How to Get Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK?

Visa sponsorship jobs in the UK allow international students and professionals to work legally with the support of an employer who helps them get a work visa. Many industries, including healthcare, IT, and engineering, actively seek skilled workers worldwide. Understanding the visa process, eligibility, and job opportunities can help you secure a role that matches your career goals. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, exploring visa sponsorship jobs in UK can open doors to exciting career prospects in the UK. Not sure where to begin? Look no more. Here is everything you need to know about how to get visa sponsorship jobs in UK.

What Are Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK?

Before jumping on to how to get sponsorship jobs in UK, let’s first understand what it is. A UK visa or an employment visa is required when a company in the UK is hiring you. They are guaranteeing the UK visa authorities that you will be living in the country as a legal working resident. Another important point is that your employer will completely take responsibility for your stay in the country and will ensure that you receive equal pay as other UK employees. UK visa sponsorship is a set of documents sent to the UK visa authorities, as well as the citizens and immigration services, by the hiring company.

Types of UK Visa Sponsorships for Work

The next thing you need to understand about how to get sponsorship jobs in UK is the types of options available. For working in the UK, there are different kinds of licenses or permits provided. Furthermore, the employer needs to allot a visa license based on these two categories:

Worker Licence

A worker licence will let UK employers sponsor people in different types of skilled employment. Hence, the skilled work can be for a short time, long-term or permanent depending on the worker’s visa. This license is split into: 

1. Skilled Worker: It requires a job offer from a UK employer and a minimum salary threshold.
2. Intra-company visas: This is for multinational companies transferring employees.
3. Minister of Religion: This type is for religious leaders and missionaries with a job offer from a UK faith-based organization.
4. International Sportsperson: It is for elite athletes and coaches recognized at the international level.

Temporary Worker Licence

A temporary worker licence will let UK employers sponsor people temporarily, including for volunteering as well as job-shadowing. Nevertheless, you can only get a temporary worker licence for specific types of employment and visas. The licence is split into:

1. Creative Worker: Those who wish to work in the creative industry, for example, as an entertainer or artist (up to 2 years).
2. Charity Worker: For unpaid workers at a charity (up to 1 year).
3. Religious Worker: For those working in a religious order or organisation (2 years).
4. Government Authorised Exchange: Work experience (1 year), research projects or training, for example, practical medical or scientific training (2 years) to enable a short-term exchange of knowledge.
5. International Agreement: Where the worker is coming to do a job which is covered by international law, for example, employees of overseas governments.
6. Seasonal Worker: For those coming to the UK for up to 6 months to do farm work.

Eligibility for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK

As per the official immigration website of the country, here are the crucial prerequisites you must qualify for to apply for a Tier-2 Visa for jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship:

1. You must have received an employment opportunity from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
2. Additionally, it is the responsibility of your sponsor to ensure that you fit all the criteria for the job they are hiring you for, and you qualify for the requirements for a visa as well. Once this is ensured, your sponsor will provide you with a certificate of sponsorship, which will require you to apply for a Tier-2 visa.

Required Documents for UK Visa Sponsorship Applications

Here are the major documents you need to apply for a Tier-2 visa for sponsorship jobs in the UK:

1. Certificate of Sponsorship provided by your employer
2. Proof that you are getting paid an appropriate salary for your employment
3. Proof of English proficiency as per the approved English language proficiency tests
4. Proof that you have personal savings to finance your travels and other expenses when you arrive in the UK
5. Tuberculosis test results if you are from any of these listed countries
6. Criminal record certificate from any country where you stayed for 12 months or more in the last 10 years in case you aim to work with vulnerable people

Also Read: Sample Sponsorship Letter for Visa, Format, Student Visa

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Explained

If you are by any chance seeking jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, then you must be assigned a certificate of sponsorship. It refers to a certificate given to each foreign employee coming from outside the UK. It’s an electronic record, not a physical document. Each certificate has its own number, which a worker can use to apply for a visa.

