10 Top UK Companies Sponsoring Work Visas

Securing a job in the United Kingdom can be an exciting career move for professionals around the globe. However, to work legally in the UK as a non-citizen, most people need a work visa sponsored by a UK-based employer.

The good news is that many leading companies in the UK sponsor work visas for skilled international talent. These companies span various industries, from finance and technology to healthcare and engineering, and regularly seek to attract and retain skilled workers from all over the world to strengthen their teams.

Finding a company that can provide visa sponsorship can feel overwhelming, but certain organizations have made it a point to recruit internationally for highly specialized positions. These companies are not only leaders in their respective fields but also offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities that make moving to the UK worthwhile.

Working in the UK allows professionals to experience a vibrant culture, access numerous travel destinations across Europe, and be part of an advanced work environment that values innovation and diversity.

This guide will introduce you to 15 prominent UK companies that sponsor work visas and highlight the benefits, salary expectations, and positions they typically offer. By understanding what these companies are looking for, you can better position yourself for a successful career move and increase your chances of landing a sponsored role in the UK.

Why You Need a UK Work Visa

If you’re a non-UK resident wishing to work in the UK, a work visa is typically required to gain legal employment. The UK work visa serves as an official permit, allowing foreign nationals to work within the country for a specified employer. This type of visa is essential because it ensures you can legally participate in the UK workforce, benefiting both the individual and the employer by fostering a compliant, regulated work environment.

Additionally, a UK work visa often acts as a pathway to broader opportunities. For those aspiring to eventually settle in the UK, certain visa types can lead to permanent residency. The work visa process also demonstrates to employers that you are qualified and serious about contributing to the UK economy.

15 Top UK Companies Sponsoring Work Visas

1. Deloitte

As a global leader in consulting and financial services, Deloitte frequently sponsors skilled professionals in areas like accounting, consulting, and tech. With offices across the UK, they are well-known for supporting diverse, talented employees worldwide.

Benefits: Deloitte offers comprehensive health coverage, pension plans, wellness programs, flexible working options, and career development resources. They emphasize work-life balance and often provide learning stipends.
Salary Expectations: Salaries vary by role but generally range from £30,000 to £55,000 for entry and mid-level positions, with higher figures for senior roles.
Common Vacant Positions: Consultant, Financial Analyst, Data Scientist, IT Specialist, Auditor.
How to Apply: Apply directly on Deloitte’s UK careers website, where you’ll find roles listed with specific requirements. Deloitte also participates in recruitment events, providing networking opportunities.

2. PwC

PwC, or PricewaterhouseCoopers, is another multinational consulting firm that regularly sponsors work visas. They actively hire in areas like technology, finance, and consulting. PwC prioritizes international perspectives, making them a great choice for skilled global professionals.

Benefits: PwC offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health and dental insurance, generous leave, pension schemes, and learning programs like PwC Professional development. They also emphasize diversity and inclusion.
Salary Expectations: Entry-level roles start around £28,000, while senior roles can reach upwards of £70,000.
Common Vacant Positions: Consultant, Tax Associate, Cybersecurity Analyst, Software Engineer, Auditor.
How to Apply: PwC’s career portal is the main platform for applications. They conduct rigorous assessments, including online tests and multiple interview rounds.

3. Google UK

Google’s offices in the UK offer roles in technology, advertising, and project management. Google is renowned for sponsoring work visas and providing excellent perks, making it a top destination for global tech talent.

Benefits: Known for its excellent benefits, Google offers health coverage, free meals, wellness programs, mental health support, and generous parental leave. They also support flexible and remote work.
Salary Expectations: Entry-level roles start around £40,000, with software engineers earning £60,000 and above.
Common Vacant Positions: Software Engineer, Product Manager, Data Analyst, UX Designer, Sales Executive.
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted through Google’s careers site. Google uses a robust interview process, often including technical assessments and multiple interview rounds.

4. Amazon

Amazon has several offices and fulfillment centers across the UK and hires across various fields, including logistics, software engineering, and operations management. Known for its rapid expansion, Amazon frequently sponsors work visas for qualified international candidates.

Benefits: Amazon provides health insurance, stock options, paid time off, and access to wellness resources. They also support career advancement through training programs.
Salary Expectations: Entry-level roles start around £28,000, while technical roles can pay £50,000+.
Common Vacant Positions: Operations Manager, Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Warehouse Associate, Logistics Manager.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted via Amazon’s job portal, with hiring assessments that may include tests, video interviews, and role-specific assessments.

