally (this helps justify sponsorship).
Final Thoughts: Be Persistent and Realistic
Getting a UK job with visa sponsorship isn’t always quick or easy, especially if you’re applying from outside the country. But it is possible if you’re in a field that’s in demand and you’re smart about where and how you apply.
Yes, you’ll probably get a few rejections. Maybe more than a few. But keep refining your approach, improving your applications, and targeting the right jobs—and eventually, your “yes” will come.
Bonus Tip: Consider a UK Master’s Degree
If you’re struggling to find sponsorship from abroad, another route is doing a master’s degree in the UK. Graduates can now stay and work for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD students) after finishing, giving you time to look for a job and switch to a Skilled Worker visa.