Your Gateway to a UK Career

Dreaming of working in the United Kingdom one of the world’s strongest economies, with high salaries, career stability, and permanent residency options?
Then the UK Skilled Worker Visa is your golden ticket.

This visa program allows talented professionals from all over the world to work and live in the UK legally, provided they have a job offer from a Home Office approved employer. It’s one of the most searched work visa routes because it offers clear eligibility criteria, a pathway to settlement, and opportunities across every sector from IT and engineering to healthcare and finance.

In this in depth guide, you’ll learn:

• What the UK Skilled Worker Visa is
• How to qualify for sponsorship
• The official full list of licensed employers who can hire foreign workers
• Step-by-step process to apply
• How to find UK visa sponsorship jobs in 2025
• Latest salary, job, and policy updates
• Common mistakes to avoid

If you’re ready to work in the UK legally and confidently, this is your complete guide.

What Is the UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The Skilled Worker Visa (previously known as Tier 2 General Visa) lets skilled professionals come to the UK to do an eligible job for an approved employer.

It’s the backbone of the UK’s immigration system used by thousands of NHS staff, IT engineers, teachers, construction experts, and international graduates every year.

Key Features:

• Allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years
• Lets you bring your spouse/partner and children
• Eligible to extend or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• Provides access to the NHS and other UK benefits
• Open to applicants from all nationalities

This visa opens the door to both career growth and permanent residence in the UK making it one of the most desirable immigration routes worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for this visa, you must meet three main conditions:

Job Offer from an Approved Employer

Your UK employer must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Without this, your application will be refused.

Skilled Job and Salary Requirements

Your job must:

• Be on the Skilled Occupations List

Meet the minimum salary threshold (usually the higher of the general salary or “going rate” for your job code)

English Language & Financial Proof

You must:

• Prove your English language ability

Show you can support yourself (unless your employer certifies maintenance)

Full List of UK Approved Employers (Sponsors)

Every employer that can hire international workers under the Skilled Worker Visa appears on the official government database called the:

Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers)

This is the official and complete list of all UK companies legally allowed to sponsor foreign employees.

How to Use It:

1. Visit the GOV.UK link above.
2. Download the spreadsheet.
3. Search by company name, city, or sector.

Check the column labeled “Type of Licence” ensure it says “Worker” and “A rating.”

Tip: Only employers with an “A” rating can currently assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Common UK Employers Who Sponsor:

Here are some top industries and companies that appear on the sponsor register:

Sector	Popular Sponsoring Employers
Healthcare	NHS Trusts, BUPA, Care UK, Circle Health
Technology	Amazon UK, Accenture, Google UK, IBM, Capgemini
Finance	HSBC, Barclays, PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG
Engineering	Siemens, Rolls-Royce, Balfour Beatty
Education	University of Oxford, University College London (UCL), University of Manchester
Retail & Logistics	Tesco, Sainsbury’s, DHL, Marks & Spencer

These companies actively sponsor international professionals under the Skilled Worker Visa. Always verify the latest register before applying.

Salary Requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa

The minimum salary depends on your job type and experience level.

Standard Salary Threshold:

As of 2025, the typical minimum salary starts around £38,700 per year, or the “going rate” for your occupation whichever is higher.

However, there are exceptions:

• Some health or education roles have lower thresholds.
• Jobs listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) may qualify for reduced rates.

Always check the latest salary guidance on GOV.UK before applying.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Here’s a complete breakdown of the application process:

1: Get a Job Offer

Find an employer on the approved sponsor list and secure a formal job offer that meets salary and skill requirements.

2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship a digital record containing:

• Job title
• Salary
• Company sponsor licence number

Start and end date

3: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need:

• A valid passport
• Your CoS reference number
• Proof of English proficiency
• Bank statements or employer maintenance certification

TB test certificate (if applicable)

4: Apply Online

Go to the UK Government Visa Portal and submit your online application.
You can apply up to 3 months before your job starts.