Note: When an employer assigns the certificate of sponsorship to a foreign worker, they must use it to apply for their visa within 3 months. They must not apply for their visa more than 3 months before the start date of the job listed on the certificate.

There are basically 2 types of certificates of sponsorship available that are explained below:

Types of Sponsorship Certificates	Description
Defined certificates	These are for those from outside the UK who are applying for a Skilled Worker visa. In most cases, applications are approved within one working day. However, if UKVI needs to conduct further checks on the information in your application, it may take longer.
Undefined certificates	These are for skilled workers applying from inside the UK, and applicants on all other visas.

The sponsorship certificates are free for citizens of the following mentioned countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. For citizens belonging to other countries apart from the aforementioned countries, they have to pay for each certificate: 

Type of certificate	Cost
Worker	EUR 199 (INR 18,085)
Temporary workers	EUR 21 (INR 1,908)

How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK?

Visa sponsorship, in simple terms, means getting sponsored for your visa i.e. a company or any individual will take full or partial responsibility for your visa application. When it comes to a visa sponsorship for work, the company or your employer will take responsibility for your visa and expenses while you wait for it for a given period. 

Here are a few steps that you need to take to get a job in the UK with visa sponsorship:

1. Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa is given to an immigrant with a job offer.
2. Get a licensed sponsor to live and work in the UK, The licensed sponsor could be an international company that is offering you a job. You need to apply for a job or internship and then get accepted by the company; only then are you eligible for a sponsored visa.
3. Get COE: You should have a certain set of qualifications in order to get a visa. Once you are deemed to be qualified, you will receive a certificate of sponsorship, which will be an important document that proves that you have been hired and sponsored by the given company. 
4. Meet salary criteria: The company or the sponsor needs to provide you with an appropriate amount of salary that meets the standards and policies of the UK government. 
5. Verification process: You will be required to go through the basic process of background checking, medical examination, etc which is a required process for a visa application.

To learn more about how you can get visa sponsorship jobs in UK, watch this video:

Visa Sponsorship for Minors in the UK (Under 16 & Under 18 Rules)

Sponsoring minors in the UK involves strict age-specific regulations. While most work visas are reserved for adults, certain exceptions allow UK employers to sponsor young people for creative, sporting, or exchange programs. For children under 16, special licences are required for paid performances or modelling, ensuring legal compliance and the protection of minors. Let’s take an overview one by one:

UK Sponsorship for Under 18 

You cannot sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on certain visas. Certain visas are only given to qualified adults. These visas are:

1. UK Skilled Worker visa
2. Intra-company visa
3. International Agreement Worker visa, if they’ll be working as a private servant in a diplomatic household or in the household of an employee of an international organisation
4. Seasonal Worker visa

UK employers can only sponsor a foreign worker under 18 on:

1. An International Sportsperson visa (must be 16 or over)
2. A Creative Worker visa (no minimum age)
3. A Government Authorised Exchange visa (no minimum age)

UK Sponsorship for Under 16

The employer needs to get a child performance licence for taking part in:

1. Films, plays, concerts or other public performances that the audience pays to see, or that take place on licensed premises
2. Paid modelling assignments

The sponsoring employer must make sure that the person running the event applies at least 21 days before the event.

10 Proven Tips to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK

These are five tips that can help you find visa sponsorship jobs in the UK. Keep these things in mind while searching for jobs with sponsorships.

