Career Advice

How to Find the Right Visa-Sponsored Job in the UK in 2025 (A Step-by-Step Guide)

The UK continues to attract skilled professionals from around the world with its diverse job market and visa opportunities. While certain sectors experience high demand, many industries actively hire international talent. Finding a visa-sponsored job in the UK requires more than just understanding visa requirements. It’s about finding the right job that matches your skills, aspirations, and long-term career goals. By adopting a clear strategy - combining a skills audit, job search techniques, application preparation, and interview readiness - you can increase your chances of landing a role that suits you perfectly. In this article, we explain the steps you can take to find the right visa-sponsored job in the UK in 2025.

In a nutshell

Before we dive in, here is a quick summary of what you need to do: Understand your skills, apply for visa-sponsored jobs, attend interviews, receive a job offer, obtain the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, and apply for a visa. Once your visa is approved, you will move to the UK or continue staying in the UK and start your employment. Below, we explain each step in detail.

Step 1: Conduct a Skills Audit

The UK job market has become increasingly competitive. Before starting your job search, take a step back to evaluate your skills, experience, and career goals. A skills audit helps you identify the roles that align with your expertise.

1. Evaluate Your Skills:

List your technical, soft, and transferable skills (e.g., programming, communication, project management).
Identify certifications or qualifications that give you an edge in your field.
Think about what makes you stand out compared to other candidates who are applying for the same job.

2. Assess Market Demand:

Research in-demand skills in the UK job market, particularly in visa-sponsored roles. You can find out more about those skills here.
Explore industries with skill shortages or high international recruitment rates (e.g., healthcare, technology, engineering) if you have the option.

3. Set Career Goals:

Ask yourself: What roles align with my aspirations? Am I open to relocating to different parts of the UK?

Step 2: Understand the Common UK Work Visas

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for professionals across various sectors. To qualify:

Job Offer: You need a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer.
Salary Threshold:
- £38,700 per year or £15.88 per hour for most roles.
- For new entrants or certain roles listed in the Immigration Salary List (ISL), a reduced threshold may apply.
Other Requirements: You must meet the role’s “going rate,” prove English language proficiency, and have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.

The Skilled Worker Visa applies across virtually all industries, from technology and engineering to education and finance. You can learn more about the Skilled Worker Visa here.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa is designed for professionals in healthcare and social care roles. It offers several benefits compared to the Skilled Worker Visa:

Eligibility: Doctors, nurses, social care workers, and allied health professionals are eligible.
Salary Threshold:
- General requirement: £29,000 per year.
- Some NHS or social care roles may have adjusted thresholds based on national pay scales.
Fast-Track Process: Applications are processed faster, typically within three weeks.
Exemption from IHS: Applicants and their dependents are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, reducing visa costs significantly.

This visa caters to a highly in-demand sector, making it one of the most common visa types for international applicants. You can learn more about the Health and Care Worker Visa here.

Step 3: Start Your Job Search

The next step is searching for jobs. To search for a job effectively, you can

Identify Suitable Sectors: Look into sectors with high demand for international professionals, such as healthcare, technology, engineering, education, and hospitality.
Explore niche industries where your unique skills might stand out.
Streamline your search by using platforms like UK Visa Jobs that cater to international professionals.

In addition to the sector you want to work in, if you have skills that can be used in other sectors, it is important to consider those sectors when searching for jobs and employees. While there are visa-sponsored jobs in many industries, below are the top industries that hire international talent.

1. Healthcare

The NHS and private healthcare organisations recruit internationally for doctors, nurses, and care workers.
High demand and tailored visa options make healthcare one of the most accessible sectors for visa sponsorship.

You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs in the healthcare industry here.

2. Technology

Roles in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science are growing rapidly.
Many tech companies are licensed to sponsor visas due to a lack of domestic talent.

You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs in the information technology industry here.

3. Engineering

With ongoing infrastructure development, the UK consistently needs skilled civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.

You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs in the engineering industry here.

4. Education

Teachers specialising in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and special education are highly sought after.

You can apply for visa-sponsored jobs in the education industry here.

Step 3: Create a Winning Job Application

Your application should highlight why you’re the perfect candidate for the role. Key tips include:

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Focus on skills and experiences that match the job description.
Research the Company: Show genuine interest in the employer’s mission and values.

If you feel like your profile is not strong enough, you can:

1. Upskill:

Pursue certifications or training in in-demand areas like coding, AI, project management (PMP), or healthcare specialisations.
Use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning for affordable skill-building.

2. Showcase Your Expertise:

Create a professional LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements and skills.
Publish blog posts or articles related to your expertise to establish thought leadership.

3. Volunteer or Freelance:

If you lack UK-specific experience, consider volunteering or freelancing to build relevant experience and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

You may benefit from our resources and webinars on CV writing.

Step 4: Ace the Interview and Get a Job Offer

Use your interview as an opportunity to stand out:

Demonstrate Your Skills: Emphasise how your expertise aligns with the role and industry needs.
Show Commitment: Express your interest in contributing to the organisation and building a long-term career in the UK.
Discuss Adaptability: Employers value candidates who are ready to integrate into the UK work culture.

If you are successful in your interviews, you will receive a job offer, and with that, the hardest part of the journey will be over.

If you want to know more about how to succeed in interviews and other assessments in the UK, you can also register and attend our live webinars.

Step 5: Obtain Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and Apply for a Visa

Once you secure a job offer, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This confirms that:

The employer is authorised to sponsor your visa.
The role meets the eligibility requirements of the visa you’re applying for.

Once you receive your CoS, apply for the appropriate visa:

1. Skilled Worker Visa:

Cost: £719–£1,639 depending on the duration.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa:

Cost: £284–£551 depending on the duration.
No IHS: Significant cost savings.

You can learn more about the visa application process for those two types of visas here.

Step 6: Move to the UK or Continue Your Stay

Once your visa is approved, it’s time to prepare for your move or settle into your new role if you’re extending your stay.

For New Arrivals:

Travel to the UK: Use your visa to enter the UK. At the border, present your passport, visa decision letter, and proof of accommodation.
The E-Visa - With the new digital immigration system being introduced in the UK, you will not be issued a physical visa or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card anymore. Instead, you will be issued a digital code which can be used to prove your immigration status. You can learn more here.
Settle In: Arrange accommodation, set up a UK bank account, register with a GP (General Practitioner), and learn about your local area.

For Those Extending Their Stay:

Once you have received your new visa, you can continue your employment with your current employer or start your employment with your new employer. You do not have to leave and come back to the UK.

Whether you’re moving to the UK for the first time or continuing your stay, ensure you comply with all visa conditions to maintain your legal status.

Conclusion

The UK job market is diverse, offering opportunities across high-demand sectors and beyond. While healthcare, technology, and engineering roles remain popular for visa sponsorship, many other industries also actively hire international talent. Whether you pursue a Skilled Worker Visa or a Health and Care Worker Visa, understanding the requirements and targeting the right opportunities will increase your chances of success.

Focus on your strengths, tailor your applications, and stay informed about immigration updates to secure your dream job in the UK. Good luck!