The United Kingdom is undoubtedly one prime destination for international skilled workers seeking high-paying career opportunities, with many roles offering salaries up to £95,000 or more.
The Skilled Worker visa, previously known as the Tier 2 visa, enables UK employers with a sponsorship license to hire overseas talent to fill skill shortages.
As of July 2025, over 70,000 UK companies are registered as licensed sponsors, according to the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors.
This comprehensive guide explores 12 prominent UK companies actively sponsoring Skilled Worker visas, detailing job profiles, visa requirements, application strategies, and industry trends. It includes case studies, actionable advice, and credible references to ensure adequate value for international professionals targeting high-paying roles in 2025.
Why Work in the UK with a Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK’s robust economy, cultural diversity, and demand for skilled professionals make it an attractive destination. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported median gross annual earnings of £37,430 in April 2024, with high-demand roles often exceeding £95,000.
The Skilled Worker visa facilitates entry for professionals in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering, particularly those on the UK’s shortage occupation list. Benefits include competitive salaries, comprehensive work benefits (e.g., 28 days of paid leave), and pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
This article focuses on 12 UK companies known for sponsoring Skilled Worker visas, offering insights into job roles, visa processes, and strategies to secure employment.
12 UK Companies Willing to Sponsor Skilled Worker Visas
Below is an in-depth exploration of 12 UK companies actively sponsoring Skilled Worker visas in 2025, based on the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors and industry insights from sources like DavidsonMorris and Careerical. Each section includes job profiles, salary ranges, qualifications, visa eligibility, and application strategies, supported by recent data.
1. Deloitte
Industry: Professional Services
Source: Careerical, Job Ready English
Company Overview: Deloitte, one of the Big Four professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. With offices in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, it employs over 20,000 people in the UK and frequently sponsors Skilled Worker visas for international talent.
Job Profile: Technology Consultant
- Salary Range: £60,000–£95,000
- Description: Technology consultants design and implement IT solutions, focusing on cloud computing, cybersecurity, or data analytics. They work with clients across industries like finance and healthcare.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field.
- 3–7 years of experience in IT consulting or software development.
- Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
- Strong problem-solving and client-facing skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa, as the role is on the shortage occupation list. Salaries exceed the £25,600 minimum threshold.
- How to Apply: Apply via Deloitte’s careers page (jobs.deloitte.com) or job boards like LinkedIn. Tailor your CV to highlight technical expertise and international experience.
Application Strategy:
- Emphasize certifications and experience with UK-relevant technologies.
- Network via LinkedIn with Deloitte recruiters.
- Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on problem-solving and client engagement.
Why It’s In Demand: The UK’s digital transformation drives demand for tech consultants, with Deloitte sponsoring numerous visas annually.
2. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Industry: Professional Services
Source: Careerical, Job Ready English
Company Overview: PwC offers audit, tax, and consulting services, with a strong focus on technology and finance. It is a Times Top 100 employer, known for hiring international graduates and professionals.
Job Profile: Financial Risk Manager
- Salary Range: £65,000–£90,000
- Description: Financial risk managers assess and mitigate risks for clients in banking and insurance, ensuring compliance with UK regulations like FCA rules.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or Risk Management; MBA preferred.
- 5–8 years of experience in risk management or financial services.
- ACCA or CIMA certification.
- Knowledge of UK financial regulations.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa, meeting the salary threshold.
- How to Apply: Use PwC’s careers portal (www.pwc.co.uk/careers) or eFinancialCareers. Highlight regulatory expertise in your application.
Application Strategy:
- Obtain UK-recognized certifications like ACCA.
- Network at PwC events or through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
- Prepare for case-study interviews on risk scenarios.
Why It’s In Demand: Regulatory complexity in finance fuels demand for risk managers.
3. Ernst & Young (EY)
Industry: Professional Services
Source: Indeed UK
Company Overview: EY provides consulting, assurance, tax, and transaction services, operating globally with a strong UK presence. It sponsors visas for roles in technology and strategy.
Job Profile: Data Analyst
- Salary Range: £55,000–£85,000
- Description: Data analysts interpret complex datasets to provide business insights, using tools like Python, SQL, or Tableau.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in data analysis.
