How Can I Find Tier 2 Sponsoring Jobs in the UK?

If you're a skilled worker or student, it's important you consider the details of finding a Tier 2 sponsorship job in the UK before starting to make your applications or travel arrangements. Understanding the process, what you need to know, and what you should expect is essential for making it as smooth and stress-free an experience as possible.

How does the system work?

Before starting work in the UK, you'll need to secure a job offer in a company that has a relevant sponsorship license. This license allows them to sponsor relevant candidates, like you, through the working visa program. When you get your job, you'll be given a certificate of sponsorship; this acts as evidence that your new employer stands behind your qualifications and suitability for the job they're hiring you to do. It's important you understand that you need to get your application done and a concrete offer of a job before applying for a Tier 2 visa, now known as a skilled worker visa. If you're currently studying in the UK, you'll need that offer of a job before your student visa expires.

Can you qualify for a skilled worker visa?

Not every profession qualifies for a skilled worker visa. You can learn more about the list of acceptable occupations, and the general process, by reading the UK Government's official information.

How long does the skilled worker visa last?

Your skilled worker visa will last up to five years, or to the maximum level of time stated within your employment contract if this is under five years. If you want to continue working in the UK, you will have to make another application for a visa extension at the end of your initial five-year visa period.

Your top tips for finding a skilled worker sponsor

Before embarking on your journey to find your ideal job, make sure you keep these top tips in mind.

Always check the company is licensed to sponsor you

It's important that you don't waste your time making applications with employers who are not licensed to provide skilled worker visa sponsorships. You can find a useful list of licensed sponsors, which you should save. When you find a company that seems suitable, make sure to check their name in the directory to ensure their status before continuing with your application.

Understand the specific industries your skills will apply

The key to a successful job search is targeting. Think about your skills, experience, and qualifications, and put them together to determine which kind of industries you should be focusing your job search within. There are many industries to choose from; hospitality, banking and finance, science and engineering, healthcare, and many more besides. This is your opportunity to show off your skills, so ensure you're making applications to companies that can actually recognise and benefit from them.

Understand the details of the UK job application process

Something else to consider is the specifics of the way employment is handled in the UK. It's important to familiarise yourself with certain things you might experience, or maybe required of you.

Here are some things to think about:

• CV/Covering Letter - A CV, or resume, is a brief snapshot of your working history, your skills and qualifications, and a personal statement. A covering letter is a longer-form personal statement outlining why you are suitable for the job you're applying for.
• Online testing - In many cases, you will have to perform some sort of online test or assessment as a part of the application process. This will generally be a series of questions or a practical test that is used to help determine your relevant key skills.
• Pre-interview - Generally, there will be a pre-interview, which will be done either by telephone or video call; to give your prospective employers a chance to talk to you more directly before they consider whether or not to invite you for a further interview.
• Assessment centre - In certain cases, there may be practical tests that are required as a part of the interview process, in which case you will be directed to attend an assessment centre where you'll be given a series of tasks pertinent to the job you've applied for.
• Final interview - This will be the last stage of the application process and is your final chance to impress your prospective employers with your skills, your experience, your qualifications, and your general suitability for the job and working environment.

Practice the process as much as possible before applying

Before you start making applications, make sure you have done some research into the types of questions that might be asked as a part of the interview process, or the types of skill tests you might encounter. This gives you an opportunity to prepare yourself with appropriate answers and responses based on your experience. Remember that it's important you don't learn answers off by heart, however, as employers generally don't look kindly on responses they think have been copied from somewhere else. Instead use that practice to begin familiarising yourself with the application process, to prevent you from getting caught out.

Make sure that your English skills are as good as possible

It's always a good time to make sure your English skills, both written and verbal, are as good as possible. If English is not your first language, there will always be allowances made for mistakes and misspeaking, but you still want to minimise their likelihood as much as you can.

Be well prepared, and consult expert guidance if needed

Make sure you prepare yourself as well as possible for your applications. If you're still unsure of anything about the application process, or how you can make sure you're applying to companies licensed to provide skilled worker visa sponsorship, contact a professional. Even a brief conversation with a specialist in immigration law can yield positive results, and help you find the clarity you're looking for. If you ever get stuck, contact a professional for further help and guidance.