1. Verify the job: Not every job posted is real. Therefore, it is always a good idea to do your research and then apply for a job. Most jobs provided by the UK government on their official portal are reliable.
2. Check if the company offers sponsorship: At times, you may only get an offer letter. While this is not bad, a simple offer letter would mean you have to cover your expenses. You will also not get any visa assistance from your company.
3. Choose jobs that match your skills: There is no point in applying for jobs for which you are not qualified. Hence, read the requirements and ensure that you are qualified, or overqualified, for the position.
4. Do not lie on your resume: Lying on your resume doesn’t work in the UK. Both the employer and the visa officials will verify every detail. Moreover, you will be required to provide documents to prove your eligibility. 
5. Have your documents ready: Once you get a job offer, gather all the documents. Read the visa requirements and ensure that you have every single document. MIssing even 1 document means visa rejection.
6. Get a sponsorship letter: You need to get a sponsorship letter from your employer. 
7. Get offer letter: Get your offer letter from your employer. Ensure that your offer letters specify details such as your designation, nature of work, duration of contract, salary, etc.
8. Ensure you are being paid the required salary: You will not be given a visa if your employer is not providing you with good working conditions or the required salary (this is usually higher than the minimum wage).
9. Apply separately: Do not apply for your family members along with you. Separate applications have to be made in case you have dependents.
10. Stay in touch with your employer: Visa officials might ask for additional information or documents (even related to the company). Therefore, it is best to stay in touch with the employer so that you can promptly respond to the queries or additional documents sought. This will prevent visa processing delay.

5 Best Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK:

There are plenty of opportunities for Indian students willing to work in the UK. Following are some job roles that can lead you to find good visa sponsorship jobs in the UK:

Software Engineering

The IT industry is booming worldwide. Hence, multinational companies are in constant search of professionals with software engineering backgrounds to enhance and develop new software technologies. Therefore, students looking for visa sponsorship jobs in the UK can explore a career in software engineering to work in the UK and get global experience.

Graphic Designing

There is a great demand for graphic designers in all business sectors across the globe. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities in the UK related to graphic design. Students looking for visa sponsorship jobs in UK can therefore explore a career in graphic design in the country and get global exposure in this field. 

Product Design

The UK is a hub for creative pursuits and exploring a career in product design will bring you the opportunity to work with the world’s top international companies. Moreover, it is one of the prominent careers that can help you find visa sponsorship jobs in the UK. However, recently, the UK government has announced a new addition to work visa guidelines for international candidates. Under this new rule, students from all across the globe (including India) can work or look for opportunities at any skill level. This can also be helpful for students looking for job opportunities with minimal or no work experience.

Engineering Sector

Engineering is a vast field and has ample job opportunities in every country and the same applies to the UK, Engineers in various fields are in demand, and international infrastructure companies hire applicants from various countries in order to keep a diverse work environment and to hire employees with the best qualifications.

Education or Teaching

For those with a degree in Teaching and Education, there are various jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship especially at universities, schools, and related academic institutes. From lecturership and school teachers and admission officers, there are several job opportunities available.

Research and Studentship

If you aim to build a research career, you can work with research institutes and universities in the UK on different projects. These research opportunities are commonly available in research in Science and Technology but you can also discover prospects in theoretical and sociological research as well.

Visa Sponsorship for Creative Jobs

Employees can also get visa sponsorship for creative jobs. They include: 

• Ballet dancers and other dancers
• Film and TV performers
• Theatre and opera performers
• Film and TV workers
• Models

Also Read: 7+ Best Jobs in UK for Indian Freshers: Salaries & Sites

Sector-Specific Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK

The UK offers visa sponsorship jobs across various sectors, helping international professionals build their careers. Different industries have high demand for skilled workers, making it easier to secure sponsorship. Below are some key sectors offering visa sponsorship jobs in UK.

Sector	Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK
UK Caregiver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship	Care Assistant, Live in Carer, Community Care Assistant, Domicilary Care Worker, Healthcare Assistant
Unskilled Jobs with Visa Sponsorship UK	Production Operator, Receptionist, Material Handler, General Maintainer, Tractor-Trailer Operators
Teaching Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship	Teaching Assistant, Programme Administrator, Staff Nurse, Secondary Teacher
Nursing Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship	Registered Nurse, Health Care Support Worker, Research Staff Nurse,
Warehouse Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship	Stores Assistant, Warehouse Operator, Repairs Warehouse Assistant, Stores Supervisor, Receipts and Issues Storekeeper

Current Job Profiles Included on Shortage Occupations List

As per the government of the UK, these are the job profiles that are covered on the Shortage Occupations list, along with their occupation code. 