- Certifications in data tools (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate).
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa, with salaries above the threshold.
- How to Apply: Apply via EY’s careers page (www.ey.com/en_uk/careers) or LinkedIn. Highlight data visualization skills.
Application Strategy:
- Build a portfolio of data projects on GitHub.
- Network at EY’s data-focused webinars.
- Prepare for technical interviews with coding tests.
Why It’s In Demand: Data-driven decision-making is critical across industries.
4. KPMG
Industry: Professional Services
Source: Careerical
Company Overview: KPMG offers audit, tax, and advisory services, with a focus on technology and finance. It sponsors visas for graduates and experienced professionals.
Job Profile: Cybersecurity Consultant
- Salary Range: £60,000–£90,000
- Description: Cybersecurity consultants protect client systems from threats, implementing solutions like firewalls and encryption.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, IT, or related field.
- 3–7 years of experience in security operations.
- Certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+.
- Knowledge of GDPR and UK cybersecurity laws.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa, meeting salary requirements.
- How to Apply: Use KPMG’s careers portal (home.kpmg/uk) or Indeed. Highlight cybersecurity certifications.
Application Strategy:
- Obtain UK-recognized cybersecurity certifications.
- Network via the UK Cyber Security Council.
- Prepare for scenario-based interviews on threat mitigation.
Why It’s In Demand: Rising cyber threats increase demand for cybersecurity expertise.
5. National Health Service (NHS)
Industry: Healthcare
Source: Careerical
Company Overview: The NHS, one of the world’s largest employers, regularly sponsors visas for healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to address shortages.
Job Profile: Consultant Physician (Cardiology)
- Salary Range: £80,000–£95,000
- Description: Consultant physicians diagnose and treat heart conditions, leading clinical teams in NHS hospitals.
- Qualifications:
- Medical degree recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC).
- MRCP or equivalent and specialty training in cardiology.
- 5–10 years of clinical experience.
- English proficiency (IELTS 7.5 or OET B).
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Health and Care Worker visa, with streamlined sponsorship for shortage roles.
- How to Apply: Apply via NHS Jobs (www.jobs.nhs.uk) or recruiters like HealthX.
Application Strategy:
- Register with the GMC and complete PLAB if required.
- Focus on high-demand specialties like cardiology.
- Network through the British Medical Association.
- Highlight NHS framework familiarity.
Why It’s In Demand: The NHS faces a shortage of 7,000 doctors in 2025.
6. Google
Industry: Technology
Source: Careerical, X Posts
Company Overview: Google’s UK offices in London focus on engineering, marketing, and sales, offering visa sponsorship for fresh graduates and professionals.
Job Profile: Software Engineer
- Salary Range: £70,000–£95,000
- Description: Software engineers develop scalable applications, focusing on cloud or AI solutions.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science.
- 3–5 years of coding experience (Python, Java, C++).
- Knowledge of Google Cloud or TensorFlow.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa, with salaries exceeding the threshold.
- How to Apply: Apply via Google Careers (careers.google.com) or LinkedIn. Submit a coding portfolio.
Application Strategy:
- Build a GitHub portfolio with AI or cloud projects.
- Network at Google’s tech events or via LinkedIn.
- Prepare for coding interviews with algorithmic challenges.
Why It’s In Demand: Google’s innovation in AI and cloud computing drives demand.
7. Microsoft
Industry: Technology
Source: Careerical, X Posts
Company Overview: Microsoft’s UK operations focus on software development, cloud computing, and AI, with visa sponsorship for skilled roles.
Job Profile: Cloud Solutions Architect
- Salary Range: £75,000–£95,000
- Description: Cloud solutions architects design Azure-based solutions for clients across industries.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in IT or Computer Science.
- 5–7 years of experience in cloud architecture.
- Microsoft Azure certifications.
- Client-facing and technical skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa.
- How to Apply: Apply via Microsoft Careers (careers.microsoft.com) or LinkedIn.
Application Strategy:
- Obtain Azure certifications.
- Network at Microsoft Ignite events.
