In the UK, companies that want to hire foreign workers must have a sponsorship license from the UK government. This means they are legally allowed to sponsor skilled workers from abroad for work visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa. These companies are approved by the Home Office and listed in the UK Sponsor List (Tier 2). This post will provide guide on companies that can sponsor a visa in the UK, how they operate, and the visa process.
What is a Sponsorship License?
A sponsorship license allows a UK-based company to employ workers from outside the UK, including from the EU (post-Brexit). Employers with this license can provide what is called a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which foreign applicants need to apply for a work visa.
Important Points:
- Companies must meet specific legal and operational requirements to get a sponsorship license.
- Sponsoring companies must ensure that foreign employees meet all visa conditions.
- These companies must comply with immigration rules and regulations, including record-keeping and reporting duties.
Companies that Can Sponsor a Visa in the UK
Multinational Corporations
- Google UK
- Amazon UK
- Microsoft UK
- HSBC
- Deloitte
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Google UK
- Meta (Facebook)
- Apple UK
- Cisco Systems
- IBM UK
- ARM Holdings
- Oracle UK
- Skyscanner
- Deliveroo
- Booking.com
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
- NHS Trusts (National Health Service)
- Bupa
- Spire Healthcare
- Care UK
- HCA Healthcare UK
- Advinia Health Care
- Four Seasons Health Care
- Priory Group
- HC-One
Engineering and Construction Firms
- Arup Group
- Mott MacDonald
- Balfour Beatty
- Laing O’Rourke
- Atkins
- Costain Group
- Jacobs UK
- AMEY
- WSP UK
Financial Services
- Barclays
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Goldman Sachs
- JP Morgan
Hospitality and Retail
- Hilton Hotels
- Marriott Hotels
- Harrods
- InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
- Marks & Spencer
- Whitbread (Premier Inn)
- J D Wetherspoon
- Radisson Blu Hotels
Educational Institutions
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- King’s College London
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Manchester
- University of Edinburgh
Finance and Banking
- HSBC
- Barclays
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Goldman Sachs
- JP Morgan
- Deloitte
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- KPMG
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Santander UK
Legal and Consulting Firms
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
- Clifford Chance
- Linklaters
- Allen & Overy
- Slaughter and May
- Hogan Lovells
- Accenture UK
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Applying for a Work Visa Through Companies that Can Sponsor a Visa in the UK
Securing a Job Offer
- You must first secure a job offer from a company that is listed as a licensed sponsor in the UK.
- The job must meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being a skilled job, and meet the minimum salary threshold (usually £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the role).
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you have the job offer, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a reference number that you will need when applying for your visa.
Applying for a Work Visa
With the CoS, you can then apply for a visa. The main work visas sponsored by companies include:
- Skilled Worker Visa: For skilled roles across various sectors (IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, etc.).
- Health and Care Worker Visa: For healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, and care assistants.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For multinational companies that transfer employees between international branches.
Eligibility Requirements for the Visa
To qualify for a visa, you must meet certain requirements:
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through a test like IELTS.
- Job Offer: The job must meet the skill level and salary requirements.
- Financial Support: You need to show that you can support yourself in the UK (usually by proving you have at least £1,270 in savings).
Where to Find Companies that can Sponsor a Visa in the UK
UK Government’s Official Sponsor List
The UK government provides a list of licensed sponsors online, where you can search for companies by name or industry. This list is updated regularly and includes thousands of employers across various sectors. You can find it on the UK Home Office website.
Job Search Platforms
Several job search websites specialize in listing roles that offer visa sponsorship:
- LinkedIn: Many companies post job openings that explicitly mention visa sponsorship.
- Indeed: This job portal allows you to filter job searches by “visa sponsorship”.
- Glassdoor: You can find reviews of companies and search for sponsorship opportunities.
- Totaljobs: A popular UK-based job search platform where you can find sponsored job roles.
Recruitment Agencies
Specialized recruitment agencies, particularly those that work with international applicants, often have partnerships with companies that sponsor visas. Agencies such as Hays Recruitment and Michael Page often help match foreign candidates with visa-sponsored jobs in sectors like finance, IT, healthcare, and engineering.
Challenges and Considerations for Companies that can Sponsor a Visa in the UK
Visa Sponsorship Limitations
While many companies can sponsor visas, not all are actively hiring foreign workers. Visa sponsorship is often limited to roles where there are shortages of UK workers. This means it can be more challenging to find sponsorship in less specialized industries or for entry-level roles.
Salary Thresholds
To qualify for sponsorship, the role must meet the minimum salary requirement set by the UK government. This is often a hurdle for lower-paying jobs. For example, the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker Visa is typically £26,200 per year, but the actual threshold can vary by job role and industry.
Competition
Visa-sponsored roles are highly competitive, especially in sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare. International applicants need to demonstrate exceptional skills, qualifications, and experience to stand out.
Application Process
The visa sponsorship application process can be time-consuming and complex. It requires cooperation between the applicant and the sponsoring company, as well as adherence to strict immigration laws. Employers may be hesitant to sponsor foreign workers due to the cost and administrative burden involved.
In summary: Finding a company that can sponsor a visa in the UK is a viable pathway for foreign workers to secure employment in various industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. The process starts with identifying the right companies that hold sponsorship licenses, followed by applying for eligible roles that meet visa criteria. By using resources such as the UK Sponsor List, job search platforms, and recruitment agencies, international applicants can access a wide range of visa-sponsored job opportunities.