Finding a job in the UK that offers visa sponsorship is the most important step for most immigrants. Unlike the EU era, employers now need a sponsor licence to hire workers from outside the UK. This guide shows you exactly how to find licensed sponsors, what to say in your applications, and how to maximise your chances of getting sponsored.
Understanding the GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors
The Home Office publishes a public register of every UK employer licensed to sponsor overseas workers. This is the most important resource for any immigrant job seeker. The register contains over 90,000 companies across every sector — from the NHS to FTSE 100 firms to small tech startups.
The register is updated monthly and is available as a downloadable CSV file. Relocly downloads and processes this register automatically so you can search by company name, city, or visa route without handling a large spreadsheet.
Search the full GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors — filter by city, find companies near you, and search for jobs at sponsors directly.
Search Licensed Sponsors →Where to search for visa-sponsored jobs
- Indeed UK (uk.indeed.com) — filter by "visa sponsorship available" in advanced search
- LinkedIn — use the "Visa sponsorship" filter under "Job features" on the search results page
- NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) — NHS trusts are all licensed sponsors; use the site directly
- Google Jobs — search "software engineer jobs in London visa sponsorship"
- Totaljobs, Reed, and CV-Library — all allow "sponsorship" keyword search
- Specialist boards: WillHire, Jobsora, and Visa Jobs Hub focus on sponsored roles
How to identify if a job offers sponsorship
Not all job adverts explicitly mention visa sponsorship. Even when they do not, a company on the sponsor register CAN sponsor you if they choose to. The key is to know which companies are licensed and then target them directly.
- Cross-reference job postings with the GOV.UK sponsor register
- Look for phrases like "visa sponsorship available", "we can consider candidates requiring sponsorship", or "open to sponsoring the right candidate"
- Large companies (FTSE 250, NHS trusts, tech firms) almost always sponsor
- Avoid phrases like "must have the right to work in the UK" or "no sponsorship available" — these employers will not sponsor
- When in doubt, email HR directly and ask before applying — it saves everyone time
💡 Tip
NHS trusts are one of the most reliable sources of sponsored roles in the UK. They sponsor tens of thousands of international workers each year, across nursing, medicine, allied health, and even administrative roles.
What to say in your cover letter about sponsorship
Many applicants make the mistake of hiding their sponsorship need or leaving it vague. Be direct but professional. Employers who are licensed sponsors are used to sponsoring candidates — they just need to know you are a strong enough candidate to be worth the process.
- State your visa status clearly: "I currently require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship to work in the UK"
- Reassure them you understand the process: "I am familiar with the Certificate of Sponsorship process and can provide all required documentation"
- Highlight your unique value: why are you worth the sponsorship cost?
- Do not apologise for needing sponsorship — treat it as a straightforward logistical requirement, not a weakness
- Mention if your occupation code is on the Shortage Occupation List (lower salary threshold)
Sectors with the most sponsored roles in 2025
- Healthcare: nurses, doctors, care workers, physiotherapists — massive ongoing demand
- Technology: software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists
- Engineering: civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineers
- Finance: accountants, financial analysts, compliance officers
- Education: teachers (especially maths, sciences, and languages)
- Construction: architects, quantity surveyors, project managers
- Hospitality and care: chefs, care assistants — many smaller sponsors in this sector
The employer perspective: why sponsors say yes or no
Sponsoring a worker costs the employer time, money (the sponsor licence maintenance fee and sometimes the IHS contribution), and administrative effort. Employers sponsor because they cannot find the skill domestically. Your goal is to show them that you are clearly the best candidate available — sponsorship is then just a formality they are willing to handle.
💡 Tip
Target companies that have sponsored before (they are on the register) rather than trying to convince a non-sponsor to apply for a licence. The licence application process takes 8+ weeks and most employers will not do it for a single hire.