5: Pay Fees

Fees depend on your visa length and whether your job is on the Immigration Salary List:

• Visa fee: £719 – £1,500+

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

6: Attend Biometrics or Use the ID Check App

Depending on your nationality, you’ll either:

• Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and a photo

Or use the UK Immigration ID Check app

7: Wait for Your Visa Decision

Processing usually takes:

• 3 weeks (outside the UK)
• 8 weeks (inside the UK)

If approved, you’ll get an entry vignette or eVisa.

Where to Find UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs (2025)

Finding a sponsoring employer can be easier than you think if you know where to look.

Top Websites for UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs:

1. Indeed UK _Use filters like “Visa Sponsorship” or “Skilled Worker.”
2. LinkedIn Jobs – Follow verified employers and recruiters.
3. Glassdoor UK – Check salary reviews and sponsorship trends.
4. NHS Jobs – For doctors, nurses, and care assistants.
5. TotalJobs – Lists thousands of sponsor-approved openings.
6. UK Government Find a Job – Official job board, sometimes showing sponsor information.

Expert Tip:

When you see job ads that say “Sponsorship available”, always confirm the company appears on the official GOV.UK sponsor list.

Smart Ways to Increase Your Sponsorship Chances

1. Highlight Your Skills: Tailor your CV to match the job description and mention you’re seeking “Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.”
2. Get UK Recognized Qualifications: If your degree or certification isn’t UK accredited, use UK ENIC to verify it.
3. Apply Early: Employers must assign your CoS before you can apply, so don’t delay.
4. Stay Scam Aware: Genuine employers never ask you to pay for sponsorship or “licence fees.”

Network on LinkedIn: Many HR managers prefer direct messages from candidates who show initiative.

Visa Duration, Extensions & Settlement

Duration

You can stay up to 5 years, depending on your CoS validity.

Extension

You can extend if:

• You’re still working for the same sponsor, or
• You’ve got a new job from another licensed sponsor.

Settlement (ILR)

After 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the UK’s permanent residency.
To qualify, you must:

• Stay continuously in the UK
• Earn at or above the required salary

Pass the “Life in the UK” test

‍‍ Bringing Your Family

You can bring your:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Children under 18
• Unmarried partner (if you’ve lived together for at least 2 years)

They can also work or study in the UK during your visa validity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying without a valid sponsor. Always verify the company on the register.
2. Salary below the going rate. Double check your SOC code.
3. Wrong documents or expired test results. Ensure all paperwork is current.

Ignoring IHS payment. Without it, your application is incomplete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Where can I find the full list of UK visa sponsors?
On the official GOV.UK website under “Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers)”.

Q2. Can small companies sponsor workers?
Yes! Any UK company with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor you not just large corporations.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Skilled Worker Visa?
Usually 3–8 weeks depending on where you apply and whether you choose a priority service.

Q4. Can I switch employers later?
Yes, but your new employer must issue a new CoS and hold a valid licence.

Q5. Can I get PR (Permanent Residency) with this visa?
Yes, after 5 continuous years you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Q6. Do I need IELTS for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, unless your degree was taught in English or you’re from an exempt English speaking country.

Bonus: Email Template to Ask Employers for Sponsorship

Subject: Enquiry About Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m highly interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
As an international professional, I would require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship to work legally in the UK.
Could you kindly confirm if [Company Name] holds a valid Sponsor Licence and whether this role qualifies for sponsorship?

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn or CV Link]

Final Thoughts: Start Your UK Journey Today

The UK Skilled Worker Visa remains the most powerful pathway to live, work, and build a life in the United Kingdom.
With thousands of employers now offering sponsorships in 2025, your dream UK job is closer than you think.

Start by:

1. Checking the GOV.UK sponsor list
2. Finding jobs that match your skills and salary threshold
3. Preparing your documents early

Remember success starts with preparation.
Use this guide as your roadmap to landing your UK visa sponsorship job confidently and legally.