AdminAs of early 2026, over 143,000 companies are licensed to sponsor work visas for foreign workers across multiple visa categories, including Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Temporary Worker routes. uksponsors.com
These companies span a wide range of industries and vary in size from large multinationals and financial institutions to healthcare trusts and technology consultancies.
Updated List of UK Companies Actively Sponsoring Visas
Below is a representative list of well-known UK employers that are recognized to sponsor visas and regularly recruit international candidates. Note that this list includes examples across sectors — not every role within these companies will offer sponsorship, but they are known to hold licences and recruit foreign workers when roles match visa eligibility criteria.
🔹 1. National Health Service (NHS)
Sector: Healthcare
Why It Matters:
The NHS is Britain’s largest employer. It regularly sponsors doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff due to ongoing shortages in clinical roles across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. costniche.com
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Specialist doctors
- Registered nurses
- Radiographers
- Physiotherapists
Healthcare roles often qualify under dedicated health-care visa categories and can lead to long-term residency options if eligibility is met.
🔹 2. Amazon UK
Sector: Technology & Logistics
Amazon UK recruits talent for technical, management, and logistics roles across the country. Positions in cloud computing (AWS), software engineering, and supply chain management often come with visa sponsorship for qualified foreign professionals. LinkedIn+1
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Software engineers
- Operations managers
- Data analysts
🔹 3. PwC UK (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Sector: Finance & Consultancy
One of the “Big Four” accounting and professional services firms, PwC UK hires international candidates for consulting, audit, risk, tax, and digital transformation roles with visa support available. Mirataiw+1
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Finance consultants
- Risk analysts
- Digital transformation specialists
🔹 4. KPMG UK
Sector: Finance & Professional Services
KPMG consistently sponsors foreign workers in data analytics, audit, and consulting roles. It’s known for recruiting early-career and experienced professionals across UK offices. Mirataiw+1
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Audit managers
- Technology consultants
- Data analysts
🔹 5. Deloitte UK
Sector: Professional Services
Deloitte UK is another major sponsor, offering roles in audit, technology consulting, financial advisory, and risk management. Foreign professionals with relevant skills are regularly considered. LinkedIn+1
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Tech consultants
- Business analysts
- Advisory specialists
🔹 6. HSBC UK
Sector: Banking & Finance
HSBC UK sponsors visas for international experts in finance, risk management, cybersecurity, and fintech sectors. LinkedIn
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Investment analysts
- Risk managers
- Financial engineers
🔹 7. Barclays Bank
Sector: Finance & Technology
Barclays recruits globally, offering sponsorship to foreign professionals in finance, tech development, risk assessment, and digital services. Mirataiw
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Cybersecurity professionals
- Fintech specialists
- Finance analysts
🔹 8. Unilever UK
Sector: Retail & FMCG
Internationally recognized consumer goods company Unilever sponsors skilled workers for supply chain, marketing, R&D, and IT functions. Mirataiw+1
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Supply chain planners
- Marketing analysts
- IT professionals
🔹 9. Accenture UK
Sector: Management Consultancy & Tech
Accenture recruits global IT and consulting professionals in digital transformation, cloud computing, and business strategy — often sponsoring work visas. costniche.com
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Digital consultants
- Technology architects
🔹 10. Capgemini UK
Sector: Technology & Consulting
Capgemini frequently sponsors technical and digital professionals in software engineering, cloud services, and digital innovation. Mirataiw+1
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Software engineers
- Business analysts
🔹 11. IBM UK
Sector: Technology & Business Solutions
IBM hires international candidates in AI, cloud, data science, and enterprise consulting with visa sponsorship available for relevant roles. costniche.com
🔹 12. AstraZeneca
Sector: Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
AstraZeneca sponsors researchers, scientists, and technical specialists in life sciences and healthcare innovation. costniche.com
Typical Roles Sponsored:
- Research scientists
- Data analysts
- Quality assurance leads
🔹 13. Rolls-Royce Holdings
Sector: Aerospace & Engineering
Rolls-Royce recruits international engineers and technical experts in aerospace, energy systems, and manufacturing. Money Making Crew Blog
🔹 14. Retail & Hospitality Chains (Tesco, Hilton, Marriott)
Sector: Retail & Hospitality
Major UK retail and hotel chains sponsor foreign workers for managerial, technical, logistics, and hospitality roles. LinkedIn+1
🔹 15. University Employers (Oxford, Cambridge, & Others)
Sector: Education & Research
Top UK universities sponsor academic researchers, lecturers, lab technicians, and postdoctoral fellows through Skilled Worker and Global Mobility visas. Mirataiw
How to Verify Companies Licensed to Sponsor Work Visas
The UK Home Office regularly publishes a register of licensed sponsors — companies authorised to issue Certificates of Sponsorship. uksponsors.com
You can search this register by:
- Company name
- Industry
- Location
- Visa route (Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker, Global Mobility, etc.)
Always verify directly through the official UK government site or trusted partner sites using updated data.
Tips for Applying to UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs
✅ 1. Check the Sponsor Licence Status
Before applying, confirm that the company holds a sponsor licence using the official register. uksponsors.com
✅ 2. Tailor Your CV & Application
UK employers value targeted applications — highlight international experience, certifications, and visa eligibility.
✅ 3. Understand Eligibility Criteria
Most skilled visas require a job offer at or above a minimum salary threshold and relevant qualifications.
✅ 4. Apply Through Official Channels
Use company career pages, government job boards, or verified recruitment platforms — avoid unofficial “guaranteed visa” promises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do all companies on the sponsor list actively hire foreigners?
Not necessarily. Being licensed means they can sponsor if a role and applicant match requirements — but not all roles are open to international applicants.
Q: Does having sponsorship guarantee a visa?
No — visa approval depends on meeting immigration requirements and eligibility criteria.
Q: Are there minimum salary requirements for sponsored jobs?
Yes — most Skilled Worker visas require jobs to meet or exceed a defined salary threshold.
Final Thoughts
The UK remains a competitive but rewarding destination for foreign professionals. With over 140,000 licensed sponsors across sectors in 2026, opportunities exist for skilled workers — but success depends on choosing the right employers, understanding visa rules, and applying strategically.
Always verify employer licences through official channels and prepare strong applications that reflect your skills and experience.
Admin