Last updated: 19 September 2026
Finding a company that can sponsor your UK work visa is not as simple as searching for a large employer.
A company may hold a sponsor licence but not sponsor every vacancy. A job must also meet the Skilled Worker visa rules, including requirements covering the occupation, skill level and salary.
Another important point is that the Tier 2 (General) visa no longer exists for new applicants. It was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. However, many jobseekers still search for terms such as UK Tier 2 visa sponsorship companies, so this guide uses the old term where useful while explaining the current 2026 system.
The official Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors is the main source applicants should use when checking whether an organisation is currently authorised to sponsor workers.
This guide explains how sponsorship works in 2026, which London employers are worth checking and how to avoid wasting time applying for jobs that cannot actually be sponsored.
What Are UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Companies Called in 2026?
The old Tier 2 (General) visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa.
A Skilled Worker visa allows an eligible person to work in the UK for an approved employer after receiving a qualifying job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Applicants normally need:
- an eligible job
- an employer approved by the Home Office
- a Certificate of Sponsorship
- the required salary
- the required level of English
So when you see phrases such as Tier 2 sponsorship jobs, Tier 2 sponsor companies or Tier 2 visa jobs in London, they usually refer to what is now the Skilled Worker route.
International applicants who need additional help finding suitable employers can also explore international recruiting companies in London that specialise in connecting businesses with candidates across different countries and industries.
Which Companies Can Sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa in London?
Only an organisation with the appropriate Home Office sponsor licence can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker application.
However, being on the sponsor register does not mean every job at that organisation comes with sponsorship.
This is one of the most important things international applicants need to understand.
A company may be licensed while:
- sponsoring only certain specialist jobs
- requiring applicants to already have UK work permission for other vacancies
- sponsoring only jobs that meet immigration salary and occupation rules
- temporarily having no suitable sponsored vacancies
You should therefore check both the Home Office sponsor register and the actual job advertisement before applying.
Which UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Companies Should You Check in London?
The employers below are useful starting points for international professionals looking for Skilled Worker opportunities in London.
This is not a ranking based on the number of visas issued. Having a sponsor licence means an organisation has permission to sponsor qualifying workers, but it does not guarantee sponsorship for an individual applicant.
Sponsor status can change, so applicants should always check the latest Home Office register before submitting an application.
1. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Website – Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is one of London’s major healthcare employers.
For overseas applicants, NHS organisations can be particularly important because eligible healthcare professionals may qualify through the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker route.
What Jobs Should Applicants Look For?
Depending on current vacancies and immigration eligibility, opportunities may include doctors, nurses, specialist healthcare professionals, scientists and other skilled hospital positions.
Do not assume every NHS vacancy qualifies simply because the organisation has a sponsor licence. Check the sponsorship information included within each NHS Jobs advertisement.
2. Barts Health NHS Trust
Website: Barts Health NHS Trust
Barts Health NHS Trust operates major hospital services across London and is another employer international healthcare workers may want to monitor.
Some Barts Health vacancies may consider applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship when the job and applicant meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Which Roles May Be Relevant?
Possible areas include:
- nursing
- medicine
- radiography
- pharmacy
- specialist clinical positions
- scientific roles
Some administrative and support positions may not meet the required occupation or salary rules.
Always check the individual vacancy rather than assuming that every position within an NHS trust can be sponsored.
3. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Website: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is another major London healthcare employer worth checking.
UCLH employs thousands of people across clinical, research, scientific, technical and administrative functions.
For international applicants, potentially relevant vacancies may include medicine, nursing, research and specialist healthcare occupations.
The important point is that sponsorship eligibility is determined by the specific vacancy rather than the size or reputation of the employer.
4. Barclays Bank PLC
Website: Barclays Bank PLC
Barclays is one of the major banking employers operating in London and is associated with the Skilled Worker sponsor route.
Which Barclays Jobs Might Be Relevant?
Sponsorship may be more relevant to specialist professional vacancies rather than every role within the bank.
Applicants may want to investigate areas such as:
- software engineering
- cybersecurity
- quantitative analysis
- data
- risk management
- specialist financial services
- technology infrastructure
London’s wider financial sector contains many large employers. Candidates researching finance careers can also explore investment companies in London to understand the organisations operating across investment management, banking and financial services.
A sponsor licence gives a business the legal ability to sponsor qualifying workers. It does not create an automatic entitlement to sponsorship.
5. Deloitte LLP
Website: Deloitte LLP
Deloitte is a major professional-services employer with a significant London operation.
Possible areas relevant to international professionals include consulting, technology, cybersecurity, tax, data, digital transformation and other specialist professional services.
International applicants should check the specific Deloitte vacancy carefully.
