The United Kingdom remains a top destination for skilled professionals seeking high-paying career opportunities, with its robust economy and diverse industries.
For immigrants, securing a job with visa sponsorship is critical, and the Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General) is the primary route for non-UK residents to work legally in the UK. In 2025, numerous UK companies hold sponsor licences, enabling them to hire international talent by issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).
This article highlights 10 prominent UK companies actively sponsoring Tier 2/Skilled Worker Visas, offering salaries often exceeding £85,000 ($110,000 USD, based on June 2025 exchange rates).
Introduction to Tier 2/Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship
The Skilled Worker Visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, allows UK employers with a valid sponsor licence to hire skilled international workers for roles that meet specific skill and salary thresholds.
In 2025, the UK’s points-based immigration system prioritizes high-skill professionals, requiring a minimum salary of £38,700 for new applicants and a job at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 6 (graduate-level) for most roles.
Employers must issue a CoS, and applicants need to demonstrate English proficiency and meet maintenance fund requirements. This article focuses on 10 companies known for sponsoring such visas, operating in high-demand sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and professional services, where salaries often surpass £85,000.
Why Pursue a Sponsored Job in the UK?
- Economic Opportunities: The UK’s £2.7 trillion economy supports high-paying roles in global hubs like London and Manchester.
- Career Growth: Sponsored roles often lead to senior positions and pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
- Cultural Diversity: With 14% of the population born overseas, the UK offers a welcoming environment for immigrants.
The 10 UK Companies Sponsoring Tier 2/Skilled Worker Visas
1. Google UK
Industry: Technology
Headquarters: London
Overview: Google, a global leader in technology, operates significant UK offices in London and Cambridge, focusing on AI, cloud computing, and software development. Known for its innovative culture, Google frequently sponsors Skilled Worker Visas for international talent.
Sponsored Roles:
- Software Engineers (£90,000–£150,000)
- AI Researchers (£100,000–£200,000)
- Product Managers (£85,000–£130,000)
Why Google?: Google’s commitment to diversity and skill shortages in AI and cloud computing drive its sponsorship efforts. The company issued numerous CoS in 2024, particularly for Indian and US nationals.
How to Apply: Visit Google’s careers website, filter for UK roles with “visa sponsorship available,” and ensure qualifications align with RQF Level 6.
2. Deloitte UK
Industry: Professional Services
Headquarters: London
Overview: Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms, provides consulting, audit, tax, and advisory services. With over 20,000 UK employees, Deloitte sponsors visas for skilled professionals to address shortages in finance and technology consulting.
Sponsored Roles:
- Management Consultants (£85,000–£120,000)
- Data Scientists (£90,000–£130,000)
- Cybersecurity Specialists (£85,000–£110,000)
Why Deloitte?: Deloitte’s transparent application process and graduate schemes make it accessible for international candidates. It sponsors visas for roles requiring specialized skills, as noted in its careers portal.
How to Apply: Apply via Deloitte’s careers website, targeting roles explicitly offering sponsorship. Networking on LinkedIn enhances visibility.
3. Barclays
Industry: Finance
Headquarters: London
Overview: Barclays, a British multinational bank, operates in retail, investment, and corporate banking. Its London headquarters and regional offices sponsor visas for roles in finance and technology, addressing skill gaps in quantitative finance.
Sponsored Roles:
- Investment Bankers (£90,000–£150,000)
- Software Developers (£85,000–£120,000)
- Risk Analysts (£85,000–£110,000)
Why Barclays?: Barclays invests in international talent to maintain its global competitiveness, sponsoring visas for high-skill roles as listed on the Home Office register.
How to Apply: Check Barclays’ careers portal for roles mentioning sponsorship and use recruitment agencies like Michael Page.
4. NHS (National Health Service)
Industry: Healthcare
Headquarters: Various (England-wide)
Overview: The NHS, the UK’s largest employer, hires thousands of healthcare professionals annually, sponsoring Health and Care Worker Visas (a Skilled Worker Visa subset) for doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Sponsored Roles:
- Consultants (e.g., Cardiologists) (£90,000–£150,000)
- Specialty Doctors (£85,000–£110,000)
- Pharmacists (£85,000–£100,000)
Why NHS?: Chronic shortages in healthcare drive NHS sponsorship, with priority processing for visa applications. The NHS Jobs portal lists roles offering sponsorship.
