Finding a job in the UK, especially for those outside of the country, can be an exciting yet challenging experience. The UK has a robust economy and wide developing industries offering job opportunities for both professional skilled and non-professional workers from around the world. However, one of the main obstacles faced by international job seekers is securing a work visa to be able to live and work legally in the UK. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of finding jobs in the UK, highlight top companies in the UK that are known for sponsoring work visas, and explain how to apply for these opportunities.
Whether you are looking to work in IT, healthcare, finance, engineering, or any other field, this guide will equip you with all the necessary information to help you secure a UK job and work visa. Before we delve into the nitty gritty of finding a job and securing a visa in the UK, it is essential to understand the UK work visa system. The UK has a points-based immigration system, which means that individuals seeking to work in the UK must meet specific criteria and accumulate points based on factors like qualifications, salary, job offer, and language proficiency.
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Top Companies/Sectors in the UK That Sponsor Work Visas
While many companies in the UK sponsor work visas, there are some that are particularly well-known for hiring international talent. These companies are usually large, multinational organizations that are accustomed to managing the work visa process.
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Tech Companies
The UK has a thriving tech industry, and many companies in this sector actively hire skilled workers from abroad. Some of the leading tech companies that sponsor work visas in the UK include:
Google UK: Google is one of the largest tech companies globally, and they often sponsor work visas for highly skilled workers. Positions in software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence are commonly available.
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Amazon UK: Amazon has a significant presence in the UK, with multiple offices and fulfillment centers. The company hires talent in software development, operations, marketing, and various other fields, offering visa sponsorships to qualified candidates.
Microsoft UK: Microsoft is another global tech giant that sponsors work visas for highly skilled individuals in fields such as software development, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Facebook UK: Facebook (now Meta) belongs to the top 10 Tech companies with offices in the UK known to have been sponsoring work visas for positions in software engineering, data analysis, and digital marketing.
Accenture: A global consulting firm, Accenture offers opportunities in management consulting, IT consulting, and digital transformation. They sponsor work visas for qualified candidates across various industries.
Healthcare Sector
The healthcare sector in the UK often faces a shortage of skilled workers, making it an excellent field for international job seekers. You can check out some of the healthcare companies that sponsor work visas to apply below:
NHS (National Health Service): The NHS is the largest employer in the United Kingdom’s international healthcare system, and it regularly sponsors work visas for healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and medical researchers across the globe.
Bupa UK: If you’re someone with proven proficiency in the health sector, I bet you don’t know about bupa, you’re missing out already. Bupa is a private healthcare provider in the UK that offers visa sponsorship for healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists.
Mediclinic International: Mediclinic is a global healthcare group that operates hospitals and clinics with services cutting across South Africa, UAE, Switzerland and the UK. The company is known to have efficiently sponsored work visas for medical professionals in various specialties.
Engineering and Construction Companies
The UK’s engineering and construction industries are vital to the economy, and many companies in this sector actively recruit skilled workers from overseas. Here are some of the top engineering and construction companies that sponsor work visas:
Arup: Arup is a global engineering and design consultancy that regularly sponsors work visas for qualified engineers, architects, and project managers.
Balfour Beatty: Balfour Beatty is a major UK-based infrastructure company that offers sponsorships for roles in civil engineering, project management, and construction.
Jacobs Engineering: Jacobs is a leading global provider of technical, professional, and construction services. They sponsor work visas for engineers and other technical specialists.
Financial Services Companies
The UK is a global financial hub, and many international candidates are employed in the finance industry. If you have skills in financial industry, some of the top financial service companies are looking to sponsor your visa to work with them:
HSBC: HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, and they regularly sponsor work visas for roles in banking, finance, and technology.
Barclays: Barclays is a major UK-based bank that offers visa sponsorships for roles in finance, investment banking, and technology.
Goldman Sachs: Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment bank that hires international talent for positions in finance, technology, and risk management.
JPMorgan Chase: JPMorgan Chase is another major financial institution in the UK that sponsors work visas for highly skilled candidates in finance, technology, and operations.
How to Apply for a UK Job with Visa Sponsorship
To apply for a UK employer-sponsored Visa, there’s a little eligibility criteria to meet. You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor who is approved to move in foreign clients and workers. How do you get that offer? You get it by submitting your credentials to the company you’re seeking an employment opportunity through their career page, job portal or recruitment agency.
Prepare and submit your application through the company’s website, job portal, or recruitment agency. Follow the application instructions carefully and provide all the necessary documents, such as your CV, cover letter, and proof of job offer, and any required information.
Once you have a job offer, you can apply for your work visa through the UK government’s official immigration website. Provide all required documents, including proof of your job offer, your qualifications, and financial documents.