10 UK Companies Willing to Sponsor Tier 2 Visas

The United Kingdom remains a global hub for career opportunities, attracting skilled professionals from around the world. For non-UK residents, securing a Tier 2 visa—now known as the Skilled Worker visa—is a critical step toward working legally in the UK.

This visa requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore UK companies willing to sponsor Tier 2 visas, high-demand industries, and actionable tips to land a sponsored job.

Whether you’re searching for visa sponsorship jobs, Skilled Worker visa opportunities, or Tier 2 visa companies, this article is your roadmap to success.

What Is a Tier 2 Visa (Skilled Worker Visa)?

The Tier 2 visa, rebranded as the Skilled Worker visa in December 2020, is the primary immigration route for non-EEA skilled workers to work in the UK. To qualify, you need:

• A job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license.
• A role that meets the minimum skill level (RQF Level 3 or above).
• A salary meeting the minimum threshold (typically £26,200 or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher).
• Proof of English language proficiency.

Employers must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a digital reference number used to apply for the visa. With over 32,000 UK companies holding a sponsor license, opportunities abound—but finding the right employer is key.

Why Do UK Companies Sponsor Tier 2 Visas?

UK employers sponsor Tier 2 visas to fill skill shortages in industries like healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance. Sponsoring international talent allows companies to:

• Access a global talent pool for specialized roles.
• Address labor market gaps where local workers are scarce.
• Enhance diversity and innovation within their workforce.

However, not all licensed sponsors actively hire international workers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may lack the resources, while larger firms like NHS Trusts, Google UK, and Deloitte frequently sponsor due to their scale and established processes.

Top Industries with Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

Certain sectors are more likely to offer visa sponsorship jobs due to persistent skill shortages. Here are the top industries and examples of companies known to sponsor:

1. Healthcare

The NHS (National Health Service) is one of the UK’s largest employers and a prolific sponsor of Tier 2 visas. Roles like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are in high demand. Private healthcare providers and pharmaceutical giants like GlaxoSmithKline also sponsor.

• High CPC Keywords: Healthcare jobs UK, NHS visa sponsorship, nurse jobs with visa sponsorship.
• Why It’s Lucrative: The UK’s aging population drives demand for healthcare professionals, with competitive salaries and clear visa pathways.

2. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development

The UK’s tech sector is booming, with companies like Google UK, Amazon UK, and Microsoft UK actively sponsoring Skilled Worker visas for roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.

• High CPC Keywords: Tech jobs UK, software engineer visa sponsorship, IT jobs with visa sponsorship.
• Why It’s Lucrative: The digital economy fuels demand for tech talent, offering salaries often exceeding £50,000 annually.

3. Finance and Professional Services

Global financial hubs like London attract talent to firms like HSBC, Barclays, PwC, Deloitte, and EY. These companies sponsor roles in accounting, consulting, and banking.

• High CPC Keywords: Finance jobs UK, accounting visa sponsorship, consulting jobs with visa sponsorship.
• Why It’s Lucrative: High salaries and structured graduate schemes make these firms accessible for international candidates.

4. Engineering

Construction, civil engineering, and manufacturing sectors face skill shortages, prompting companies like Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, and BP to sponsor engineers.

• High CPC Keywords: Engineering jobs UK, civil engineer visa sponsorship, mechanical engineering jobs.
• Why It’s Lucrative: Engineering roles often meet the visa’s skill and salary thresholds, with opportunities across the UK.

5. Education and Academia

Universities and research institutions, such as University of Oxford and Imperial College London, sponsor academic roles like lecturers and researchers.

• High CPC Keywords: Academic jobs UK, research jobs with visa sponsorship, university visa sponsorship.
• Why It’s Lucrative: These roles appeal to highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees, offering long-term career stability.

Top UK Companies Known to Sponsor Tier 2 Visas

Here’s a curated list of prominent UK companies willing to sponsor Tier 2 visas, based on their track record and industry demand:

1. NHS Trusts – Sponsors thousands of healthcare workers annually for roles like doctors, nurses, and therapists.
2. Google UK – Offers tech roles with visa sponsorship in software engineering, AI, and data analysis.
3. Amazon UK – Sponsors for tech, logistics, and corporate roles, especially in London and Cambridge.
4. Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG – Known as the “Big Four,” they sponsor for consulting, audit, and tax roles.
5. HSBC and Barclays – Major banks sponsoring roles in finance, risk management, and compliance.
6. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) – A pharmaceutical leader sponsoring scientists and researchers.
7. Jaguar Land Rover – Sponsors automotive engineers and designers.
8. BBC – Occasionally sponsors creative and technical roles in media and broadcasting.
9. Unilever – Sponsors roles in marketing, supply chain, and R&D.
10. Rolls-Royce – Sponsors aerospace and mechanical engineers.

Note: Always verify a company’s sponsorship status using the UK government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors, as licenses can change.

