A work visa is often required to work in the United Kingdom, and obtaining sponsorship from an employer can make the process significantly easier.
International talent is actively sought by many UK-based companies, and visa sponsorship is provided to attract the best candidates from around the world.
There is a step-by-step guide in this guide that explains how to move to the UK once you have secured sponsorship from the top 10 companies in the UK offering work visa sponsorship, the benefits of visa sponsorship, and salary expectations.
Benefits of Visa Sponsorship
Employees and employers benefit from visa sponsorship in multiple ways.
For Employees:
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Legal Work Authorization: You can legally work in the UK if you have a sponsored visa.
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Career Advancement: Experiencing an international working environment allows you to gain new skills and enhance your career prospects.
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Pathway to Permanent Residency: Work visas can lead to permanent residency.
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Access to Employee Benefits: Sponsored employees often have access to health insurance, pension plans, and other benefits.
For Employers:
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Access to a Global Talent Pool: International talent can be hired by employers.
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Workforce Diversity: Bringing in international employees enhances workplace culture and promotes innovation.
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Skills Gap Solution: The UK is facing skill shortages in many sectors, and visa sponsorship can help bridge this gap.
Companies in the UK That Sponsor Work Visas
1. National Health Service (NHS)
Often sponsoring work visas for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff, the NHS is the UK’s largest healthcare provider.
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Salaries at NHS
- Nurses: £25,000 – £40,000 per year
- Doctors: £40,000 – £100,000+ per year
- Healthcare Assistants: £20,000 – £28,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from NHS
- Check the NHS Jobs website for visa-sponsored roles.
- Apply for positions requiring international applicants.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
2. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
The PwC Group provides consulting, auditing, and technology services. As part of its global workforce management strategy, the company sponsors visas for highly skilled professionals.
Salaries at PwC
- Associates: £28,000 – £34,000 per year
- Senior Managers: £65,000 – £100,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from PwC
- Apply for open positions on PwC’s career portal.
- Highlight your skills and international experience in your application.
- If shortlisted, the company will assist with visa sponsorship during the hiring process.
3. Deloitte
Deloitte provides services in consulting, tax, and advisory, making them a major employer for international professionals.
Salaries at Deloitte
- Analysts: £30,000 – £35,000 per year
- Directors and Partners: £100,000+ per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Deloitte
- Visit Deloitte’s global careers page.
- Apply for roles in consulting, finance, and IT.
- The company will sponsor visas for successful candidates.
4. Barclays
Barclays is a multinational bank that hires international professionals for roles in finance, technology, and operations.
Salaries at Barclays
- Analysts: £35,000 – £50,000 per year
- Vice Presidents and Directors: £80,000 – £150,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Barclays
- Apply through Barclays’ job portal.
- Demonstrate expertise in finance, investment, or risk management.
- Barclays will process visa sponsorship for successful candidates.
5. J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan provides sponsorship for investment banking, asset management, and technology roles.
Salaries at J.P. Morgan
- Analysts: £50,000 – £60,000 per year
- Associates & Vice Presidents: £80,000 – £120,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from J.P. Morgan
- Visit their careers page.
- Apply for roles that specify visa sponsorship availability.
- Successful candidates receive sponsorship during onboarding.
6. Amazon
Amazon sponsors visas for technology, logistics, and customer service roles.
Salaries at Amazon
- Operations Managers: £45,000 – £60,000 per year
- Software Engineers: £55,000 – £85,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Amazon
- Apply via Amazon Jobs.
- Focus on tech, operations, and warehouse management roles.
- Amazon assists with visa processing for eligible candidates.
7. Google
Google hires international talent mostly in software engineering, product management, and sales.
Salaries at Google
- Software Engineers: £60,000 – £100,000 per year
- Product Managers: £70,000 – £120,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Google
- Apply for open positions on Google Careers.
- The company provides visa sponsorship for in-demand roles.
8. Microsoft
Microsoft seeks tech professionals for software development, cloud computing, and AI.
Salaries at Microsoft
- Software Engineers: £55,000 – £90,000 per year
- Program Managers: £65,000 – £110,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Microsoft
- Apply for open positions at Microsoft UK.
- Technical roles often come with visa sponsorship.
9. Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce sponsors visas for engineering, project management, and research roles.
Salaries at Rolls-Royce
- Engineers: £40,000 – £70,000 per year
- Senior Project Managers: £70,000 – £100,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Rolls-Royce
- Apply through their careers page.
- Engineering roles typically come with visa sponsorship.
10. Accenture
Accenture sponsors visas for consulting and technology roles.
Salaries at Accenture
- Entry-Level Consultants: £35,000 – £45,000 per year
- Managers & Senior Managers: £70,000 – £120,000 per year
How to Get Sponsorship from Accenture
- Apply for jobs on Accenture Careers.
- The company sponsors work visas for skilled professionals.
How to Move to the UK After Getting Sponsorship
After receiving a job offer from an employer in the UK willing to sponsor your visa, you must apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. The following steps will assist you in navigating the application process effectively.
1. Obtain Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
You will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer, which contains the following information:
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A unique reference number for your visa application
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Role, salary, and length of your contract
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The job’s eligibility for a visa must be confirmed
Ensure your CoS is valid before submitting your application. From the date of issuance, a CoS is typically valid for three months.
2. Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must:
- Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Be paid at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour (or the “going rate” for your job)
- Have a B1 level of English proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself in the UK (unless your employer covers this cost)
3. Gather Your Supporting Documents
You will need to submit the following:
- A valid passport or other identity document
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL results or a degree taught in English)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or employer sponsorship letter)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if you’re from a country where TB testing is required)
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable for your job role)
4. Submit Your Application Online
Visit the UK Government’s visa application portal and fill out the Skilled Worker Visa application form. The information on your CoS must match all details.
5. Pay the Visa Fees
Visa fees depend on the duration of your stay:
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Up to 3 years: £610 per person
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More than 3 years: £1,220 per person
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Healthcare surcharge: £624 per year
6. Book a Biometric Appointment
After submitting your application, you’ll need to:
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Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country
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Provide fingerprints and a photograph
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Submit your supporting documents
7. Wait for a Decision
When applying from outside the UK, the standard processing time is three weeks. You can pay for priority processing (5 working days for a decision) or super-priority processing (24 hours for a decision).
8. Receive Your Visa and Prepare to Move
Once approved, you will receive:
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A visa vignette (sticker in your passport) to enter the UK
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A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to collect upon arrival
Now, you’re all set to move to the UK and start your new job!
Visa sponsorship opens doors for international professionals looking to build a career in the UK. Research opportunities, tailor your application, and take the first step toward securing a job with visa sponsorship in the UK.
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