If you’re looking to get a job in the UK, there are plenty of international companies hiring foreigners. High-demand sectors for the UK include healthcare, IT, engineering and infrastructure, and education.
The majority of the time, you need a UK job with visa sponsorship. This often means getting a job offer from an approved visa sponsorship company in a skilled work role. Usually, this is on-site or hybrid, and relocation packages can be discussed in advance. NEARFAR shares 100,000+ new jobs a month from 30+ countries, including a large number of visa sponsorship roles in the UK.
Where the jobs are in the UK
The bulk of the jobs in the UK are centered around three major cities: London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Naturally, the capital city, London, has the most jobs in the country by far and the biggest expat community. It’s also one of the most expensive places to live in the world. The main industries in London are finance, tech, media, legal, and healthcare.
If you want a slightly more affordable city, head north to Manchester. The northern England powerhouse is home to a huge range of corporate headquarters and has more of a relaxed, creative vibe to it. Key industries here include digital technology, media, engineering, and finance. The BBC has a major presence here, and a lot of startups can be found around the city.
Finally, if you’re looking for a historic, walkable city with serious charm, journey to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. While it’s not as expensive as London, Edinburgh still isn’t cheap. However, you can escape to the incredible nature of the Highlands on the weekend. Major sectors here include financial services, technology, research, and energy. It’s also home to the Scottish Parliament for political and international relations roles.
UK Jobs with Visa Sponsorship: How It Works
The main work permit route is through the Skilled Worker visa. This is a typical sponsored work visa; however, you need a job offer from a company with a UK sponsor licence. There is a list of these companies on the UK government website.
Once you have a job offer, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship number from the employer. The role must have an eligible occupation code, which is on the Skilled Worker list. You need to meet the required English language proficiency level and earn at least £41,700 per year (as of September 2026) or the average salary for the role. This threshold is often lower for health and care roles which are in high demand.
There is also a graduate visa that allows you to stay in the UK for two years after your graduation if you apply by December 31, 2026, or 18 months if you apply from January 1, 2027. If you’ve graduated with a PhD or doctorate, you can stay for up to three years. During this time, you can look for a sponsored job that will allow you to stay long-term. You can work in any role with no cap on hours on this visa.
If you’re aged 18-30 from Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, or Uruguay, or 18-35 from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea, you can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This allows you to live and work in the UK for up to two years. If you’re from Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you can extend this visa by one year. You need to have £2,530 in your bank account (as of September 2026) for at least a month prior to applying to show you can support yourself.
How to get hired in the UK
To get hired in the UK, you’ll need to submit a CV and a cover letter, outlining how you’re a good fit for the role. In the UK, CVs are no longer than two pages and detail work experience, education, and any qualifications or certificates. They don’t include photographs, but do include contact information and a clear layout. You usually detail your experience in reverse chronological order, with your current job being at the top.
Cover letters in the UK are just one page. Usually, they are three to five paragraphs detailing why you want the job, why you’re a fit, and what you’ll bring to the role. You normally use a letter layout, with your address, the business address, and formal sign-offs.
Pretty much every job in the UK requires you to be able to speak and write in English. Some will have formal levels you have to hit, while others may ask you to complete a competency task. Some jobs in Wales or Scotland may also require language abilities in Welsh or Gaelic. These tend to be government posts or for bilingual communications.
Hiring timelines in the UK tend to be between four and six weeks. They typically contain phone interviews, written tasks, face-to-face interviews, and sometimes task days. This depends on the role, the size of the company, and the seniority.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re trying to find a job in the UK and need some quick answers, check out our frequently asked questions below.
What is a UK Skilled Worker visa?
A UK Skilled Worker visa is a sponsored work visa that allows foreigners to work in in-demand roles in the UK. You need a job offer from a company that has been approved to sponsor visas by the UK government. Typically, you need to earn over £41,700 per year, but this threshold is lower for health and care work.
Which UK employers can sponsor a visa?
There is a list of employers in the UK who can sponsor a visa. These companies have valid sponsorship licenses from the UK Home Office. When you get a job offer, the company has to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship number, which you have to input in your visa application.
These companies are vetted by the government in advance. You also need to apply for a role that matches the in-demand list to be able to get a Skilled Worker visa.
Can Americans work in the UK?
Yes, Americans can work in the UK. There are a few pathways, including the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Visa, and Graduate visas. Typically, American citizens will have to get a job offer from an approved sponsor company that is for an in-demand role.
Do I need a job offer before I apply for a UK work visa?
Yes, you need a job offer before you apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa. For Graduate visas or Youth Mobility Scheme visas, you do not need a job offer in advance. The UK Skilled Worker visa is the main work visa in the UK, and requires you to get a job offer in an in-demand role.
What does a UK-style CV look like?
A UK-style CV looks similar to a US resume. It has a standard layout that includes contact information at the top and a short paragraph about yourself as an introduction. It then details educational details and work experience in reverse chronological order. You can also add a section for other qualifications and skills. A UK CV is no longer than two pages long.