How to Find Skilled Jobs in the UK as a Foreigner

The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular destinations for foreign professionals. With a highly diversified economy, global companies, and a relatively transparent hiring process, the UK is welcoming to skilled workers especially under its post-Brexit points-based immigration system.

If you’re a skilled foreigner looking to work in the UK, the good news is that the government actively seeks talent across sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, education, finance, and skilled trades. But navigating the visa process and job market can seem daunting.

This guide breaks down how to find skilled jobs in the UK as a foreigner, what sectors are in demand, how to apply, the visa process, tips for success, and answers to common questions.

What Is a Skilled Job in the UK?

In UK immigration terms, a “skilled job” refers to occupations requiring a certain level of training or academic qualification. These include:

• Healthcare (nurses, doctors, carers)

• Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical)

• IT and Digital Technology

• Skilled Trades (electricians, plumbers, construction)

• Education (teachers, especially STEM)

• Financial Services

• Hospitality and Chef roles

• Logistics and Transport

To qualify as a “skilled job,” the role must:

• Be on the UK Shortage Occupation List or approved Skilled Occupations list.

• Pay at least the minimum salary threshold (usually £26,200/year or £10.75/hour, or lower for shortage jobs).

• Be sponsored by a UK-licensed employer.

Step-by-Step: How to Find a Skilled Job in the UK

Step 1: Identify If Your Job Is Eligible

Visit the UK government’s list of approved skilled occupations:
Skilled Occupations List

If your job is on the list, you’re eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, as long as:

• A UK employer offers you the job.

• They are licensed to sponsor international workers.

Step 2: Update Your CV (UK Format)

Your CV should follow the British style:

• 2 pages max

• Clear, chronological format

• Focus on accomplishments, not just duties

• Include relevant skills, certifications, and languages

• No photo or date of birth needed

Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Step 3: Search for Jobs That Offer Visa Sponsorship

Top UK Job Portals for Skilled Foreign Workers:

• UK Government Find a Job

• LinkedIn UK Jobs

• Indeed UK

• Glassdoor UK

• WorkGateways

• Jobs.ac.uk (for research and academic roles)

Use search filters like: “Skilled Worker visa sponsorship”, “visa sponsor”, or “Tier 2 sponsorship” in the job title or description.

Step 4: Apply to UK Licensed Sponsors

To hire a foreigner, UK employers must be registered with the Home Office as a Skilled Worker Visa Sponsor.

Use the official register here:
UK Licensed Sponsors List (Home Office)

This list includes thousands of companies across all industries. You can:

• Search by industry (e.g. IT, healthcare, engineering)

• Search by region (London, Manchester, Birmingham)

• Apply directly to those companies

Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

UK employers often conduct 2–3 rounds of interviews, sometimes including:

• A behavioral interview (“Tell me about a time…”)

• A technical assessment or task

• A final interview with HR or management

Be ready to explain:

• Your qualifications and experience

• Why you want to work in the UK

• Your understanding of the company’s values

Step 6: Get the Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

If selected:

• The employer provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a reference number you’ll need for your visa application.

• They may or may not cover visa costs or relocation (ask politely during the negotiation phase).

Step 7: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

You will need:

• A valid job offer with a CoS

• Passport

• Proof of English (IELTS UKVI or equivalent, or native country exemption)

• Proof of salary and job eligibility

• Application fee (~£610–£1,408 depending on job length and shortage list status)

• Immigration Health Surcharge (~£624/year)

Apply here: Skilled Worker Visa Application

Processing time: 3–8 weeks.