Graduate schemes, internships and entry-level positions may operate under different recruitment or sponsorship policies from experienced professional vacancies.
The job description should therefore be reviewed before assuming sponsorship is available.
6. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Website: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)
PricewaterhouseCoopers, commonly known as PwC, is another major professional-services employer in London.
PwC recruits across areas such as:
- audit
- tax
- consulting
- technology
- deals
- cybersecurity
- data and analytics
Sponsorship availability can vary by department, programme and individual vacancy.
Applicants should search PwC’s official careers website and then establish whether the particular position can meet Skilled Worker requirements.
International candidates can also use specialist recruitment companies in London to identify vacancies across technology, finance, healthcare, professional services and other skilled sectors.
7. Amazon UK Services Ltd
Website: Amazon UK Services Ltd
Amazon UK Services Ltd is associated with the Skilled Worker sponsorship route in the UK.
International candidates may encounter suitable opportunities across areas such as:
- software engineering
- cloud technology
- data
- product development
- machine learning
- operations
- technical programme management
Amazon’s presence on the sponsor register does not mean every Amazon UK vacancy includes visa sponsorship.
The legal employer named on the vacancy also matters.
Large corporate groups can contain several separate companies, so applicants should compare the employer name on the job advertisement with the organisation appearing on the Home Office sponsor register.
8. Google UK Limited
Website: Google UK Limited
Google has a significant London operation and recruits highly skilled professionals in a range of technical and commercial areas.
Potentially relevant roles may include:
- software engineering
- cloud computing
- artificial intelligence
- data science
- cybersecurity
- product management
- specialist technical positions
Applicants should not simply search for Google visa sponsorship and assume every vacancy qualifies.
Check the legal employer, occupation, salary, job location and sponsorship information associated with the individual vacancy.
London’s technology sector extends far beyond large global businesses. Candidates interested in emerging employers may also find the guide to tech startup companies in London useful when researching the city’s technology ecosystem.
9. Goldman Sachs International
Website: Goldman Sachs International
Goldman Sachs International is a major financial-services employer with a substantial London operation.
International professionals may find potentially relevant vacancies in areas such as:
- technology
- quantitative analysis
- software engineering
- risk
- finance
- data
- specialist financial functions
A company appearing on the sponsor register means it has sponsorship capability. It does not mean sponsorship is guaranteed for every advertised Goldman Sachs position.
Applicants should always review the requirements attached to the individual vacancy.
10. University College London
Website: University College London (UCL)
Visa sponsorship is not limited to technology companies, banks and healthcare employers.
Universities are also important employers of international academics, researchers and technical specialists.
University College London employs people across teaching, research, science, technology and professional services.
Potentially relevant roles may include:
- researchers
- lecturers
- academics
- scientists
- technical specialists
- certain senior professional positions
Universities generally provide immigration guidance for employees who require sponsorship, but candidates should still confirm eligibility for their individual vacancy.
What Salary Do You Need for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2026?
This is one of the areas where older Tier 2 visa sponsorship articles can be misleading.
For many new Skilled Worker applications, the standard salary requirement is normally the higher of:
£41,700 per year
or
the going rate for the occupation.
For example, if the general threshold is £41,700 but the applicable going rate for a particular occupation is £48,000, a salary of £42,000 would not normally satisfy the standard salary rule.
Applicants should therefore check both figures.
Can the Salary Be Lower Than £41,700?
In some circumstances, yes.
Different rules may apply to certain applicants, including eligible new entrants, people with certain relevant PhDs, some postdoctoral workers and occupations covered by specific immigration provisions.
Some applicants may qualify under lower salary thresholds provided they also meet the appropriate percentage of the occupation’s going rate.
Healthcare and certain education occupations can also operate under different salary rules.
Because the immigration system contains several exceptions, applicants should check their exact occupation code and personal circumstances rather than relying on a single headline salary figure.
What Changed to Skilled Worker Jobs in 2025?
An important change took effect on 22 July 2025.
The normal Skilled Worker skill threshold increased to RQF Level 6, which is broadly graduate-level work.
However, exceptions can apply to some occupations and workers, including certain positions covered by specific immigration lists or transitional arrangements.
This means older articles stating that all new Skilled Worker jobs only need to meet RQF Level 3 may now provide outdated information.
Applicants should identify the correct four-digit occupation code for the job and check the latest government eligibility rules.
What English Level Is Required in 2026?
English-language requirements also changed for some applicants.
For many people making their first Skilled Worker application from 8 January 2026, the required English level is B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Depending on the circumstances, applicants may be able to demonstrate their English through:
- an approved English-language test
- certain UK qualifications
- an eligible degree taught in English
- another method accepted under the immigration rules
Different rules may apply to some people who already held relevant immigration permission before the change.
