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List of UK Firms That Can Sponsor Visas
For overseas candidates looking to work in the United Kingdom, securing a visa may be a necessary step before making the move. Many organizations in the UK value international talent and are willing to sponsor visas for qualified individuals. Exploring visa sponsorship opportunities can help you identify companies that align with your professional goals and expectations. This page provides information on UK visa sponsorship and lists some of the firms that have the capability to sponsor visas.
How Does Visa Sponsorship Work?
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Visa sponsorship is a process that some overseas applicants must go through before they are able to work in the UK. In order to be sponsored for a visa, individuals typically need to have a job offer from a UK-based company that holds a sponsor license. This requirement applies to both paid and unpaid positions, including roles in the charitable sector. Visa sponsorships can fall into various categories depending on the type of visa being sought.
Economic sponsorships are designed for experienced professionals, investors, and students. The specific requirements for economic visas can vary based on qualifications and the reason for relocating to the UK. Economic sponsorships can also include options for new graduates looking to stay in the country after completing their studies.
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Family visas may be available to individuals who have family members in the UK, such as a British partner or child. If a child is born in the UK and resides there, a family visa may also be an option. It is even possible to change your visa status while in the country, for example, if you divorce and wish to apply for an economic Skilled Worker visa.
List of UK Visa Sponsoring Firms
Researching UK companies that are able to sponsor visas can help you strategically plan your career and find opportunities that make the process of moving to the UK smoother. Here are some notable organizations that have the capacity to sponsor employee visas:
Barclays
Barclays is a prominent London-based bank with operations worldwide. The company offers retail and business banking services to individuals and businesses. Visa sponsorship from Barclays opens up opportunities in areas such as software development, business research, wealth management, and card product management. Typically, roles that require specialized knowledge are more likely to be approved for sponsorship under this program.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is a multinational law firm headquartered in London. The firm specializes in areas such as antitrust, intellectual property, finance, real estate, and tax law. Their clients include banks, private equity firms, energy companies, insurance providers, and infrastructure developers. Clifford Chance sponsors visas for overseas candidates to enable them to work as lawyers or barristers, particularly focusing on clients within the financial sector.
Ernst & Young (EY)
EY is a global professional services firm with its headquarters in London. The company offers services in consulting, assurance, tax, and transactions. With offices in various European countries, including Belgium, Poland, Spain, and Germany, joining EY can provide opportunities for professional growth and relocation. Roles at EY may involve work in technology, accounting, consulting, strategy development, or business services.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
GSK is a British pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that focuses on developing and enhancing the biopharma sector through cutting-edge technology, research, and global talent. The company’s areas of focus include immunizations, specialty medication, and prescription drugs. Professionals in fields such as microbiology, change management, medical sales, lab automation, and medical robotics may find opportunities at GSK. The company runs the Future Leaders Graduate Programme, which is open to overseas candidates sponsored on visas.
HSBC
HSBC offers a wide range of financial services, including current accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards. With offices across the UK as well as in Poland and India, HSBC provides opportunities in financial services, operations, customer success, and business development.
KPMG
KPMG is a leading global accounting firm that operates as part of a worldwide network of professional services firms. While the organization has offices in Birmingham, Gatwick, and Cardiff, its headquarters are located in Amsterdam. KPMG accepts foreign applicants at all levels and offers opportunities for apprenticeships locally. Roles at KPMG may involve work in auditing, consulting, transaction advisory, taxation, technology and engineering, or business services.
McKinsey & Company
McKinsey is a global management consulting firm with headquarters in New York City and an office in London. The company serves clients from the private, public, and social sectors and focuses on driving sustainable and inclusive growth. McKinsey offers visa sponsorship options for mid- to senior-level positions in roles such as business analysis, engagement management, digital technology consulting, and knowledge analysis.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC is a British professional services firm and one of the largest operations in the industry. The company provides services in audit, assurance, consulting, and tax. PwC emphasizes business excellence, technology, and coherence to help employees deliver sustainable results for clients. Opportunities at PwC may involve work in business solutions, operations, risk management, auditing, accounting, financial consulting, or technology. Individuals with backgrounds in computer science, software engineering, or related fields may be interested in tech-focused roles at the company.
Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce is a global leader in industrial technology known for its commitment to trust, integrity, and safety. While the company initially focused on automotive manufacturing, today it produces products for the civil aerospace, defense, power systems, and electrical industries. Roles at Rolls-Royce may include positions in service engineering, health physics, power electronic system engineering, and manufacturing quality management. The company also offers opportunities in administrative and sales/marketing functions.
Unilever
Unilever is a British consumer products manufacturer that produces a wide range of goods, including personal care, nutrition, home care, beauty, and wellness products. Unilever is committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment through sustainable practices. Professionals in fields such as food science, food and product safety, manufacturing, data quality, and business analysis may find opportunities at Unilever. Joining Unilever allows individuals to be part of a global team of over 120,000 employees who are dedicated to making a difference in the world.
In conclusion, exploring the list of UK firms that can sponsor visas provides valuable insights into potential career opportunities for overseas candidates looking to work in the United Kingdom. By identifying companies that align with your professional goals and expectations, you can streamline the visa sponsorship process and set yourself on a path towards a successful career in the UK.