- Highlight cloud project experience.
Why It’s In Demand: Cloud adoption fuels demand for architects.
8. Barclays
Industry: Finance
Source: X Posts
Company Overview: Barclays, a leading UK bank, sponsors visas for roles in finance, risk, and technology.
Job Profile: Investment Banking Analyst
- Salary Range: £65,000–£90,000
- Description: Analysts support mergers, acquisitions, and financial strategies for clients.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in banking or finance.
- CFA or equivalent certification.
- Analytical and financial modeling skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa.
- How to Apply: Apply via Barclays Careers (home.barclays/careers) or eFinancialCareers.
Application Strategy:
- Highlight CFA progress or financial modeling skills.
- Network via the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
- Prepare for case-study interviews.
Why It’s In Demand: The UK’s financial sector requires skilled analysts.
9. Goldman Sachs
Industry: Finance
Source: X Posts
Company Overview: Goldman Sachs sponsors visas for finance and tech roles in its London office.
Job Profile: Quantitative Analyst
- Salary Range: £70,000–£95,000
- Description: Quantitative analysts develop models for trading and risk management.
- Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Mathematics, Finance, or Data Science.
- 3–5 years of experience in quantitative finance.
- Proficiency in Python or R.
- Strong mathematical skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa.
- How to Apply: Apply via Goldman Sachs Careers (www.goldmansachs.com/careers).
Application Strategy:
- Highlight quantitative modeling skills.
- Network via finance conferences.
- Prepare for technical interviews with coding tests.
Why It’s In Demand: Demand for quant skills in finance grows.
10. Amazon
Industry: Technology, E-commerce
Source: Careerical, X Posts
Company Overview: Amazon sponsors visas for roles in tech, logistics, and operations across its UK offices.
Job razõesProfile: Operations Manager
- Salary Range: £60,000–£85,000
- Description: Operations managers oversee logistics and supply chain processes in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, or related field.
- 5–7 years of experience in operations or supply chain.
- Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
- Leadership and analytical skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa.
- How to Apply: Apply via Amazon Jobs (www.amazon.jobs).
Application Strategy:
- Highlight logistics or supply chain experience.
- Network via supply chain conferences.
- Prepare for leadership-focused interviews.
Why It’s In Demand: E-commerce growth drives demand for operations expertise.
11. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Industry: Pharmaceutical
Source: Careerical, Indeed UK
Company Overview: GSK, a leading biotech firm, sponsors visas for roles in R&D and healthcare.
Job Profile: Clinical Research Scientist
- Salary Range: £65,000–£90,000
- Description: Clinical research scientists design and monitor clinical trials for new drugs.
- Qualifications:
- Master’s or PhD in Life Sciences or Pharmacology.
- 3–5 years of experience in clinical research.
- Knowledge of UK regulatory standards (MHRA).
- Analytical and ethical skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa.
- How to Apply: Apply via GSK Careers (jobs.gsk.com).
Application Strategy:
- Highlight clinical trial experience.
- Network via the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
- Prepare for interviews on regulatory compliance.
Why It’s In Demand: Biotech innovation drives demand for researchers.
12. Unilever
Industry: Consumer Goods
Source: X Posts
Company Overview: Unilever sponsors visas for roles in marketing, supply chain, and R&D in its UK offices.
Job Profile: Supply Chain Manager
- Salary Range: £60,000–£85,000
- Description: Supply chain managers optimize logistics and procurement for Unilever’s products.
- Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Business.
- 5–7 years of experience in supply chain.
- APICS or CIPS certification.
- Leadership and analytical skills.
- Visa Eligibility: Eligible for Skilled Worker visa.
- How to Apply: Apply via Unilever Careers (www.unilever.co.uk/careers).
Application Strategy:
- Highlight CIPS certification or logistics experience.
- Network via the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.
- Prepare for case-study interviews on supply chain optimization.
Why It’s In Demand: Consumer goods demand efficient supply chains.
Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
The Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 visa in December 2020, is the primary route for international professionals. Key requirements include:
- Job Offer: From a UK employer with an A-rated sponsor license, listed on the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A unique reference number issued by the employer, non-transferable.