Always check the current GOV.UK requirements applying to your application date.
How Can You Check Whether a Company Really Sponsors UK Visas?
The safest starting point is the government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers.
The register provides important details about organisations authorised to sponsor workers.
Use the Exact Employer Name
This is particularly important when applying to a large corporate group.
The brand name that applicants recognise may not always be the exact legal company employing the worker.
For example, a vacancy can be advertised under a major corporate brand while the employment contract is issued by a specific subsidiary.
Compare the legal employer named in the vacancy or offer with the organisation shown on the Home Office sponsor register.
Does Being on the Sponsor List Mean You Will Get Sponsorship?
No.
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings surrounding UK work visa sponsorship.
A sponsor licence simply means an organisation has permission to sponsor eligible workers.
The employer still needs to determine whether:
- the vacancy is suitable for sponsorship
- the applicant meets its recruitment requirements
- the occupation is eligible
- the salary meets the immigration rules
- the company is willing to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship
This is why applicants should avoid sending hundreds of applications based only on names found on the government sponsor register.
How Do You Find Real Visa Sponsorship Jobs in London?
A more effective strategy combines the government sponsor register with current vacancies.
Step 1: Identify Licensed Employers
Start with the Home Office sponsor register and create a shortlist of organisations operating in your industry.
Do not begin by applying randomly to every employer on the list.
Step 2: Visit the Employer’s Official Careers Website
Search the company’s official careers pages.
Look for wording that indicates whether overseas applicants or people requiring sponsorship can be considered.
Examples can include:
- Skilled Worker sponsorship available
- Certificate of Sponsorship available
- applicants requiring sponsorship may be considered
- visa sponsorship may be available
The exact wording differs between employers.
Step 3: Check the Occupation Code
An employer’s sponsor licence cannot make an otherwise ineligible occupation automatically eligible.
Identify the occupation code that best matches the job and confirm whether it is accepted under the current Skilled Worker rules.
Step 4: Check the Salary
Compare the advertised salary with both the relevant general salary requirement and the occupation’s going rate.
Do not assume that earning more than £41,700 automatically makes every job eligible because some occupations can have higher going rates.
Step 5: Ask About Sponsorship Clearly
If a job advert does not explain the company’s position on sponsorship, contact the recruiter or employer.
A clearer question is:
“Is this specific vacancy eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship for an applicant who currently requires UK visa sponsorship?”
This is more useful than simply asking whether the company sponsors visas.
Which Jobs Have Better Chances of Sponsorship?
There is no company, profession or occupation where sponsorship is guaranteed.
A suitable opportunity generally requires three things to align:
The occupation must be eligible, the employer must be authorised to sponsor and the salary must meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Specialist professional jobs may be more likely to satisfy the current skill-level rules.
Areas worth researching include:
- technology
- software development
- engineering
- financial services
- scientific research
- higher education
- medicine
- nursing
- specialist healthcare professions
London also has a large startup economy. Applicants researching growing businesses can explore unicorn companies in London to learn more about some of the city’s high-growth private companies.
However, being part of a high-demand industry does not automatically make every job suitable for visa sponsorship.
What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship, commonly shortened to CoS, is an electronic sponsorship record assigned by an approved employer.
It is not a physical certificate and it is not a visa.
The CoS contains important details about the proposed employment and sponsored worker.
The applicant uses the sponsorship information as part of the Skilled Worker visa application.
Jobseekers should be cautious about anyone claiming they can simply sell a genuine sponsorship job or Certificate of Sponsorship.
A legitimate sponsorship arrangement should be connected to a genuine job with an authorised employer.
How Much Money Do Skilled Worker Applicants Need?
The cost of applying depends on factors such as the length of the visa, where the application is submitted and the circumstances of the job.
Costs can include:
- the visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge where applicable
- maintenance funds
- English-language testing where required
- document and qualification costs
- relocation expenses
Applicants may normally need to show that they have enough money to support themselves when arriving in the UK unless an exemption applies or their sponsor certifies maintenance.
Some employers choose to pay or reimburse certain immigration costs, but this should never be assumed.
Check the employment offer and the current government fee schedule.
What Mistakes Should International Jobseekers Avoid?
One common mistake is applying to every business appearing on the sponsor register without checking whether the individual vacancy can actually be sponsored.
Another is relying on old immigration information.
Articles still referring to the previous £38,700 standard salary threshold or describing RQF Level 3 as the normal requirement for new Skilled Worker jobs can provide outdated guidance.
