How to Find Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK?
Navigating the UK job market as an international candidate can be challenging, especially when it involves finding employers willing to offer a Skilled Worker visa (formerly known as Tier 2 visa) or Health and Care worker visa sponsorship. This article aims to demystify the process, providing a step-by-step guide to securing visa sponsorship jobs in the UK. Let's begin by understanding some key concepts.
Understanding Key Terms
1. Tier 2 Visa: Many people still use the term Tier 2 visa to refer to the UK work visa. Tier 2 visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa on 1st December 2020 and is now called Skilled Worker visa. The Skilled Worker visa allows individuals from outside the UK to work in a skilled job with a Home Office-approved employer and is part of the UK's points-based immigration system.
2. Skilled Worker Visa: This visa category is for individuals who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. It requires the applicant to have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence. The job must be at a required skill level, and the applicant must be paid an appropriate salary for the role.
3. Health and Care Worker Visa: The Health and Care Worker visa is a specific category of visa under the UK's points-based immigration system, designed to facilitate the entry of medical professionals into the UK to work in the National Health Service (NHS), in adult social care, or with healthcare providers that provide services to the NHS.
4. Work Visa: Both the Skilled Worker visa and the Health and Care worker visa fall under the work visa category.
5. Visa Sponsored/Sponsorship Jobs: These are positions offered by UK employers who are licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor non-UK nationals. To sponsor an employee, the employer must have a sponsorship license. It is important to remember that a visa-sponsored role is not only available for non-UK nationals. UK nationals or people with an existing right to work can also apply for visa-sponsored jobs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Skilled Worker Visa-Sponsored Jobs
1. Research and Preparation:
- Understand the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa. You can read more here.
- Identify your skillset and the roles that match your qualifications and experience.
- Update your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for these roles. If you are not sure about how to approach this, you can benefit from UK Visa Jobs resources and workshops.
2. Identify Potential Employers:
- Use platforms like UK Visa Jobs, which is dedicated to listing jobs that offer visa sponsorship.
- Check the UK government's list of approved sponsors to find companies authorised to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. However, this is not an efficient way of approaching job applications. We explained the reason here.
- Network within your professional circles for potential leads and recommendations.
3. Apply for Suitable Positions:
- Tailor your application and cover letter to each role, emphasising your suitability and commitment.
- Be transparent about your need for visa sponsorship in your application. This will not impact your chance of success if the employer sees the real value in you.
4. Interview Preparation:
- Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practising answers to common interview questions. If you do not know how to approach this, we have workshops to help you with this.
- Be ready to discuss your visa requirements and how your skills can benefit the employer.
- If you are not successful, think about what might have gone wrong, improve yourself and try again.
5. Visa Application Process:
- Once you receive a job offer, your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Always be careful that employers never ask for money for a CoS. If you are asked to pay for a CoS, it is most likely to be a scam.
- Apply for the Skilled Worker visa, ensuring you meet all the requirements and have the necessary documentation.
6. Post-acceptance:
- Plan your relocation and settle in the UK.
- Understand your rights and responsibilities as a Skilled Worker visa holder.
Finding Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship jobs in the UK requires careful preparation and an understanding of the immigration process. Platforms like UK Visa Jobs streamline this journey, offering a focused approach to job hunting for international candidates. By following the steps above, you can increase your chances of securing a role in the UK and embark on an exciting professional journey. Remember, persistence and thorough preparation are key to success in this competitive landscape.