- Salary Threshold: Minimum £25,600 or the “going rate” for the role, whichever is higher. Most roles above £95,000 easily meet this.
- Skill Level: Roles must be at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent).
- English Proficiency: B1 level (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent).
- Maintenance Funds: £1,270 in savings for 28 days, unless the employer guarantees maintenance.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Required for roles in healthcare or education, covering countries resided in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
- Costs: Visa fees range from £610–£1,408 for three years, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£624/year).
Visa Validity: Up to five years, renewable, with a pathway to ILR after five years.
Dependants: Spouses/partners and children can apply as dependants, allowed to work or study.
Tips for Success:
- Check the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors for eligible employers.
- Work with A-rated sponsors to avoid maintenance fund requirements.
- Engage a MARA-registered agent (e.g., DavidsonMorris) for complex applications.
- Monitor sponsor status, as a revoked license may curtail your visa.
Strategies to Secure Visa-Sponsored Jobs
Securing a visa-sponsored job requires strategic planning:
- Tailor Your CV:
- Leverage Job Platforms:
- Network Effectively:
- Upskill and Certify:
- Obtain certifications like ACCA, CISSP, or Azure Fundamentals.
- Take courses via Coursera or One Education for UK-relevant skills.
- Ensure qualifications are assessed by UK NARIC.
- Research Salary Expectations:
- Use Glassdoor or ONS data to benchmark salaries.
- Negotiate based on experience and location (London salaries are 20% higher but with higher costs).
- Target High-Demand Sectors:
- Prepare for Interviews:
Challenges and Considerations
International workers face challenges:
- Cost of Living: London’s monthly costs average £2,500–£3,500, offset by high salaries.
- Visa Costs: Fees total £2,000–£4,000, including health surcharge and application costs.
- Qualification Recognition: Some degrees require UK NARIC assessment, taking 10–15 days.
- Sponsor Risks: If a sponsor loses their license, you have 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave the UK.
- Cultural Adaptation: Understanding UK workplace norms (e.g., punctuality, collaboration) is key.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
The UK job market in 2025 is shaped by:
- Technology Growth: Demand for tech roles rises with AI and cloud adoption, benefiting companies like Google and Microsoft.
- Healthcare Shortages: The NHS and private providers face ongoing doctor and nurse shortages, driving visa sponsorship.
- Financial Sector: Regulatory changes increase demand for risk and compliance roles at firms like Barclays and Goldman Sachs.
- Sustainability: Roles in biotech (GSK) and consumer goods (Unilever) align with net-zero goals.
The ONS projects 6% annual wage growth, with high-paying roles benefiting from skill shortages.
Case Studies: Success Stories
- Aisha, Technology Consultant at Deloitte (Nigeria):
- Background: Master’s in Computer Science, 5 years of IT experience.
- Strategy: Obtained AWS certification, networked via LinkedIn, applied through Deloitte’s careers page.
- Outcome: Secured a £75,000 role in London with Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
- Carlos, Consultant Physician at NHS (Brazil):
- Background: Medical degree, MRCP, 6 years of cardiology experience.
- Strategy: Registered with GMC, applied via NHS Jobs for a rural role.
- Outcome: Landed an £85,000 role in Manchester with Health and Care Worker visa.
- Mei, Quantitative Analyst at Goldman Sachs (China):
- Background: Master’s in Mathematics, 4 years of quant experience.
- Strategy: Highlighted Python skills, networked at finance conferences, applied via Goldman Sachs Careers.
- Outcome: Secured a £90,000 role in London with Skilled Worker visa.
Conclusion
The UK offers abundant opportunities for international skilled workers, with companies like Deloitte, NHS, Google, and Goldman Sachs actively sponsoring Skilled Worker visas. By targeting high-demand roles, obtaining UK-recognized qualifications, and leveraging job platforms and networks, foreigners can secure high-paying jobs up to £95,000.
Preparation is crucial: tailor your CV, understand visa requirements, and align with industry trends like digital transformation and healthcare needs. With strategic planning, international professionals can thrive in the UK’s dynamic job market in 2025.