UK Tier 2 Visa Jobs with Sponsorship in 2025/2026

UK Tier 2 Visa Jobs with Sponsorship in 2025/2026: The UK Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa is one of the most popular immigration routes for Nigerians and other international professionals seeking employment in the United Kingdom. This visa allows skilled workers to enter and stay in the UK if they have a job offer from an approved employer. The key requirement is visa sponsorship, meaning your UK employer must be on the list of licensed sponsors authorized by the UK Home Office.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of UK Tier 2 visa jobs with sponsorship in 2025, including eligibility, requirements, shortage occupation list, top sponsoring companies, application process, costs, and practical tips for success.

What is the UK Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa?

The Tier 2 visa, now officially called the Skilled Worker Visa, allows foreign nationals to work in the UK in eligible skilled occupations. The main condition is that you must have:

1. A confirmed job offer from a UK employer.

2. An employer who is a licensed visa sponsor approved by the UK Home Office.

3. Meet the minimum salary threshold and English language requirements.

This visa can lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after 5 years of continuous work in the UK.

UK Tier 2 Visa Jobs with Sponsorship in 2025/2026

Eligibility for UK Tier 2 Visa Jobs with Sponsorship in 2025

To qualify for a UK Tier 2 visa with sponsorship, applicants must meet the following:

1. Job Offer from an Approved UK Employer

   • Employer must be on the UK Home Office Sponsor Licence list.

2. Eligible Job Role

   • Your job must be on the Skilled Worker Visa eligible occupation list.

3. Minimum Salary Threshold

   • £26,200 per year (or £10.10/hour) for most jobs.

   • £23,040 per year (or £11.10/hour) for shortage occupations.

   • £20,960 per year (or £10.10/hour) if under 26 years old, or in health/education jobs.

4. English Language Requirement

   • Pass an approved English test (IELTS UKVI Academic/General, or equivalent).

   • Exempt if you have a degree taught in English.

5. Financial Requirement

   • Proof of at least £1,270 in savings, unless your employer certifies maintenance.

List of Eligible Jobs for Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

The UK government publishes an official list of eligible skilled occupations. Categories include:

• Healthcare and Social Care Jobs

  • Nurses, Care workers, Senior care assistants.

  • Medical radiographers, Paramedics.

  • Social workers in children and families.

• Education Jobs

  • Secondary school teachers in mathematics, physics, computer science, chemistry, and special needs education.

• STEM and IT Jobs

  • IT business analysts, Web designers, Programmers.

  • Engineering roles (civil, mechanical, electrical).

• Other Skilled Roles

  • Skilled trades in shortage areas.

  • Science and technology specialists.

These jobs are frequently updated on the UK Shortage Occupation List, meaning applicants in these categories have lower visa fees and reduced salary thresholds.

Top UK Employers Offering Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship in 2025

Many UK employers actively sponsor foreign workers. Some leading companies include:

Healthcare and NHS Trusts

• National Health Service (NHS) – the UK’s largest Tier 2 sponsor.

• Barchester Healthcare.

• Care UK.

• HC-One.

Technology and IT Companies

• Capgemini.

• Accenture UK.

• IBM UK.

• Infosys UK.

• Deloitte UK.

Education and Academia

• University of Oxford.

• University College London (UCL).

• Manchester University.

Engineering and Construction

• Balfour Beatty.

• Arup Group.

• Atkins Global.

Step-by-Step Process: Applying for UK Tier 2 Visa with Sponsorship

Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer

• Search for jobs via:

  • UK Government Skilled Worker visa sponsor list (updated regularly).

  • NHS Jobs Portal (for healthcare roles).

  • LinkedIn, Indeed UK, Glassdoor.

UK Tier 2 Visa Jobs with Sponsorship in 2025/2026

Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, a unique reference number needed for your visa application.

Step 3: Apply Online for the Visa

• Complete your application on the official UKVI portal: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

• Visa application fee:

  • £719 (up to 3 years).

  • £1,420 (over 3 years).

• IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge): £624 per year.

Step 5: Attend Biometrics Appointment

• Book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos Ikeja, or Lagos Victoria Island).

Step 6: Wait for Decision

• Processing time: 3–8 weeks.

• Priority and Super-priority options are available for faster results.

Benefits of UK Tier 2 Visa with Sponsorship

1. Work legally in the UK in a skilled profession.

2. Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years.

3. Bring family members (dependents) with you.

4. Access to NHS healthcare after paying IHS.

5. Flexibility to change jobs (with a new sponsor).

Challenges of Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

1. High competition for sponsorship roles.

2. Strict eligibility requirements.

3. Expensive fees and health surcharge.

4. Dependence on employer sponsorship (changing jobs requires a new visa).

Tips to Secure a Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Job in the UK

1. Target shortage occupations – healthcare, teaching, IT, and engineering have the highest demand.

2. Polish your CV to UK standards – emphasize relevant experience.

3. Search directly on NHS, GOV.UK, and UK university job boards.

4. Network on LinkedIn – many employers recruit internationally.

5. Apply early and widely – competition is stiff, especially in healthcare and IT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long can I stay on a Tier 2 visa?
Up to 5 years, renewable. After 5 years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

2. Can my family join me on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children as dependents.

3. Can I switch jobs on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes, but your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and you will need a new CoS.

4. What is the minimum salary for Tier 2 visa jobs?

1. £26,200/year for most jobs.

2. £23,040/year for shortage occupations.

3. £20,960/year for younger applicants or certain roles.

5. Is the Tier 2 visa the same as Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, the UK renamed Tier 2 (General) visa to Skilled Worker visa in December 2020.

Conclusion

The UK Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa with sponsorship remains one of the most accessible routes for Nigerians and other international applicants looking to work in the UK in 2025. While the process is competitive, focusing on shortage occupations like healthcare, IT, and teaching greatly increases your chances of success.

By securing a job with a licensed sponsor, meeting the salary threshold, and providing the required documentation, you can start your journey to the UK, with long-term opportunities for permanent residency and career growth.