If you are seeking employment in the UK with visa sponsorship, targeting the Skilled Worker visa route is essential. This visa allows UK employers to bring in international talent for various roles across industries. Below are comprehensive details on how to secure such jobs, the visa process, expected salaries, and where to find opportunities.
Popular Sectors Offering Visa Sponsorship in the UK
Certain industries are more likely to offer jobs with sponsorship:
- Healthcare and Social Care – Positions like nurses, doctors, and care workers.
- IT and Software Development – Software engineers and data scientists are in demand.
- Engineering – Civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers often receive sponsorship.
- Education – Roles such as secondary school teachers, especially in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Each job role must align with the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code and meet salary requirements to be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa.
Salary Range and Thresholds
- General Salary Requirement: £38,700 per year or the industry’s “going rate,” whichever is higher.
- Reduced Salary Threshold: £30,960 for shortage occupations such as care workers and certain health professionals.
Some jobs may have exceptions if working hours or regional pay scales apply (e.g., in healthcare or education).
Step-by-Step Application Process for Visa Sponsorship Jobs
- Find Jobs Offering Sponsorship:
- Use targeted job portals like:
- Reed.co.uk: Visa Sponsorship Jobs
- Indeed UK: Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
- GOV.UK Find a Job: Find a Job
- Use targeted job portals like:
- Apply for Positions:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to the job role and highlight any relevant international experience.
- Employers with a sponsor license will mention sponsorship availability in their job descriptions.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
- Once hired, your employer will issue a CoS, which contains details about your job and sponsorship.
- You need to apply for your visa within three months of receiving the CoS.
- Submit Your Skilled Worker Visa Application:
- Complete the visa application online on the UK Government visa portal.
- Provide supporting documents such as:
- Valid passport and travel history
- CoS reference number
- Proof of English proficiency (unless exempt).
- Visa Fees and Additional Costs:
- Visa Fee: £719 for up to 3 years; £1,420 for more than 3 years.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per adult annually.
- Employers may also cover some of these fees under sponsorship agreements.
- Biometric Appointment and Approval:
- Schedule a biometric appointment to submit your fingerprints and photograph.
- Visa decisions are typically made within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
Additional Tips for Finding Sponsorship Jobs
- Search for Licensed Sponsors: Use the UK government’s list of approved sponsors to find companies authorized to provide sponsorship.
- Apply Early: Employers often recruit several months in advance, so start applying in Fall 2024 for roles beginning in 2025.
- Expand Your Network: Attend job fairs and use LinkedIn to connect with employers offering sponsorship.
Securing a visa sponsorship job in the UK involves planning, research, and timely application. Focus on industries that commonly offer sponsorship and ensure your application meets the salary and eligibility requirements. Use trusted job portals, tailor your applications, and communicate clearly with potential employers to maximize your chances of success