10 UK Companies Willing to Sponsor Tier 2 Visas

The United Kingdom remains a top destination for skilled professionals worldwide, offering a vibrant economy, diverse industries, and a rich cultural experience. For international job seekers, securing a job with a company that sponsors a Tier 2 visa (now known as the Skilled Worker visa) is a critical step toward building a career in the UK.

The Tier 2 visa allows non-EEA workers to take up skilled roles in the UK, provided they have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. However, finding companies willing to sponsor visas can be challenging.

In this post, we provide 10 UK companies offering Tier 2 visa sponsorship in 2025, show you top industries with sponsorship opportunities, and provide tips on applying for and securing these roles.

What is a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa?

Before diving into the list, let’s clarify what a Tier 2 visa entails. The Tier 2 (General) visa, now rebranded as the Skilled Worker visa, is the primary immigration route for non-UK residents seeking skilled employment in the UK. To qualify, you need:

• A job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license.
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
• A role that meets the minimum skill and salary requirements (typically £25,600 or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Sufficient personal savings (£1,270) for maintenance, unless the employer guarantees this.

The UK government maintains a Register of Licensed Sponsors, which includes over 32,000 companies authorized to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. However, not all companies actively sponsor international candidates, especially smaller firms with limited resources.

The companies and industries listed below are known for their willingness to sponsor Tier 2 visas, particularly for roles in high-demand sectors.

Top 10 UK Companies Offering Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

Here are 10 prominent UK-based companies across various industries that are known for sponsoring Tier 2 visas in 2025. These companies are A-rated sponsors (meaning they can issue Certificates of Sponsorship) and have a track record of hiring international talent.

1. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

• Industry: Professional Services
• Key Roles: Accounting, Consulting, IT, Tax, Assurance
• Why They Sponsor: PwC is part of the “Big Four” professional services firms and actively recruits global talent to fill roles in its UK offices. The company explicitly states on its careers website that it welcomes applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship, subject to meeting Home Office requirements.
• How to Apply: Visit the PwC Careers website and filter for graduate or experienced roles. Look for job postings that mention visa sponsorship or check the company’s status on the UK government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills and mention your awareness of their sponsorship capabilities.

2. Deloitte

• Industry: Professional Services
• Key Roles: Audit, Consulting, Financial Advisory, Risk Management, Tax
• Why They Sponsor: Like PwC, Deloitte is a Big Four firm with a strong commitment to diversity and global talent. They sponsor Tier 2 visas for roles across their UK offices, particularly for graduates and experienced professionals in consulting and finance.
• How to Apply: Check the Deloitte Careers website for openings. Use keywords like “visa sponsorship” or “Skilled Worker visa” when searching job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed, and cross-reference with the government’s sponsor list.

3. Google

• Industry: Technology
• Key Roles: Software Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Marketing
• Why They Sponsor: Google’s UK offices in London and Cambridge are hubs for innovation, and the company frequently sponsors Tier 2 visas for skilled tech professionals. Roles in software development and AI are particularly in demand.
• How to Apply: Explore opportunities on the Google Careers website. Filter for UK-based roles and check job descriptions for visa sponsorship details. Networking on LinkedIn with Google recruiters can also boost your chances.

4. Amazon

• Industry: Technology, E-commerce
• Key Roles: Software Development, Operations, HR, Marketing
• Why They Sponsor: Amazon’s expanding UK presence, including its London headquarters and fulfillment centers, makes it a significant sponsor of Tier 2 visas. The company hires for a wide range of roles, from tech to logistics.
• How to Apply: Visit the Amazon Jobs website and search for UK roles. Use job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor to identify postings that mention visa sponsorship.

5. KPMG

• Industry: Professional Services
• Key Roles: Audit, Tax, Advisory, Consulting
• Why They Sponsor: Another Big Four firm, KPMG is known for its transparent application process and willingness to sponsor Tier 2 visas for qualified candidates. They focus on hiring international talent for graduate schemes and specialized roles.
• How to Apply: Apply through the KPMG Careers website. For graduate roles, note that application deadlines (e.g., April for September starts) are strict, so plan ahead.

6. EY (Ernst & Young)

• Industry: Professional Services
• Key Roles: Consulting, Assurance, Tax, Transactions
• Why They Sponsor: EY actively recruits international candidates for its UK offices, offering visa sponsorship for roles in consulting, finance, and technology. Their global presence makes them a top choice for visa seekers.
• How to Apply: Check the EY Careers website for openings. Use job portals like LinkedIn to find roles explicitly mentioning visa sponsorship.

