Skilled Worker Visa | Certificate of Sponsorship | Finance, Tech, Healthcare, Engineering | Top 30+ Employers
For international professionals, securing a job with UK visa sponsorship opens the door to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets. The UK’s strong economy, global corporations, and diverse industries make it a premier destination for skilled workers worldwide. However, to legally work in the UK, most foreign nationals need sponsorship from an employer licensed by the Home Office. This guide lists 30+ top companies that sponsor visas in 2026, explains the visa process, salary requirements, and provides practical tips for securing sponsored employment.
What is UK Visa Sponsorship?
A visa-sponsoring employer is a UK company licensed by the Home Office to hire foreign workers. When you receive a job offer, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)—an electronic document confirming they’re supporting your visa application.
Benefits of Sponsored Employment
- Legal work authorization: Full right to work in the UK
- Job security: Employment contract with established employer
- PR pathway: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
- Family rights: Bring dependants who can also work in the UK
- Citizenship pathway: Route to British citizenship after 6 years total
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements 2026
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for sponsored employment in the UK. Key requirements include:
- Job offer from licensed sponsor: Employer must hold valid sponsor license
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Employer provides CoS reference number
- Minimum salary: £38,700/year or the occupation’s ‘going rate’ (whichever is higher)
- Skill level: RQF Level 3+ (A-level equivalent or higher)
- English language: B1 level (IELTS 4.0+ or equivalent)
- Financial requirement: £1,270 savings for 28 days (unless employer certifies)
Reduced Salary Thresholds
Certain roles on the Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List) qualify for reduced thresholds:
- Healthcare workers: Nurses, care workers qualify at £23,200 minimum
- New entrants: Recent graduates/under-26 may qualify at 70% of going rate
- PhD holders: Reduced threshold for roles requiring doctoral qualifications
Top UK Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship 2026
Below are 30+ established UK employers known for sponsoring international talent across finance, technology, healthcare, engineering, legal, and consulting sectors.
Finance & Banking
1. Barclays
Sector: Banking & Financial Services | HQ: London
One of UK’s oldest banks, Barclays sponsors software engineers, data scientists, financial analysts, and investment banking professionals. Salaries range from £35,000 to £150,000+ depending on role and experience.
2. HSBC UK
Sector: Global Banking | HQ: London
HSBC sponsors roles in business development, financial management, compliance, and IT operations. Bilingual candidates serving international clients are particularly sought after.
3. Lloyds Banking Group
Sector: Retail & Commercial Banking | HQ: London
UK’s largest retail bank sponsors technology, data, risk management, and customer service professionals through graduate and experienced hire programs.
4. Goldman Sachs
Sector: Investment Banking | HQ: London
Goldman Sachs’ London office sponsors analysts, traders, engineers, and technology professionals. Graduate programs include full visa support.
5. JPMorgan Chase
Sector: Investment Banking & Asset Management | HQ: London
Consulting & Professional Services
6. Deloitte UK
Sector: Audit & Consulting | Offices: Nationwide
Big Four firm sponsoring audit, technology consulting, risk management, and financial advisory roles. Graduate and experienced programs available.
7. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Sector: Audit & Advisory | Offices: Nationwide
PwC sponsors accountants, tax specialists, technology consultants, and AI/data specialists. Strong graduate recruitment pipeline.
8. Ernst & Young (EY)
Sector: Accounting & Consulting | Offices: London, Manchester, Birmingham
EY sponsors finance, tax, technology consulting, and cybersecurity professionals at graduate and experienced levels.
9. KPMG UK
Sector: Professional Services | Offices: Nationwide
KPMG sponsors auditing, taxation, advisory, and data analytics roles with comprehensive training programs.
10. McKinsey & Company
Sector: Management Consulting | HQ: London
McKinsey sponsors business analysts, engagement managers, and digital consultants. Highly competitive with global problem-solving focus.
11. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Sector: Strategy Consulting | HQ: London
12. Bain & Company
Sector: Management Consulting | HQ: London
Technology
13. Google UK
Sector: Technology | HQ: London (King’s Cross)
Google sponsors software engineers, product managers, UX designers, and cloud specialists. Highly competitive salaries (£70,000–£200,000+).
14. Amazon UK
Sector: E-commerce & Cloud (AWS) | Offices: London, Manchester, Edinburgh
Amazon sponsors software developers, solutions architects, data engineers, and operations managers across retail and AWS divisions.
15. Microsoft UK
Sector: Software & Cloud | HQ: Reading & London
Microsoft sponsors developers, cloud engineers, AI researchers, and enterprise sales professionals.
16. Meta (Facebook)
Sector: Social Media & Technology | HQ: London
17. Quantumblack (McKinsey)
Sector: AI & Data Science | HQ: London
Sponsors machine learning engineers, data scientists, and analytics consultants for AI solutions across industries.
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
18. NHS Trusts (Multiple)
Sector: Public Healthcare | Locations: Nationwide
NHS trusts across England sponsor doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, and allied health professionals. Many trusts reimburse visa and IHS costs.
19. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Sector: Pharmaceuticals | HQ: Brentford, London
GSK sponsors scientists, research specialists, clinical trial managers, and manufacturing professionals. Future Leaders Programme includes visa support.
20. AstraZeneca
Sector: Pharmaceuticals | HQ: Cambridge
Sponsors researchers, data scientists, clinical operations specialists, and manufacturing engineers.
21. Bupa
Sector: Private Healthcare | Offices: Nationwide
Engineering & Manufacturing
22. Rolls-Royce
Sector: Aerospace & Engineering | HQ: Derby
Sponsors aerospace engineers, systems designers, manufacturing specialists, and quality control professionals.
23. BAE Systems
Sector: Defence & Aerospace | Offices: Nationwide
Sponsors engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity specialists. Security clearance may be required for some roles.
24. Jaguar Land Rover
Sector: Automotive | HQ: Coventry
25. Dyson
Sector: Technology & Engineering | HQ: Malmesbury
Legal Services
26. Clifford Chance
Sector: Law | HQ: London
Magic Circle law firm sponsoring lawyers, legal advisers, and paralegals with international qualifications. Finance and corporate law specializations.
27. Linklaters
Sector: Law | HQ: London
28. Allen & Overy
Sector: Law | HQ: London
29. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Sector: Law | HQ: London
Consumer Goods & Retail
30. Unilever
Sector: Consumer Goods | HQ: London
Sponsors marketing, R&D, manufacturing, and data management professionals. Future Leaders Programme includes full visa support and relocation assistance.
31. Diageo
Sector: Beverages | HQ: London
32. Tesco
Sector: Retail | HQ: Welwyn Garden City
Visa Sponsoring Companies: Quick Reference
| Company | Sector | Location | Salary Range |
| Barclays | Finance | London | £35K–£150K+ |
| HSBC | Banking | London | £40K–£120K |
| Deloitte | Consulting | Nationwide | £30K–£100K+ |
| PwC | Professional Services | Nationwide | £28K–£90K |
| Technology | London | £70K–£200K+ | |
| Amazon | Tech/E-commerce | Multiple | £50K–£150K |
| NHS Trusts | Healthcare | Nationwide | £29K–£130K |
| GSK | Pharma | London | £40K–£100K |
| Rolls-Royce | Engineering | Derby | £35K–£80K |
| Clifford Chance | Legal | London | £50K–£180K+ |
How to Get Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Find Licensed Sponsors
- Home Office Register: Search the official list of licensed sponsors at gov.uk
- Job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Reed—filter for ‘visa sponsorship’
- Company careers: Check employer websites for international hiring programs
Step 2: Apply and Secure Job Offer
- Tailor CV to UK format (2 pages, skills-focused)
- Highlight relevant qualifications and experience
- Prepare for video interviews (common for international candidates)
- Discuss visa sponsorship requirements during interview process
Step 3: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Once you accept the offer, employer issues electronic CoS containing job details, salary, and start date.
Step 4: Apply for Skilled Worker Visa
- Where: Online via gov.uk from your home country
- Documents: Passport, CoS reference, English test results, bank statements
- Biometrics: Attend visa application centre for fingerprints and photo
- Processing: 3–8 weeks standard; priority options available
Visa Costs 2026
| Cost Item | Amount |
| Visa application fee | £719–£1,420 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year |
| Priority processing (optional) | £500+ |
| Super priority (optional) | £1,000+ |
| Biometric appointment | Included |
| English language test | £150–£200 |
Note: Healthcare workers are often exempt from or reimbursed for IHS. Many employers cover some or all visa costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for UK visa sponsorship?
The standard threshold is £38,700/year or the occupation’s ‘going rate.’ Healthcare and care workers on the Immigration Salary List qualify at £23,200 minimum. New entrants (under 26, recent graduates) may qualify at 70% of the going rate.
How do I find companies that sponsor visas?
Search the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors at gov.uk. Use job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor) with ‘visa sponsorship’ filter. Check company career pages for international hiring programs.
Can I negotiate sponsorship if employer doesn’t offer it?
Yes. If you have unique skills, explain the straightforward process for employers to become licensed sponsors. Sponsorship costs £364–£1,476 depending on company size, which is minimal compared to recruiting specialized talent.
How long does the visa process take?
Standard processing: 3–8 weeks. Priority service: 5 working days (£500+). Super priority: Next working day (£1,000+). Book appointments early as some visa centres have long wait times.
Can visa sponsorship lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa meeting salary and residence requirements, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). British citizenship is available after 12 months with ILR (6 years total).
Start Your UK Sponsored Career
Companies across finance, technology, healthcare, engineering, and consulting actively sponsor international talent in 2026. With proper preparation—researching licensed sponsors, meeting visa requirements, and crafting strong applications—you can secure sponsored employment and begin building your UK career.
Your Next Steps
- Search the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors
- Identify target companies and roles matching your skills
- Prepare UK-format CV highlighting relevant experience
- Take English language test if required (IELTS, etc.)
- Apply through company career pages and job boards
- Discuss visa sponsorship openly during interviews
Your UK career with visa sponsorship starts with the right preparation. Begin your search today.