So, you want to work in the UK and need to know which jobs actually offer Tier 2 visa sponsorship? A Tier 2 sponsorship job basically means the employer is licensed to sponsor folks from outside the UK, letting them legally live and work here.

This list of employers is kept up to date and shows which organisations are allowed to hire skilled workers under the current visa system.

The demand for sponsored jobs keeps growing, with more skilled professionals looking for opportunities overseas. The UK government actually publishes a register of licensed sponsors so job-seekers can see which companies might offer sponsorship.

There are also resources online that make this search a bit less overwhelming.

Honestly, knowing where to look saves you a ton of time. With the right info, you can aim for roles where sponsorship is a real possibility and boost your chances of landing a UK job.

Understanding UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Jobs

UK Tier 2 visa sponsorship jobs are the main route for skilled workers outside the UK to work for licenced employers. The government sets the rules, and applicants have to meet some pretty clear conditions to qualify.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Roles

You’ll need a valid job offer from an employer with a government-approved sponsor licence. The job has to meet a minimum skill level and pay at least the required salary, which changes sometimes—usually at least £26,200 per year or whatever the “going rate” is for that job.

Applicants also have to prove their English, usually by passing a secure test (unless you’re exempt). You’ll need to show you’ve got enough funds for when you arrive, unless your sponsor is covering you. The job must show up on the current register of licensed sponsors and maybe also on the Shortage Occupation List, which can mean lower salary requirements.

How Tier 2 Sponsorship Works

Tier 2 sponsorship jobs are all about UK employers, licenced by the Home Office, hiring workers from abroad. The employer gives you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is an electronic record, not a paper document.

Once you’ve got the CoS, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. The visa usually lasts as long as the certificate says, and after five years you might be able to extend or even settle permanently.

Both the employer and employee have to follow the rules, like telling authorities if you leave the job. The work must be genuine, full-time, and meet those skill and salary levels.

Sometimes, jobs need to be advertised fairly to prove there weren’t any suitable UK workers—except for shortage roles, where that’s not always necessary.

Types of Occupations Covered

Tier 2 sponsorship covers loads of skilled jobs. You’ll see healthcare pros (nurses, doctors, therapists), IT specialists, engineers, teachers, and business managers all on the list.

Each eligible role is listed under the government’s Standard Occupational Classification codes. The Skilled Worker Sponsorship List and official register show which employers and jobs are eligible.

Some jobs, like medicine or science, are on the Shortage Occupation List, which can mean lower salary thresholds or reduced fees. Most jobs need to be skilled to at least RQF Level 3 (about A-level standard). Lower-skilled roles just don’t qualify.

If you’re aiming for a Tier 2 job, double-check your occupation and employer are actually on the approved lists and that you tick all the boxes.

Current List of UK Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Jobs

Right now, plenty of UK employers are offering Tier 2 visa sponsorship for skilled roles. Healthcare, tech, engineering, education—these are the big ones, but what’s hot can shift depending on national shortages.

In-Demand Occupation Categories

Jobs on the Tier 2 visa sponsorship list usually pop up in sectors where employers can’t find enough local talent. Lately, there’s high demand for:

• Healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, care assistants)
• Engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical)
• IT specialists (software developers, data analysts)
• Teachers (maths, science, modern languages)
• Chefs and hospitality staff

Employers with a valid sponsorship licence are always posting these jobs. The GOV.UK list of Tier 2 sponsorship jobs and job boards like Indeed update these openings pretty often.

Updated Shortage Occupation List

The Shortage Occupation List shows exactly where the UK needs more skilled workers. If your job’s on there, getting a work visa is usually easier and the salary threshold might be lower.

Here are some sample roles on the Shortage Occupation List:

The list gets updated regularly. Check the latest on the official sponsor list if you’re thinking of applying.

Industry-Specific Opportunities

Certain industries have their own Tier 2 visa sponsorship schemes or just lots of sponsoring employers. Healthcare is still the biggest recruiter, especially the NHS.

Tech companies and manufacturers are also big on sponsorship. In hospitality, some hotel chains and restaurants sponsor qualified chefs and managers.

Academic institutions hire sponsored teachers and researchers. If you’re searching, check the Tier 2 sponsor list or browse sector-specific jobs on Totaljobs.

Most employers say in the job ad if they offer visa sponsorship. It’s smart to double-check the employer’s licence status before you spend time applying.

How to Find and Apply for Tier 2 Sponsorship Jobs

Finding a Tier 2 sponsorship job in the UK takes some planning. You’ll want to target trusted employers, use smart job search tactics, and get your documents ready for a skilled worker visa.

Trusted Employer Lists

The government keeps an official list of employers who can sponsor skilled worker visas. You’ll hear them called "sponsors" or "licensed sponsors." Always check if the employer’s on this approved list before you get too far.

Big companies, NHS trusts, and well-known organisations tend to sponsor often. Jobs from these companies usually mention if sponsorship is available, but it’s worth confirming before you apply.

Many job boards let you filter by sponsorship eligibility. Look for phrases like "Tier 2 sponsorship available" in the job description.

Effective Job Search Strategies

Stick to job sites that specialise in sponsored roles. Find a Job and Indeed are good places to start.

Set filters to show only Tier 2 sponsorship positions. Use keywords like "Skilled Worker visa," "Tier 2 sponsorship," or "visa sponsorship" when searching.

Lots of NHS jobs, care roles, and IT jobs offer sponsorship, as do dental and healthcare jobs. Reaching out directly to HR at bigger companies can also be effective—sometimes jobs aren’t even advertised publicly.

Application and Documentation Process

To get started, you'll want to gather some key documents. Think valid passport, proof of English language ability, and whatever qualifications you can rustle up.

The employer's got to hand you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without it, you can't move forward with the visa application.

Once you've got the CoS, it's time to fill out the online Skilled Worker visa form. There's a good chance you'll be asked to show you meet salary or job skill requirements, too.

Sometimes there's an interview or maybe an assessment. If you make the cut, the employer usually steps in to walk you through the next moves in the sponsorship and visa maze.

Honestly, it's worth double-checking every requirement. Missing something small can cause annoying delays.