7. National Health Service (NHS)

• Industry: Healthcare
• Key Roles: Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals
• Why They Sponsor: The NHS, one of the world’s largest employers, frequently sponsors Tier 2 visas for healthcare professionals to address shortages in the UK. Roles like doctors and nurses are often listed on the Skills Shortage List, making sponsorship easier.
• How to Apply: Search for roles on the NHS Jobs website. Look for postings that mention visa sponsorship, especially for shortage occupations like nursing or medical practitioners.

8. Barclays

• Industry: Banking
• Key Roles: Software Development, Business Analysis, Wealth Management
• Why They Sponsor: Barclays, a major UK bank, sponsors Tier 2 visas for roles requiring specialized expertise, particularly in tech and finance. Their commitment to diversity makes them open to international talent.
• How to Apply: Visit the Barclays Careers website and filter for UK roles. Cross-reference with the government’s sponsor list to confirm their status.

9. Clifford Chance

• Industry: Legal Services
• Key Roles: Solicitors, Barristers, Legal Support
• Why They Sponsor: This international law firm, headquartered in London, sponsors Tier 2 visas to attract top legal talent. They focus on roles in finance, real estate, and intellectual property.
• How to Apply: Apply via the Clifford Chance Careers website. Highlight your legal expertise and visa eligibility in your application.

10. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

• Industry: Pharmaceuticals
• Key Roles: Research Scientists, Pharmacists, Data Analysts
• Why They Sponsor: GSK, a leading pharmaceutical company, sponsors Tier 2 visas for roles in research, development, and manufacturing. Their global operations require diverse talent.
• How to Apply: Check the GSK Careers website for UK-based roles. Use job boards to identify openings that mention visa sponsorship.

Top Industries with Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

Certain industries in the UK face persistent skill shortages, making them prime sectors for international candidates seeking Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa sponsorship. Targeting these industries can significantly increase your chances of securing a sponsored role. Below are the top industries known for offering visa sponsorship in 2025, optimized for high-demand roles and aligned with the UK’s Skills Shortage List.

1. Technology and IT

• Why It’s Hot: The UK’s tech sector, particularly in hubs like London, Cambridge, and Manchester, is booming. Roles like software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts are in high demand, with many listed as shortage occupations.
• Key Roles: Software Developer, AI Specialist, Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer.
• Sponsorship Insight: Companies like Google, Amazon, and smaller tech startups frequently sponsor visas due to the global competition for tech talent. Search for roles with keywords like “software engineer visa sponsorship UK” on LinkedIn or Indeed.
• Average Salary: £40,000–£80,000, well above the Skilled Worker visa threshold.

2. Healthcare

• Why It’s Hot: The NHS and private healthcare providers face chronic shortages of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Many of these roles are on the Skills Shortage List, simplifying the sponsorship process.
• Key Roles: General Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Radiographer, Pharmacist.
• Sponsorship Insight: The NHS is a major sponsor, with streamlined processes for healthcare workers. Private hospitals like Bupa also sponsor visas for specialized roles.
• Average Salary: £30,000–£100,000, depending on the role and experience.

3. Professional Services

• Why It’s Hot: The Big Four firms (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY) dominate this sector, offering roles in accounting, consulting, and tax. Their global operations require diverse talent, making them open to visa sponsorship.
• Key Roles: Management Consultant, Auditor, Tax Advisor, Financial Analyst.
• Sponsorship Insight: These firms have dedicated immigration teams to handle visa processes, making them reliable sponsors. Graduate schemes are particularly accessible for international candidates.
• Average Salary: £35,000–£70,000 for entry-level to mid-level roles.

4. Finance and Banking

• Why It’s Hot: London’s status as a global financial hub drives demand for skilled professionals in banking, fintech, and investment management. Roles requiring niche expertise often qualify for sponsorship.
• Key Roles: Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Quantitative Analyst, Compliance Officer.
• Sponsorship Insight: Banks like Barclays and HSBC sponsor visas for tech-driven roles (e.g., fintech developers) and traditional finance positions.
• Average Salary: £40,000–£90,000, depending on specialization.

