For overseas candidates looking to work in the UK, obtaining a visa may be a necessary step before making the move. Fortunately, there are many businesses in the UK that value international talent and are willing to sponsor visas for qualified individuals. By exploring visa sponsorship opportunities, you can identify organizations that align with your professional goals and expectations. In this article, we will provide an overview of UK visa sponsorship and highlight some of the top firms in the UK that are known for sponsoring employee visas.

What is Visa Sponsorship?

Visa sponsorship is a process in which a national company with a sponsor license offers a job to an overseas applicant, allowing them to work in the UK. This process applies to both paid and unpaid positions, including roles within charities. There are various categories of visa sponsorships available, each catering to different types of individuals and qualifications. Economic sponsorships, for example, are designed for experienced professionals, investors, and students, with specific visa requirements based on the individual’s qualifications and intended purpose for relocating to the UK. Additionally, there are new graduate pathway options that allow overseas students to remain in the country after graduating.

Family Visa Sponsorship

In some cases, individuals may be eligible for a family visa if they have a family member, such as a spouse or child, who is British. Family visas may also be available for individuals whose child was born and resides in the UK. Furthermore, individuals may be able to switch their visa status while in the UK in the event of a divorce, allowing them to apply for an economic Skilled Worker visa, for example.

List of UK Visa Sponsoring Firms

Exploring organizations in the UK that sponsor visas can help you plan your career and identify opportunities that may make your move to the UK easier. Below are some notable firms in the UK that are known for sponsoring employee visas:

Barclays: Barclays is a London-based bank that offers retail and business banking services to individuals and businesses. The company sponsors visas for positions in software development, business research, wealth management, and card product management.

Clifford Chance: Clifford Chance is a multinational legal practice based in London that specializes in various areas of law, including antitrust, intellectual property, finance, real estate, and tax law. The firm sponsors visas for overseas candidates looking to work in the legal field.

Ernst & Young (EY): EY is a global professional services firm headquartered in London that offers consultancy, assurance, tax, and transaction services. The company sponsors visas for positions in technology, accounting, consulting, strategy development, and business services.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): GSK is a British pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that focuses on immunizations, specialty medicines, and prescription drugs. The company sponsors visas for positions in microbiology, change management, medical sales, lab automation, and medical robotics.

HSBC: HSBC is a financial services company that offers a range of services, including current accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards. The company sponsors visas for positions in financial, operations, customer success, and business development roles.

KPMG: KPMG is a leading accounting firm with offices in Birmingham, Gatwick, and Cardiff. The company sponsors visas for positions in auditing, consulting, transaction advising, taxation, technology, engineering, and business services.

McKinsey & Company: McKinsey is a global management consulting firm that serves clients in the private, public, and social sectors. The company sponsors visas for mid- to senior-level positions in business analysis, engagement management, digital technology consulting, and knowledge analysis.

PwC: PwC is a British professional services firm that offers audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. The company sponsors visas for positions in business solutions, operations, risk management, auditing, accounting, financial consulting, and technology.

Rolls-Royce: Rolls-Royce is a global industrial technology leader that focuses on aerospace, defense, power systems, and electrical industries. The company sponsors visas for positions in service engineering, health physics, power electronic system engineering, manufacturing quality management, administration, and sales/marketing.

Unilever: Unilever is a British consumer products manufacturer that produces personal care, nutrition, home care, beauty, and wellness products. The company sponsors visas for positions in food science, product safety, manufacturing, data quality, and business analysis.

In conclusion, there are many opportunities for overseas candidates to work in the UK with the support of visa sponsorship from reputable firms. By exploring these options and identifying organizations that align with your professional goals, you can make your move to the UK a smooth and successful transition.