The Tier 2 visa (formerly known as the Skilled Worker visa) allows skilled professionals to work and reside in the UK. However, one of the primary conditions for the UK Tier 2 visa is obtaining a work offer from a UK-based company with a sponsoring license.
UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Companies
Tier 2 visa sponsorship enables UK firms to hire skilled workers from outside the country. Companies must register with the UK Home Office as licensed sponsors and provide prospective employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document is required for the visa application process.
Top Industries for Tier 2 Sponsorship
- Health and Social Work: To address ongoing shortages, the NHS and private healthcare providers frequently sponsor international doctors, nurses, and care workers.
- Information and Technology: With a thriving digital economy, tech firms such as IBM, Accenture, and Capgemini are renowned for hiring experienced software engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists.
- Engineering & Construction: Companies involved in infrastructure development frequently sponsor civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
- Education: Qualified teachers are supported by universities and secondary schools, particularly in STEM and special education fields.
How to Find Sponsorship Companies
- UK Home Office Sponsors List: The most reliable way to identify sponsorship companies is to consult the official UK Home Office list of licensed sponsors. This list is regularly updated and contains thousands of employers from various industries.
- Job Boards and Recruitment Sites: Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor frequently offer job advertisements from companies ready to sponsor visas. To restrict your search, use filters such as “visa sponsorship” or “tier 2 sponsorship.”
- Industry-Specific Recruitment Agencies: Some recruitment services specialize in placing international applicants in fields such as healthcare, information technology, and engineering. Examples include HCL Workforce Solutions for Healthcare and Understanding Recruitment for Technical Positions.
- Networking and Direct Applications: Use professional networks or contact companies that specialize in international talent sponsorship. Customize your application to demonstrate how your skills meet the demands of the UK labour market.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Companies
1. What is a UK Tier 2 visa sponsorship?
A Tier 2 visa sponsorship allows UK employers to hire skilled workers from outside the UK. Companies with a sponsorship license issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required for the visa application process. This sponsorship ensures that the job meets the visa requirements and that the employer is authorized by the UK government to hire international workers.
2. Where can I find a list of UK Tier 2 visa sponsorship companies?
The official UK Home Office list of licensed sponsors provides a comprehensive directory of employers authorized to sponsor workers. This list is regularly updated and includes information about the industries and sectors they operate in.
3. What types of jobs are typically eligible for Tier 2 visa sponsorship?
Jobs in sectors experiencing skill shortages or high demand are more likely to offer sponsorship. These include:
- Healthcare (e.g., doctors, nurses, and care workers)
- IT and Technology (e.g., software engineers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts)
- Engineering (e.g., civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers)
- Education (e.g., secondary school teachers in STEM and special education)
- Construction (e.g., architects and surveyors)
4. Do all companies in the UK sponsor Tier 2 visas?
No, only companies registered with the UK Home Office as licensed sponsors can sponsor Tier 2 visas. Smaller businesses or those not on the official sponsor list cannot provide sponsorship.
5. How do I know if a job offers Tier 2 visa sponsorship?
Check the job description for terms like “Tier 2 sponsorship,” “Skilled Worker visa sponsorship,” or “visa sponsorship available.” You can also ask the employer directly during the application process.
6. Is there a minimum salary requirement for Tier 2 visa jobs?
Yes, most Tier 2 visa jobs must meet the minimum salary threshold, which is generally £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour. However, exceptions exist for jobs on the shortage occupation list or those in healthcare and education.
7. Can I change jobs after receiving a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and issue you a new Certificate of Sponsorship. Additionally, you’ll need to apply for a visa update with the UK Home Office.
8. Are there industries or roles with higher chances of sponsorship?
Yes, industries with skill shortages, such as healthcare, technology, and engineering, are more likely to sponsor international workers. Roles that require specialized skills or qualifications are in higher demand.
9. Do Tier 2 sponsorship companies help with relocation costs?
Some companies offer relocation packages that may cover airfare, visa fees, and temporary housing. This varies by employer, so inquire during the interview process or after receiving a job offer.
10. What are the main challenges in securing a Tier 2 visa sponsorship job?
Competitors for similar roles, eligibility for salary and skill requirements, and employer constraints may influence candidates already in the UK.
Conclusion
Perseverance, study, and planning are all necessary components to secure a job with a Tier 2 visa sponsorship company. You can improve your chances of success by concentrating on industries that are in high demand and by concentrating on businesses that actively support international talent.
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