Companies that Sponsor Visas in the United Kingdom 2026

Every year the British government updates its list of companies that sponsor visas in the United Kingdom. Therefore, if you are looking for a job in Europe, check the list of companies that are eligible to sponsor work visas for foreigners in the UK.

Companies that Sponsor Visas in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom updates its list of companies eligible to sponsor foreign workers through the temporary worker immigration route annually. Therefore, the new updated list includes information on the category of workers that companies are licensed to sponsor and their visa sponsorship classification.

In fact, the companies that sponsor visas in the United Kingdom are from diverse sectors. Furthermore, don’t be mistaken in thinking that only large companies appear on the list; companies in sectors such as technology, commerce, education, media and advertising, engineering, and others are included.

However, those interested are advised to visit the website of the company they wish to work for and search for available positions.

Staying in the United Kingdom after Studies

If you wish to work in the UK after completing your studies, you need to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa, also known as a skilled worker visa. This visa allows you to work for a UK company that is willing to sponsor your paperwork. Below, see how you can obtain a Tier 2 (General) visa after graduation.

Initially, you need to find a job with a company that is on the list of those that sponsor a visa in the United Kingdom. Therefore, the first step is to obtain a job offer from a UK company willing to sponsor your visa. Furthermore, the job offer must meet certain criteria, including minimum salary, skill level, and English language proficiency.

Next, as soon as you receive a job offer, your employer will issue a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship), and with the CoS you can apply for the Tier 2 (General) visa. Finally, after the application, you must attend a biometric consultation (Biometric Residence Permit – BRP) to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Once this is done, you can start working, and your visa is valid for the duration of your employment contract.

Large Companies that Sponsor Visas in the United Kingdom

The list of companies that sponsor visas in the United Kingdom is enormous. However, here are some of the major companies that handle the process:

• McKinsey & Company: The global management consulting firm has offices worldwide, including in the UK. Therefore, if you are an international student from the UK looking for roles in consulting, research, design, digital, analysis, implementation, or internal services, this is the place for you.
• Barclays: The British multinational bank maintains its headquarters in London but also has smaller offices throughout the country. They typically sponsor visas for jobs requiring specialized skills, such as software development, business analysis, wealth management, or credit card management.
• Ernst & Young (EY): As one of the world’s largest professional services networks, Ernst & Young (EY) has offices in countries such as Belgium, Poland, Spain, and Germany. Generally, it works with companies providing consulting, assurance, tax negotiation, and transactions. At EY, careers revolve around technology, accounting, consulting, market strategy, or business services.
• KPMG: Another large professional services firm, KPMG operates worldwide. Although its headquarters are in Amsterdam, it has several offices in the United Kingdom, such as in Birmingham, Gatwick, and Cardiff. There you can explore careers in auditing, consulting, business consulting, tax and legal services, and technology-related careers.
• GSK: the large British company that manufactures medicines and biotechnology employs thousands of people and focuses on the production of vaccines, specialty medicines, and regular medicines that are prescribed by doctors.

More Companies Sponsoring Visas in the UK.

Check out more companies that sponsor visas for the United Kingdom:

• HSBC Innovation Bank Limited
• Levi Strauss (UK)
• 3K’s Engineering Company Limited
• 3M United Kingdom
• Hotels-Camden Lock LLP
• 3T Logistics Limited
• Medical Clinical Solution
• Huawei Technologies (UK)
• HUGO BOSS UK
• Hyatt Holdings (UK)
• Lindt & Sprungli (UK)
• Rio’s Gourmet Grill

Latest Statistics on Migration in the United Kingdom

According to the latest migration estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), from 2025, published on the British Parliament’s website, 898,000 people migrated to the United Kingdom. However, 693,000 people emigrated, leaving a net migration figure of 204,000. This represents the balance of long-term migrants entering and leaving the country.

Therefore, the latest ONS population estimates for the entire United Kingdom suggest that, in the year ending June 2025, there are 6 million people living in the United Kingdom who hold the nationality of a different country (9% of the total population).

This does not include dual nationals, where one of the nationalities is British. Additionally, 3.4 million European Union citizens (excluding the United Kingdom) lived in the United Kingdom, and approximately 994,000 UK citizens lived in European Union countries excluding Ireland.

What are the visa options for the United Kingdom?

To move to the United Kingdom, there are several types of visas that allow you to reside in one of the countries that make up the UK. The countries that comprise the United Kingdom are:

• England
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland  
• Wales

The visas you need to move to the United Kingdom are: 

Student visa – Replaced the Tier 4 visa.

This visa is suitable for people over 16 years of age who intend to take courses lasting more than 6 months, such as: 

• Graduation
• Postgraduate studies
• Master’s degree
• PhD
• Exchange program in England

This visa allows you to legally reside in the country for the duration of your course. Students aged 18 or older who are pursuing higher education degrees can generally move to the United Kingdom for up to 5 years.

Temporary Work Visa – Tier 5

This visa is suitable for foreigners who intend to work for a defined period in the United Kingdom. The stay in the country is approximately one year and can be extended for a further two years.

With this visa, it is possible to perform activities such as:

Volunteer work 

Work at a charity, suitable for unpaid volunteer work for up to 12 months or for the period described in the sponsorship certificate + 14 days.