How to Find UK Companies Willing to Sponsor Tier 2 Visas

Landing a visa sponsorship job requires strategy and persistence. Here are practical steps to identify and approach Tier 2 visa companies:

1. Use the Register of Licensed Sponsors

The UK government publishes a regularly updated Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK, listing over 32,000 organizations authorized to sponsor visas. Download the Excel file and filter by:

• Industry: Narrow down to sectors like healthcare or IT.
• Location: Focus on cities like London, Manchester, or Bristol.
• Visa Route: Ensure the company sponsors under the Skilled Worker category.

Pro Tip: Check for “A-rated” sponsors, as “B-rated” companies cannot sponsor new workers until upgraded.

2. Leverage Job Portals

Search for visa sponsorship jobs on platforms like:

• LinkedIn: Use keywords like “Tier 2 visa sponsorship” or “Skilled Worker visa jobs.”
• Indeed UK: Filter for roles explicitly mentioning sponsorship.
• Glassdoor: Review company profiles for sponsorship policies.
• UK Visa Jobs: A specialized platform for visa-sponsored roles.

High CPC Keywords: Job search UK, visa sponsorship jobs near me, skilled worker jobs UK.

3. Network Strategically

Networking boosts your chances of finding Tier 2 visa companies. Attend:

• Industry webinars and conferences.
• Career fairs targeting international talent.
• LinkedIn groups for UK job seekers.

Connect with HR professionals and recruiters at firms like Michael Page or Hays, which specialize in placing international candidates.

4. Target Graduate Schemes

Large companies like PwC, Deloitte, and HSBC offer graduate programs that welcome international students. Apply early—deadlines can be 5–8 months before the start date.

5. Work with Recruitment Agencies

Agencies like RKY Careers and Sponsor License Lawyers connect candidates with visa sponsorship jobs. They often have insider knowledge of companies actively hiring.

Challenges of Securing a Tier 2 Visa Job

While opportunities exist, securing a Skilled Worker visa job isn’t without hurdles:

• Competition: Thousands of global candidates vie for sponsored roles.
• Employer Hesitation: Some companies avoid sponsorship due to costs (around £4,000–£9,000 per employee) and compliance burdens.
• SME Limitations: 90% of licensed sponsors are SMEs, but many don’t hire internationally due to resource constraints.
• Creative Industries: Fields like media and design rarely sponsor, as roles may not meet skill or salary thresholds.

Solution: Focus on high-demand sectors, tailor your CV to highlight visa-eligible skills, and mention the employer’s sponsor status in your cover letter to show preparation.

Tips for a Successful Tier 2 Visa Job Application

To stand out to UK companies willing to sponsor Tier 2 visas, follow these best practices:

1. Tailor Your Application:

• Align your CV with the job’s SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification) to meet visa skill requirements.
• Highlight qualifications, certifications, and relevant experience.

1. Research Sponsors:

• Cross-reference job postings with the Register of Licensed Sponsors.
• Visit company career pages for sponsorship details.

1. Demonstrate Value:

• Emphasize unique skills that address UK skill shortages (e.g., coding expertise, medical training).
• Show cultural fit and willingness to relocate.

1. Prepare for Interviews:

• Be ready to discuss visa sponsorship politely but confidently.
• Research the company’s sponsorship process (e.g., NHS Jobs outlines clear steps).

1. Stay Updated:

• The Register of Licensed Sponsors updates regularly. Subscribe to alerts for new sponsors.

Costs and Timelines for Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

For candidates, understanding the Skilled Worker visa process is crucial:

• Costs:
• Visa application fee: £610–£1,408, depending on duration and shortage occupation status.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year.
• Maintenance funds: £1,270 (waivable if the employer guarantees support).
• Timelines:
• Job search: 3–12 months, depending on industry and networking.
• Visa processing: 3–8 weeks after receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Employer compliance checks: May add 1–2 months for first-time sponsors.

High CPC Keywords: UK visa fees, Skilled Worker visa cost, immigration lawyer UK.

Success Stories: Real-World Examples

A Software Engineer from Ibadan, Nigeria:

• Applied to Amazon UK via LinkedIn, highlighting cloud computing certifications.
• Secured a role with visa sponsorship within 6 months.
• Now works as a Solutions Architect in London.

A Nurse from Anambra, Nigeria

• Used NHS Jobs to find a nursing role with sponsorship.
• Completed English language tests and received a CoS within 3 months.
• Relocated to Manchester and gained permanent residency after 5 years.

These stories highlight the importance of targeting Tier 2 visa companies in high-demand fields and preparing thoroughly.

Conclusion: Your Path to a UK Career

Securing a job with UK companies willing to sponsor Tier 2 visas is challenging but achievable with the right approach. By targeting industries like healthcare, IT, and finance, leveraging the Register of Licensed Sponsors, and networking strategically, you can unlock exciting opportunities. Companies like NHS, Google UK, Deloitte, and HSBC are actively hiring skilled workers, offering not just jobs but pathways to long-term careers in the UK.

Ready to Start?

• Visit GOV.UK to download the latest Register of Licensed Sponsors.
• Search for visa sponsorship jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, or UK Visa Jobs.
• Connect with recruiters and tailor your applications to stand out.

With persistence and preparation, your dream of working in the UK is within reach.

Disclaimer: Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify details with the UK Home Office or a qualified immigration advisor. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.