How to Apply: Search NHS Jobs for roles with sponsorship, ensuring professional registration (e.g., GMC for doctors) meets English proficiency requirements.
5. PwC UK
Industry: Professional Services
Headquarters: London
Overview: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), another Big Four firm, offers audit, tax, and consulting services. PwC sponsors visas for graduate and experienced hires in high-demand areas like digital transformation.
Sponsored Roles:
- Technology Consultants (£85,000–£120,000)
- Actuaries (£90,000–£130,000)
- Financial Auditors (£85,000–£110,000)
Why PwC?: PwC’s graduate schemes and clear sponsorship policies make it a top choice. It supports visa switches for students already in the UK.
How to Apply: Apply through PwC’s careers website, focusing on roles with sponsorship. Early applications (e.g., April for September starts) are critical.
6. Goldman Sachs
Industry: Finance
Headquarters: London
Overview: Goldman Sachs, a leading investment bank, operates a major UK hub in London, sponsoring visas for roles in trading, risk management, and technology.
Sponsored Roles:
- Quantitative Analysts (£100,000–£200,000)
- Investment Analysts (£90,000–£150,000)
- Software Engineers (£85,000–£130,000)
Why Goldman Sachs?: The bank’s need for specialized financial skills fuels sponsorship, as confirmed by its presence on the Home Office sponsor list.
How to Apply: Use Goldman Sachs’ careers portal and network at industry events to identify sponsored roles.
7. Microsoft UK
Industry: Technology
Headquarters: Reading
Overview: Microsoft’s UK operations focus on cloud services, AI, and software development, with offices in London and Cambridge. It sponsors visas for tech professionals to address skill shortages.
Sponsored Roles:
- Cloud Architects (£90,000–£140,000)
- Machine Learning Engineers (£100,000–£150,000)
- Program Managers (£85,000–£120,000)
Why Microsoft?: Microsoft’s global talent strategy includes UK sponsorship, with a focus on AI and cloud computing roles, as seen in 2024 CoS data.
How to Apply: Apply via Microsoft’s careers website, using filters for UK roles offering sponsorship.
8. Amazon UK
Industry: Technology/Retail
Headquarters: London
Overview: Amazon, a leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, operates UK offices in London, Cambridge, and Manchester, sponsoring visas for tech and logistics roles.
Sponsored Roles:
- Software Development Engineers (£85,000–£130,000)
- Data Scientists (£90,000–£120,000)
- Operations Managers (£85,000–£110,000)
Why Amazon?: Amazon’s rapid UK expansion and tech focus drive visa sponsorship, particularly for AWS-related roles.
How to Apply: Check Amazon’s careers website for roles with sponsorship and cross-reference with the Home Office sponsor register.
9. KPMG UK
Industry: Professional Services
Headquarters: London
Overview: KPMG, a Big Four firm, provides audit, tax, and advisory services, sponsoring visas for professionals in finance, technology, and risk management.
Sponsored Roles:
- Risk Consultants (£85,000–£120,000)
- Tax Advisors (£90,000–£130,000)
- Digital Transformation Specialists (£85,000–£110,000)
Why KPMG?: KPMG’s global operations and skill shortages in advisory services lead to consistent sponsorship, as noted in its careers resources.
How to Apply: Apply via KPMG’s careers website, targeting roles with explicit sponsorship mentions.
10. Unilever UK
Industry: Consumer Goods
Headquarters: London
Overview: Unilever, a global consumer goods giant, operates UK offices in London and Port Sunlight, sponsoring visas for roles in marketing, supply chain, and R&D.
Sponsored Roles:
- Brand Managers (£85,000–£110,000)
- Supply Chain Managers (£90,000–£120,000)
- R&D Scientists (£85,000–£100,000)
Why Unilever?: Unilever’s commitment to diversity and innovation fuels sponsorship for specialized roles, as confirmed by its sponsor licence status.
How to Apply: Visit Unilever’s careers website and use job boards like LinkedIn to identify sponsored roles.
Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa Process
Eligibility Criteria
- Job Offer: From a Home Office-approved sponsor with an A-rated licence.
- Skill Level: RQF Level 6 (graduate-level) for new applicants in 2025, though existing workers in RQF 3-5 roles can extend visas.
- Salary Threshold: Minimum £38,700, with exceptions for roles on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or specific occupations (e.g., £25,000 for Health and Care roles).
- English Proficiency: CEFR Level B1, proven via tests like IELTS or professional registration.