Creative Worker 

For work as a creative professional or athlete, for a maximum period of 12 months or for the time indicated on the sponsorship certificate + 28 days.

Government-Authorized Exchange 

For participation in training, research, or scholarship programs, or in a government language program in the country of origin, for a period of 10, 12, or 24 months.

International Agreement 

To perform work related to international treaties, as an employee in a diplomatic institution or providing services to a foreign government for up to 24 months, or for the period described in the sponsorship certificate + 14 days.

Religious Professional 

To perform religious work in a religious institution for 24 months or up to + 28 days from that presented in the sponsorship certificate.

Seasonal Worker 

Performing agricultural work, such as harvesting fruits, vegetables or flowers, for a period of up to 6 months. Staying in the area between October 18th and December 31st of each year is also permitted for poultry farming work.

Youth Mobility Program 

Young foreigners aged 18 to 30 who wish to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years. 

This visa also allows the worker to study and bring family members to live in the United Kingdom.

Long-term work visa – Tier 2 

The long-term work visa allows foreigners to stay in the United Kingdom for a period of 3 to 9 years, and there is also the possibility of visa renewal. Learn about the jobs available with this visa:

Moving to the United Kingdom: Skilled Worker 

It allows foreign professionals to live in the United Kingdom for up to 5 years to perform skilled work. 

Healthcare worker and career 

Recommended for healthcare professionals who want to work in the NHS (National Health Service) or in social care for adults. Valid for 5 years before visa extension. 

Senior Worker or Specialist

A foreign professional may work at the British branch of a foreign company for up to 5 years or for the time indicated on their sponsorship certificate + 14 days.

Minister of Religion

Specifically intended for missionaries with a job offer in a religious community. They may stay for a period of 3 years and 1 month or for the period indicated on their sponsorship certificate + 14 days.

International athlete

Aimed at elite athletes or internationally qualified and recognized coaches. This visa can last up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension depending on the professional’s eligibility. 

To obtain a visa to work and move to the United Kingdom, it is necessary to prove a connection with the approved company, receive at least the minimum wage per month, and demonstrate proficiency in English. 

Investor visas, business development and talent.

If you intend to move to the United Kingdom to develop business and new talent, the available formats for this model are:

• Investor visa (Level 1) 
• Visa to start an innovative company in the United Kingdom
• Innovator’s view 
• Visa for global talent

The Investor Visa (Level 1) is aimed at those who wish to stimulate the market in the United Kingdom, allowing those who want to invest in innovative companies. To apply for this visa, your business idea or company must be assessed by a UK approval body.

The fees vary according to the category, and the visa allows a stay of between 2 and 5 years; it is possible to request a change of category.

To apply for an investor visa, it is necessary to invest £2 million or more in the United Kingdom. As for the global talent visa, it can be requested by those who can prove to be a leader or potential leader in one of the following areas: Arts and Culture, Digital Technology, or Academics and Research.

Scale-Up Visa for skilled workers

If you are planning to move to the United Kingdom, be aware that this visa is new: the Scale-up Worker visa. Also called “Scale-up Business” or “Scale-up Visa,” it allows qualified foreign professionals to perform skilled work for a rapidly growing business.

This visa requires the employer in the United Kingdom to meet specific eligibility criteria for sponsoring foreign workers. And the professional needs to fulfill the following requirements: 

• Have a job offer to work at a growing company approved for at least 6 months;
• Having a “sponsorship certificate” from the employer with information about the role you will perform;
• To be hired to perform a job that is on the list of eligible occupations;
• To receive at least the minimum wage; 
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language;
• If approved, you can live in the UK on a Scale-up Worker visa for 2 years. This period can be extended as many times as you like for up to 3 years, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.

This visa allows your partner and children to remain on the visa as dependents. 

Moving to the United Kingdom: Spouse Visa

Suitable for formalizing a civil partnership with a British citizen. This visa is valid for 6 months; however, depending on the authorization, the applicant may legally reside in the United Kingdom after the ceremony.

To obtain a visa to move to the United Kingdom, you need to meet certain requirements and provide specific documentation. After determining which authorization makes the most sense for you, consult the UK government website for more information about the application process.

Family visa

The family visa is for those who wish to live in the United Kingdom with a family member for a period longer than 6 months. This visa allows residency with: 

• The parents 
• Children
• Spouse or partner
• Fiancé(e), fiancée, or proposed civil partner
• Family member or relative who provides you with long-term care.

This type of visa allows a foreigner to stay in the United Kingdom for a period of 2 years and 6 months, which can be extended.

Documents needed to work in the United Kingdom

For those seeking a job opportunity to move to the United Kingdom, it’s important to know that you will need some essential documents in the process, such as: 

• Valid passport 
• Work Visa 
• To prove an employment relationship. 
• To prove sufficient financial means to support oneself in the United Kingdom.

Companies that sponsor visas in the United Kingdom: Access the list

If you’re interested in the news about companies that sponsor visas in the UK, access the official 2026 list from the government. You can then download the document and check the thousands of companies authorized by the British government to sponsor visas for foreigners. However, keep in mind that ideally you should find the company, visit its website, see its job openings, and then apply if you meet the requirements.