Top In-Demand Skilled Jobs for Foreigners in 2025

1. Nurses and Care Workers

• Salary: £23,200–£30,000+

• Sponsorship: YES

• Shortage List: YES

2. Software Developers

• Languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, C#

• Salary: £30,000–£55,000+

• Sponsorship: High demand

• Shortage List: YES

3. Civil Engineers

• Sectors: Rail, housing, energy

• Salary: £32,000–£45,000

• Shortage List: YES

4. Secondary School Teachers (STEM, Languages)

• Subjects: Math, Physics, Computer Science, Modern Languages

• Salary: £28,000–£40,000

• Sponsorship: YES

5. Chefs (High-Level or Ethnic Specialties)

• Not fast food

• Salary: £26,200+

• Shortage List: YES

6. Electricians, Plumbers, Welders

• Salary: £30,000–£45,000

• Shortage List: YES

• Often require UK-recognized certifications (or bridging training)

English Language Requirement

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must prove your English level is:

• B1 CEFR or above

• Ways to prove:

  • Take an IELTS for UKVI test

  • Hold a degree taught in English (recognized by Ecctis)

  • Come from an English-speaking country (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, etc.)

Cost of Living and Salary Expectations

Salary Tips:

• Salaries outside London often come with a lower cost of living.

• Your visa status requires a minimum salary threshold, so negotiate smartly.

Tips for Success

• Tailor every CV and cover letter to the job and employer.

• Apply early — UK employers often hire 3–6 months in advance.

• Consider recruitment agencies in your field (e.g. Hays, Michael Page, Reed).

• Build a strong LinkedIn profile — UK employers often use it to vet candidates.

• Keep track of job deadlines and application stages.

Resources for Foreign Job Seekers

• Make UK: For manufacturing jobs

• NHS Careers: For healthcare jobs

• Get Into Teaching: For education roles

• Tech Nation Visa Guide: For digital/tech professionals

• UK NARIC (now Ecctis): For degree recognition

• READ ALSO: Work in Singapore – Singapore Jobs for Immigrants

FAQs

Do I need a job offer before applying for a UK work visa?

Yes, for most visa routes — especially the Skilled Worker Visa — you need a valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is a reference number needed to apply for the visa.

What are the top industries hiring skilled foreigners in the UK in 2025?

High-demand sectors include:

• Healthcare (nurses, carers, doctors)

• IT & Tech (developers, data scientists)

• Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical)

• Education (STEM teachers, language teachers)

• Construction & Skilled Trades

• Hospitality (specialist chefs)

• Logistics (HGV drivers, warehouse managers)

These industries often appear on the Shortage Occupation List, making the visa process easier.

How can I check if my job qualifies as a “skilled occupation”?

Visit the official UK government website:
Skilled Worker Eligible Occupations List
This list includes job titles, SOC codes, salary thresholds, and whether they’re on the Shortage Occupation List (which gives you reduced salary and visa fee requirements).

Do I need to speak English or take a language test?

Yes. You need to prove English proficiency at B1 level (intermediate) on the CEFR scale. You can prove this by:

• Taking an IELTS for UKVI exam

• Having a degree taught in English (confirmed via Ecctis/UK ENIC)

• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Australia, Canada)

How do I know which UK employers offer visa sponsorship?

Use the Home Office’s official list of licensed visa sponsors:
UK Sponsor Register

Also, look for job ads that mention:

• “Visa sponsorship available”

• “Tier 2 visa”

• “Skilled Worker visa support”

You can also filter jobs on LinkedIn or Indeed by using search terms like “visa sponsorship”.

How much money do I need to earn to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa?

The general salary threshold is:

• £26,200/year (or £10.75/hour)

• £20,960/year if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List

• Some exceptions apply for new graduates or jobs in education/healthcare

Always check the required salary for your job on the gov.uk list.

Can I switch jobs in the UK once I’m on a work visa?

Yes, but you must:

• Get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer

• Apply for a new Skilled Worker visa You can’t just change jobs without notifying the Home Office.

Do UK employers pay for visa and relocation costs?

It depends on the company. Some larger or international companies may cover:

• Visa fees

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Flights or relocation allowance

Smaller businesses may expect you to handle costs. Always ask professionally during your offer negotiations.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa?

• Initial visas are usually granted for up to 5 years

• You can extend your visa or switch to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

• After ILR, you may be eligible for UK citizenship after another year