If you’re an international candidate looking to work in the UK, obtaining a visa may be essential before relocating. Many UK employers, recognizing the value of foreign talent, may be willing to sponsor your visa. By exploring visa sponsorship options, you can identify organisations that align with your career goals. In this article, we outline the visa sponsorship process and provide a list of UK companies that offer sponsorship.
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The Visa Sponsorship Process
Visa sponsorship is often a necessary step for international candidates seeking work in the UK. To qualify, you generally need a job offer from an employer with a valid sponsor licence. Sponsorships apply to both paid and unpaid work, such as charity roles. There are different categories of sponsorship visas:
Economic Sponsorships: Designed for highly skilled professionals, investors, and students, with specific requirements based on qualifications and purpose for relocating. This category includes the graduate route, allowing international students to remain in the UK after graduation.
Family Sponsorships: You may qualify for a family visa if you have close family ties in the UK, such as a British partner or child. Additionally, it is possible to change your visa type while in the UK; for example, after a divorce, you could apply for a Skilled Worker visa under the economic category.
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UK Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship
Reviewing a list of UK companies that sponsor visas can help you plan your career path and identify employers that make relocation possible.
1. Barclays
Industry: Financial Services
Roles: Careers at Barclays cover fields like software development, business analysis, wealth management, and product management. Sponsorship is often available for roles requiring specialised skills.
2. Clifford Chance
Industry: Law
Roles: Clifford Chance sponsors international candidates for roles in antitrust, finance, tax, and other specialised areas of law. The firm aims to attract top legal talent worldwide, providing opportunities for solicitors and barristers.
3. Ernst & Young (EY)
Industry: Professional Services
Roles: EY offers opportunities in consulting, tax, strategy, and technology across multiple countries. Visa sponsorship is available for roles such as accounting, consulting, and business services.
4. GSK
Industry: Pharmaceuticals
Roles: GSK focuses on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, offering careers in areas like microbiology, medical sales, and lab automation. International candidates can also apply for the Future Leaders Graduate Programme.
5. HSBC
Industry: Banking
Roles: With branches in multiple countries, HSBC offers careers in finance, operations, and business development, providing visa sponsorship for many roles in banking and customer service.
6. KPMG
Industry: Professional Services
Roles: KPMG offers roles in auditing, taxation, and technology, as well as apprenticeships. The organisation is known for welcoming international candidates across all career levels.
7. McKinsey & Company
Industry: Management Consulting
Roles: McKinsey provides consulting services for private, public, and social sectors. With positions for business analysts, digital technology consultants, and knowledge analysts, the company offers sponsorship for qualified candidates.
8. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Industry: Professional Services
Roles: PwC offers roles in areas like auditing, consulting, and risk management. Sponsorship is also available for tech roles, particularly for candidates with expertise in software engineering or data analysis.
9. Rolls-Royce
Industry: Industrial Technology
Roles: Known for its contributions to aerospace and defence, Rolls-Royce offers careers in service engineering, system engineering, and manufacturing quality management. The company also has roles in marketing and sales.
10. Unilever
Industry: Consumer Goods
Roles: Unilever provides opportunities in nutrition, personal care, and product safety. With a focus on sustainability, the company offers roles in food science, data quality, and business analysis.
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These companies represent some of the major UK employers that support international talent through visa sponsorship, making it easier for you to pursue a fulfilling career and relocation in the UK.