Occupation code	Job types covered on the shortage occupations list
1181	Health services and public health managers and directors – all jobs
1242	All positions for managers and proprietors in residential, day, and domiciliary care
2111	Chemical scientists – Opportunities Limited to the Nuclear Industry only
2112	Biological scientists and biochemists – all jobs
2113	Physical scientists – only the following jobs in the construction-related ground engineering industry: engineering, geologist, hydrogeologist, geophysicist
2113	Physical scientists – only the following jobs in the oil and gas industry: geophysicist, geoscientist, geologist, geochemist, technical services manager in the decommissioning and waste areas of the nuclear industry senior resource geologist and staff geologist in the mining sector
2114	Social & humanities scientists – Roles Specific to Archaeology
2121	Civil engineers – all jobs
2122	Mechanical engineers – all jobs
2123	Electrical engineers – all jobs
2124	Electronics engineers – all jobs
2126	Design and development engineers – all jobs
2127	Production and process engineers – all jobs
2129	Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified – all jobs
2135	IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers – all jobs
2136	Programmers and software development professionals – all jobs
2137	Web design and development professionals – all jobs
2139	Information technology and communications professionals not elsewhere classified – only cybersecurity specialists
2216	Veterinarians – all jobs
2425	Actuaries, economists, and statisticians – only bio-informaticians and informaticians
2431	Architects – all jobs
2461	Quality control and planning engineers – all jobs
3111	Laboratory technicians – all jobs
3411	Artists – all jobs
3414	Dancers and Choreographers – Only individuals who are highly skilled in classical ballet or contemporary dance, meeting the standards set by internationally recognised UK ballet or contemporary dance companies, are eligible. The company must hold recognition from an official UK industry body, such as the Arts Councils of Scotland, England, or Wales.
3415	Musicians – Only experienced orchestral performers who hold positions such as leaders, principals, sub-principals, or numbered string roles, and who meet the standards set by internationally recognised UK orchestras. The orchestra must have official recognition from the Association of British Orchestras as an internationally accredited ensemble.
3416	Arts officers, directors, and producers – all jobs
3421	Graphic designers – all jobs
5215	Welding Trades: Positions limited to high-integrity pipe welders with a minimum of three years of relevant hands-on experience. The experience must have been obtained through legal employment.
6146	Senior care workers – all jobs

List of Jobs for Medical and Education Fields

Medical field jobs are among the most sponsored ones in the UK. Here is a list for Medical and Education field jobs in the UK.

Occupation code	Job types covered on the shortage occupations list
2211	Medical practitioners – all jobs
2212	Psychologists – all jobs
2213	Pharmacists – all jobs
2217	Medical radiographers – all jobs (including radiotherapy practitioners/ technologists)
2219	Health professionals not otherwise classified – all jobs
2221	Physiotherapists – all jobs
2222	Occupational therapists – all jobs
2223	Speech and language therapists – all jobs
2231	Nurses – all jobs
2314	Secondary education teaching professionals – only teachers in maths, physics, science (where an element of physics will be taught), computer science, and modern foreign languages
2314	Secondary education teaching professionals – only teachers in Gaelic
2315	Primary and nursery education teaching professionals – only Gaelic medium teachers
2442	Social workers – all jobs
3213	Paramedics – all jobs
6141	Nursing auxiliaries and assistants – all jobs

Most Popular Jobs in UK (Sector-wise)

The following are the most popular jobs in UK. The list given below is as per the industry. You can try to get hired in any of these positions if you are eligible.