- Maintenance Funds: £1,270 held for 28 days, unless employer-certified.
Costs
- Visa Application Fee: £719–£1,639, based on duration and application location.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year (£776 for Health and Care Visa).
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): £480–£1,320/year, employer-paid, increased by 32% in 2025.
- CoS Fee: £525, employer-paid for applications post-December 2024.
Application Steps
- Find a Sponsor: Use the Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors, job portals (LinkedIn, Indeed), or agencies like Hays.
- Secure a Job Offer: Ensure the role meets visa criteria and the employer issues a CoS.
- Apply Online: Submit via GOV.UK, providing CoS reference, passport, qualifications, and English proficiency evidence.
- Biometrics: Attend an appointment for fingerprints and photos.
- Decision: Expect 3–8 weeks for processing; start work within 14 days of visa activation.
Strategies for Securing Sponsored Roles
Job Search Tips
- Home Office Register: Download the daily-updated list of over 32,000 licensed sponsors to target employers.
- Job Portals: Filter for “visa sponsorship” on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
- Recruitment Agencies: Michael Page, Hays, and RKY Careers specialize in international placements.
- Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, or use X to connect with recruiters. Posts on X highlight companies like Google and Deloitte as active sponsors.
Application Tips
- Tailor Applications: Highlight RQF Level 6 qualifications and relevant experience.
- Verify Sponsors: Cross-check employers on the Home Office register to avoid scams.
- English Proficiency: Secure IELTS/TOEFL scores or leverage professional registration (e.g., GMC, NMC).
- Legal Support: Consult SRA-regulated firms like DavidsonMorris for complex applications.
Challenges and Considerations
2025 Immigration Updates
- Salary Thresholds: Increased to £38,700, limiting lower-paid roles.
- Dependant Restrictions: Care workers hired post-March 2024 cannot bring dependants.
- Temporary Shortage List (TSL): Replaces ISL, capping RQF 3-5 role sponsorships.
- Settlement Period: Proposals to extend ILR from 5 to 10 years are under review.
Employer Compliance
- A-Rated Sponsors: Only A-rated employers can issue new CoS; B-rated firms are ineligible until upgraded.
- Resident Labour Market Test: Employers must prove no suitable UK resident exists for the role, except for shortage occupations.
- Cost Increases: Higher ISC and visa fees may deter smaller sponsors.
Benefits of Working for These Companies
- High Salaries: Roles offer £85,000–£200,000, exceeding the $110,000 threshold.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for senior roles and global mobility.
- Path to Residency: Five years on a Skilled Worker Visa qualifies for ILR, subject to 2025 policy changes.
- Work-Life Balance: Companies like Google and Unilever emphasize employee well-being, offering flexible work options.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Indian Software Engineer at Google
- Profile: Anil, a 30-year-old with a BSc in Computer Science and 6 years’ experience.
- Opportunity: Secured a £100,000 software engineer role via Google’s careers portal.
- Process: Obtained a CoS, passed IELTS (7.0), and applied for a Skilled Worker Visa.
- Outcome: Relocated to London, with ILR eligibility by 2030.
Case Study 2: Nigerian Consultant at Deloitte
- Profile: Chidinma, a 35-year-old with an MBA and 10 years in consulting.
- Opportunity: Landed a £95,000 management consultant role through LinkedIn.
- Process: Deloitte issued a CoS; Chidinma used her CFA certification for English proficiency.
- Outcome: Moved to Manchester, bringing her spouse as a dependant.
Case Study 3: Pakistani Doctor at NHS
- Profile: Dr. Faisal, a 40-year-old cardiologist with GMC registration.
- Opportunity: Offered a £120,000 consultant role by an NHS Trust.
- Process: Applied via NHS Jobs, leveraging GMC for English proficiency.
- Outcome: Relocated to Birmingham with family, benefiting from fast-tracked visa processing.
Conclusion
In 2025, the UK offers exceptional opportunities for skilled immigrants through the Skilled Worker Visa, with companies like Google, Deloitte, Barclays, and the NHS leading in sponsorship.
These 10 employers, spanning technology, finance, healthcare, and professional services, provide high-paying roles exceeding £85,000, addressing skill shortages while offering career growth and pathways to residency.
By leveraging job portals, recruitment agencies, and the Home Office’s sponsor register, international candidates can secure sponsored roles. Despite tighter immigration rules, strategic applications and compliance ensure success in navigating the UK’s vibrant job market.