5. Engineering

• Why It’s Hot: Engineering roles, particularly in civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines, are listed as shortage occupations. Major infrastructure projects like HS2 fuel demand.
• Key Roles: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer.
• Sponsorship Insight: Companies like Rolls-Royce and Atkins sponsor visas for engineers, especially for roles requiring advanced technical skills.
• Average Salary: £35,000–£65,000.

6. Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences

• Why It’s Hot: The UK’s pharmaceutical industry, led by companies like GSK and AstraZeneca, seeks scientists and researchers for drug development and clinical trials.
• Key Roles: Research Scientist, Clinical Research Associate, Biostatistician.
• Sponsorship Insight: Global companies in this sector are accustomed to sponsoring visas due to the international nature of scientific research.
• Average Salary: £40,000–£80,000.

By focusing on these industries, you can target employers more likely to sponsor visas. Use job boards with filters for “visa sponsorship” and check the Skills Shortage List to identify roles with streamlined sponsorship processes.

How to Find and Apply for Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Securing a job with Tier 2 visa sponsorship requires a strategic approach. Here are actionable steps to increase your chances:

1. Check the Register of Licensed Sponsors:
   • The UK government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors lists all companies authorized to sponsor Tier 2 visas. Filter by industry or location to find relevant employers. Ensure the company is A-rated, as B-rated companies cannot issue new Certificates of Sponsorship.
2. Use Job Portals:
   • Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor often include job postings with “visa sponsorship available” in the description. Use keywords like “Tier 2 visa,” “Skilled Worker visa,” or “sponsorship” to narrow your search.
3. Network Strategically:
   • Attend industry events, webinars, or online forums to connect with recruiters and professionals. LinkedIn is particularly useful for reaching out to HR teams at sponsoring companies.
4. Work with Recruitment Agencies:
   • Agencies like Michael Page and Hays specialize in placing international candidates in visa-sponsored roles. They can match your skills with employers who sponsor.
5. Tailor Your Application:
   • Customize your CV and cover letter for each role, emphasizing your skills and eligibility for a Skilled Worker visa. Mention the company’s status as a licensed sponsor to show you’ve done your research.
6. Understand the Visa Process:
   • Once you secure a job offer, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You’ll need to apply for the visa online, provide documents (e.g., passport, proof of funds), and attend a biometric appointment. The process typically takes 3-8 weeks.

Tips for Success

• Focus on Shortage Occupations: Roles on the UK’s Skills Shortage List, such as engineering, healthcare, and teaching, have higher sponsorship chances due to demand.
• Apply Early: For graduate schemes (e.g., at PwC or KPMG), deadlines can be months in advance (e.g., April for September starts). Plan accordingly.
• Prove English Proficiency: Most Tier 2 visa applicants need to demonstrate English language skills via tests like IELTS or a degree taught in English.
• Check Company Size: Larger companies like those listed above are more likely to sponsor visas due to their resources and experience with the process. Smaller firms (SMEs) may lack the capacity.
• Consult Immigration Experts: Firms like Sponsor Licence Lawyers or DavidsonMorris can guide you through the visa process, ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements.

Challenges and Considerations

While these companies and industries are known for sponsoring Tier 2 visas, there are challenges to keep in mind:

• Competitive Job Market: Visa-sponsored roles are highly sought after, so you’ll need a strong application and relevant skills.
• Employer Responsibilities: Sponsors must comply with strict Home Office rules, such as reporting changes in employment status. Ensure your employer is experienced in sponsorship to avoid delays.
• Costs: Visa sponsorship can be expensive for employers (around £4,000–£9,000, depending on company size), which may make them selective. Highlight your value to stand out.
• Non-Transferable CoS: Your Certificate of Sponsorship is tied to a specific employer and role. If you change jobs, you’ll need a new CoS and visa application.

Conclusion

Securing a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa is a gateway to exciting career opportunities in the UK, but it requires careful planning and targeting the right employers and industries.

The 10 companies listed above—PwC, Deloitte, Google, Amazon, KPMG, EY, NHS, Barclays, Clifford Chance, and GSK—are among the top UK employers known for sponsoring international talent in 2025.

By focusing on high-demand industries like technology, healthcare, and professional services, you can further increase your chances of success. Leverage the Register of Licensed Sponsors, job portals, networking, and a tailored application strategy to land a visa-sponsored role.

Start your journey by researching these companies and industries, refining your CV, and connecting with recruiters. With persistence and preparation, you can turn your dream of working in the UK into reality.

For further assistance, check the UK government’s visa guidance or consult immigration experts to navigate the process smoothly.