Sector	Most demanding and popular sponsorship jobs in UK
Engineering	Workflow manager, Assistant Manager, PA, Supervisors, Line-workers/employees, Administrative Assistant
Films and Mass Media	Production assistant – broadcasting, Film editor, News editor, Graphic designer, Content specialist
Healthcare	Paediatrician, General practitioner, Veterinarian, Nurses, Psychologist and more
Education	Production assistant – broadcasting, Film editor, News editor, Graphic designer, Content Specialist
IT	Database developer, Software Developer, Programmer, software engineer, Web designer, Cybersecurity specialist, Data scientist
Management	Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Helpers, Professors, Lecturers

Top Job Profiles for Visa Sponsorship and their Salaries

The following are the top profiles for visa sponsorship and their salaries:

Job Profile	Salary
Regional Operations Officer	EUR 36,727 pa (INR 37,84,140)
Registered Mental Nurse	EUR 19.00 per hour (INR 1950)
Project Manager	EUR 55,000 pa (INR 56,66,890)
Experienced Butcher	EUR 30,000 pa (INR 30,91,000)
Senior Recruitment Advisor	EUR 32,500 pa (INR 33,48,600)
Full-stack Developer	EUR 50,000 pa (INR 51,51,710)
Senior Product Manager	EUR 90000 pa (INR 92,73,100)
Business Development Manager	EUR 35,000 pa (INR 36,06,200)
BI Engineer	EUR 55,000 pa (INR 56,66,900)
Data Engineer	EUR 55,000 pa (INR 56,66,900)

Top Companies for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK 

Many companies in the UK actively sponsor skilled international workers to fill talent gaps. These employers range from multinational corporations to healthcare providers and tech firms. Here are some top companies in the UK that offer visa sponsorship

1. Accenture
2. Google 
3. IBM
4. Infosys
5. Cognizant 
6. Deloitte 
7. Tata Consultancy Services 
8. Microsoft 
9. Apple 
10. Oracle Corporation 
11. JPMorgan Chase 
12. KPMG
13. PwC
14. Goldman Sachs
15. Citi
16. Deutsche Bank
17. McDonald’s 
18. Airbus
19. Atkins
20. BAE Systems
21. National Grid
22. Network Rail
23. Shell
24. TPP
25. UK Power Networks
26. Morgan Stanley
27. Barclays
28. HSBC 
29. Merrill Lynch

Also Read: 8 Best Companies for Visa Sponsorship UK

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK?

Getting a visa sponsorship job in the UK can be competitive. Fortunately, you can increase your chances with the right approach. Here are some tips tp get visa sponsorship jobs in UK:

1. Upskill: Gain certifications and expertise in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
2. Network: Connect with recruiters, attend job fairs, and engage on social networking sites.
3. Customize Applications: Tailor your CV and cover letter to match job descriptions.
4. Target Licensed Employers: Apply to companies approved for visa sponsorship.
5. Gain Work Experience: Internships and freelance work can strengthen your profile.

What to Do If Your Visa Sponsorship for Jobs in UK is Rejected?

If your visa sponsorship request was rejected, you can apply for other jobs that offer sponsorship. If your sponsorship was rejected but you received a job offer, you can apply for a visa by yourself. Take the help of a visa assistant and apply for your work visa.

On the other hand, if your entire application for visa is rejected, you need to know the reason for the visa rejection. Understanding the reasons for rejection and taking the right steps can improve your chances in the future. Here are some possible reasons for rejection:

1. Incomplete or incorrect application
2. Employer not meeting sponsorship requirements
3. Job role not meeting visa criteria
4. Insufficient salary or skill level

Not sure what to do next? Here are some tips to consider:

1. Review the rejection letter: First, understand the exact reason for the rejection so you don’t make the same mistake twice.
2. Correct mistakes and reapply: If possible, try to fix errors and ensure all documents meet UKVI requirements.
3. Seek alternative visa options: You can also consider exploring other routes like the Graduate Visa or Global Talent Visa.

Also Read: 15 Hidden Visa Rejection Reasons Under Section 214b

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This blog was all about visa sponsorship jobs in UK. If you want to read informative blogs on similar topics, make sure to check out the Visa and Jobs Abroad categories by Leverage Edu. You can also reach out to Leverage Edu to connect with our study abroad experts and get answers to your queries.