Relocating to the UK for Work: A list of companies that can sponsor visas in UK [2026]

plane landing in the UK

Relocating to the UK for work continues to be one of the most popular immigration pathways, especially for skilled professionals looking for strong career growth, stable salaries, and long-term residency opportunities. One of the most important steps in the process is securing a job with a UK employer that is licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas.

In this updated guide, we’ve expanded the list of companies that sponsor visas in the UK, included the latest 2026 immigration changes, and added new tips to help you successfully approach employers — even with limited UK experience.

Whether you’re seeking a job in tech, healthcare, finance, engineering, education or hospitality, this guide gives you everything you need to understand the UK sponsorship landscape in 2026.


🇬🇧 Understanding UK Visa Sponsorship (2026)

To work legally in the UK on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa, you must have an employer that holds a valid Sponsor Licence. They can then issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) needed for your visa application.

2026 Key Updates

  • Minimum Skilled Worker salary remains £38,700 (higher for some jobs).
  • Shortage roles may still qualify for reduced salary thresholds.
  • Health & Care Worker applicants remain exempt from paying the NHS surcharge.
  • Sponsorship demand continues to grow in tech, healthcare, construction, and logistics.

🏢 Types of Companies Offering Sponsorship

The UK sponsors international workers across a wide range of sectors:

  • 💻 Technology
  • 🏦 Financial & Professional Services
  • 🏥 Healthcare & Care
  • ⚙️ Engineering & Construction
  • 🎓 Education & Research
  • 🚚 Logistics & Supply Chain

📝 Updated List of UK Companies That Can Sponsor Visas (2026)

Below is a comprehensive and expanded selection of companies across the UK that commonly sponsor overseas workers.

  • Google UK
  • Amazon UK
  • Microsoft
  • IBM UK
  • Meta (limited roles)
  • Accenture
  • Capgemini
  • Tata Consultancy Services
  • Infosys
  • Wipro
  • Ocado Technology
  • Revolut
  • Monzo
  • Thoughtworks

🏦 Financial & Professional Services

  • HSBC
  • Barclays
  • Lloyds
  • NatWest
  • JP Morgan
  • Goldman Sachs
  • EY
  • Deloitte
  • KPMG
  • PwC
  • BDO
  • Grant Thornton
  • Aviva

🏥 Healthcare & Social Care

  • All NHS Trusts
  • Bupa
  • Care UK
  • HC-One
  • Priory Group
  • Elysium Healthcare
  • Spire Healthcare
  • Nuffield Health

⚙️ Engineering, Energy & Manufacturing

  • BAE Systems
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Siemens UK
  • Arup
  • AtkinsRéalis
  • Laing O’Rourke
  • Skanska
  • National Grid
  • EDF Energy

🎓 Academic & Education

Most universities in the UK hold a sponsor licence, including:

  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Leeds

🚚 Logistics, Retail & Aviation

  • DHL
  • Wincanton
  • FedEx
  • ASOS
  • British Airways
  • Heathrow Airport Holdings
  • Tesco (corporate roles)
  • Sainsbury’s (corporate roles)

🔍 How to Identify UK Companies That Offer Visa Sponsorship

The official UK Home Office Sponsor Licence Register is the most accurate list.
You can also find sponsored jobs by filtering for “visa sponsorship” on:

  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Reed
  • NHS Jobs
  • University job portals

💼 How to Approach Companies That Sponsor Visas

📑 1. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter

Use this sentence for maximum impact:

“I am eligible for the Skilled Worker visa and can be sponsored by a licensed employer.”

This tells employers you understand the process.

🤝 2. Network Actively

Join:

  • LinkedIn groups
  • UK job fairs
  • Industry forums
  • Expat communities

Networking increases your chances significantly.

📨 3. Apply Broadly

Most international applicants secure sponsorship after applying to 50–100 roles.

📋 Common Requirements for Sponsored Workers

Companies usually expect:

  • Relevant qualifications/experience
  • English language proof (IELTS or English-taught degree)
  • Valid passport
  • Clean police clearance for regulated roles
  • Ability to relocate
  • Meeting salary requirements

Healthcare roles require employers to be CQC registered.

⭐ Benefits of Working for a Visa-Sponsoring Employer

  • ✔️ Job security
  • ✔️ Competitive salary packages
  • ✔️ Long-term career development
  • ✔️ Eligibility for settlement after 5 years
  • ✔️ Dependants can join (except some care roles)

🏡 Can a Sponsored Job Lead to UK Settlement?

Yes.
The following visas count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

  • Skilled Worker
  • Health & Care Worker
  • UK Ancestry
  • Global Talent
  • Innovator Founder

After ILR + 12 months → you may apply for British citizenship.

🎯 Final Tips for Securing a Sponsoring Employer

  • Check the sponsor list regularly
  • Be open to relocating anywhere in the UK
  • Apply for shortage occupations if possible
  • Add “UK visa sponsorship” to your LinkedIn headline
  • Track your applications
  • Use UK CV formatting

❓ FAQ – UK Companies That Sponsor Work Visas

🇬🇧 What companies sponsor work visas in the UK?

Thousands of UK companies sponsor Skilled Worker visas, mainly in tech, finance, healthcare, engineering, construction, logistics and education. The most common sponsor is the NHS, followed by major tech and consulting firms.

💼 Do all UK companies sponsor visas?

No. Only companies with a valid Sponsor Licence can legally hire workers from overseas. Always check the Home Office register.

💷 What salary do I need for visa sponsorship?

Most Skilled Worker roles require £38,700+, unless the role qualifies for lower thresholds (shortage jobs, health sector, relevant PhD, etc.).

🎓 Can graduates get sponsorship in the UK?

Yes. Many companies sponsor graduate roles, especially in tech, engineering, finance, academia, and healthcare.

🌍 Do I need a job offer before applying for a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. You must first receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer.

🛫 Can I switch visas to a sponsored work visa from inside the UK?

Yes. You can switch from:

  • Graduate Visa
  • Youth Mobility Visa
  • UK Ancestry Visa
  • Student Visa
  • Spouse Visa

🏡 Does sponsorship lead to UK permanent residency?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous work on a qualifying visa, you can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

📍 Where can I find visa sponsorship jobs?

  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • NHS Jobs
  • Reed
  • Company career pages
  • University job boards

Have questions or want help choosing the right visa? Subscribe or explore more articles on UK visas and immigration tips.


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