5. EY (Ernst & Young)

EY is one of the Big Four accounting firms and offers roles in finance, audit, and consulting. It has a long-standing commitment to diversity, and sponsorship for work visas is common, especially for experienced professionals and recent graduates in specialized fields.

Benefits: EY offers health insurance, pension contributions, mental health resources, career development support, and wellness programs.
Salary Expectations: Entry roles start at £25,000, with experienced hires earning £60,000 or more.
Common Vacant Positions: Consultant, Auditor, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Expert, Tax Advisor.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through EY’s careers page, where candidates complete online assessments and interviews.

6. HSBC

As a global bank, HSBC offers opportunities in finance, risk management, and IT. HSBC values diverse talent and actively sponsors work visas for roles that require unique expertise and international perspectives.

Benefits: HSBC offers health coverage, retirement plans, generous leave, employee wellness programs, and discounts on financial products.
Salary Expectations: Entry-level roles begin at £28,000, with senior positions often exceeding £60,000.
Common Vacant Positions: Financial Advisor, Risk Manager, Software Developer, Compliance Officer, Relationship Manager.
How to Apply: Apply via HSBC’s careers site. The hiring process includes online assessments, phone interviews, and face-to-face interviews.

7. Microsoft UK

Microsoft’s UK offices hire in fields like software development, marketing, and cybersecurity. As a tech giant, Microsoft is committed to attracting top international talent and regularly offers visa sponsorship to skilled professionals.

Benefits: Microsoft offers health insurance, retirement benefits, fitness reimbursement, generous leave, and career growth programs.
Salary Expectations: Entry salaries start at £35,000, with senior tech roles paying £60,000 and higher.
Common Vacant Positions: Software Engineer, Technical Consultant, Sales Specialist, Data Analyst, Project Manager.
How to Apply: Apply on Microsoft’s careers portal. Expect coding assessments and technical interviews for relevant roles.

8. BP (British Petroleum)

BP is a leading company in the energy sector and has a wide range of roles in engineering, environmental science, and IT. it sponsors work visas for qualified professionals, especially those with expertise in technology and sustainable energy.

Benefits: GSK provides health coverage, retirement contributions, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.
Salary Expectations: Entry salaries start at £30,000, with specialized roles offering £60,000 or more.
Common Vacant Positions: Research Scientist, Pharmacist, Data Analyst, Project Manager, Marketing Specialist.
How to Apply: Applications are available on GSK’s careers site, with assessments and interviews tailored to each role.

9. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

GSK is a top pharmaceutical and healthcare company that hires in areas such as research, manufacturing, and marketing. They offer visa sponsorship for specialized roles, particularly those related to scientific research and development.

10. IBM UK

IBM offers opportunities in technology, research, and consulting. They are well-known for supporting skilled international employees and provide work visa sponsorships for tech-focused roles.

Benefits: IBM offers comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, remote work options, and continuous learning opportunities.
Salary Expectations: Entry roles start around £30,000, with tech roles exceeding £50,000.
Common Vacant Positions: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Consultant, IT Support, Business Analyst.
How to Apply: Submit applications through IBM’s careers portal, including technical assessments and interviews.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

In the UK, salary expectations can vary significantly depending on the region. Some areas, especially major cities and financial hubs, offer higher payment structures due to the demand for skilled professionals, the cost of living, and the concentration of high-profile companies.

London, as the nation’s capital and a global business center, leads with the highest average salaries across most industries. Professionals in fields like finance, law, technology, and consulting often receive premium pay packages, with companies based in London offering competitive compensation to attract top international talent.

Other regions with notable payment structures include Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham. Edinburgh, known for its financial sector and expanding tech industry, offers attractive salaries, especially for roles in finance, banking, and data science.

Manchester and Birmingham, both significant business hubs outside of London, also provide competitive wages in sectors like engineering, healthcare, and information technology. These regions are popular among international job seekers as they offer strong career prospects along with a lower cost of living compared to London, enhancing the overall quality of life for employees.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored

To improve your chances of securing a work visa with these companies:

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight skills relevant to the role and mention any international experience or language skills.
Network Actively: Connect with company representatives on LinkedIn and attend relevant job fairs or industry events.
Prepare for Interviews: Research each company’s values and be ready to discuss how your background fits their specific needs.

Starting your career journey with a UK work visa is possible with the right strategy. Focus on these top companies, and take the first step toward an exciting international career.