Applicants should also avoid assuming that:
- a famous company always provides sponsorship
- every NHS position qualifies
- every graduate job can be sponsored
- earning £41,700 automatically makes every occupation eligible
- appearing on the sponsor register guarantees a visa
Every job needs to be checked individually.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Getting a Sponsored Job?
Start with positions that closely match your actual skills, qualifications and experience.
Employers may be more willing to consider sponsorship when an applicant clearly meets the requirements of a skilled or specialist vacancy.
Your CV should focus primarily on why you are suitable for the job rather than filling the document with visa-related keywords.
For example, a software engineer should highlight programming languages, technologies, systems, projects and measurable achievements.
A healthcare professional should clearly explain registrations, clinical experience, specialist skills and relevant qualifications.
Candidates interested in London’s growing business ecosystem can also research venture capital companies in London to understand the investors supporting many technology and high-growth businesses in the capital.
Once you find a suitable employer and vacancy, check sponsorship separately.
This approach helps your application look like a serious professional job application rather than simply a request for immigration sponsorship.
Are Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Jobs Still Available in London?
Jobs described online as Tier 2 visa sponsorship jobs still exist, but the current immigration route is normally the Skilled Worker visa.
Employers, recruiters and jobseekers may continue to use the old Tier 2 phrase because it remains widely recognised.
Applicants can therefore search using both phrases:
Tier 2 visa sponsorship jobs London
and
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship jobs London
However, eligibility should always be checked against the current Skilled Worker immigration rules.
Final Thoughts
Searching for UK Tier 2 visa sponsorship companies in London is still a useful starting point, but applicants in 2026 need to understand that the immigration system has changed significantly.
The relevant route for most sponsored professional workers is now the Skilled Worker visa.
For many new applications, the standard salary requirement is at least £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher. The normal skill threshold increased to RQF Level 6 in July 2025, while English-language requirements have also changed for many new applicants in 2026.
Most importantly, finding a licensed company is only the first step.
Before applying, check the sponsor, vacancy, occupation code, salary and sponsorship wording.
The Home Office sponsor register changes regularly, so candidates should use the latest government information rather than relying on an old downloadable list or an article that has not been updated.
Data note: Sponsor information in this guide was reviewed using information available in September 2026. Sponsor status, immigration rules and individual vacancies can change, so applicants should verify current information before making employment or immigration decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Still Available in the UK?
The Tier 2 (General) visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. When employers or job websites refer to Tier 2 sponsorship today, they are generally referring to Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Which Companies Sponsor Work Visas in London?
London has licensed sponsors across healthcare, technology, banking, professional services, universities, engineering and many other industries.
Examples include major NHS organisations, Barclays, Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, Google, Goldman Sachs and University College London.
Sponsor status should always be confirmed on the latest Home Office register.
Does Amazon Offer Visa Sponsorship in the UK?
Amazon UK entities can hold Skilled Worker sponsorship licences, but this does not mean every Amazon vacancy offers sponsorship.
Candidates should check the legal employer and individual job requirements.
Does Google Sponsor Skilled Worker Visas in London?
Google UK operates in London and can recruit international professionals for eligible positions. Applicants must still check whether their particular vacancy qualifies and whether sponsorship is being offered.
Does Deloitte Sponsor UK Work Visas?
Deloitte is associated with the Skilled Worker sponsor route, but sponsorship depends on the individual vacancy, candidate and recruitment programme.
Can NHS Employers Sponsor International Workers?
Yes. Many NHS organisations hold sponsor licences and recruit international workers.
Eligible healthcare professionals may also be able to use the Health and Care Worker visa route.
The individual role must still satisfy the relevant requirements.
What is the Minimum Skilled Worker Salary in 2026?
For many new applicants under the standard Skilled Worker rules, the salary normally needs to be at least £41,700 or the occupation’s going rate, whichever is higher.
Different salary provisions can apply to some workers and occupations.
Do You Need a University Degree for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Not necessarily.
The normal occupation skill threshold has moved to RQF Level 6 for many new Skilled Worker applications, but this refers to the skill level associated with the job.
It does not simply mean every applicant must personally possess a university degree.
Applicants should check the specific requirements for their occupation.
Can International Graduates Get Visa Sponsorship?
Yes, where the employer, occupation, salary and other Skilled Worker requirements are met.
Some eligible new entrants may also qualify under different salary provisions.
How Do I Know if a Sponsorship Job is Genuine?
Check the legal employer against the official Home Office sponsor register.
You should also:
- use the company’s official careers website
- confirm the recruiter’s identity
- verify the vacancy independently
- be cautious about requests for unusual payments
- check the employment contract carefully
- confirm the correct legal employer
Never rely solely on a social-media post or an unofficial message promising guaranteed sponsorship.