As global work mobility continues to rise, more professionals are setting their sights on the UK, thanks to its vibrant job market, structured visa programs, and world-class cities. Whether you're a software engineer, care worker, or accounting expert, the UK’s Skilled Worker visa makes it possible to build a promising career abroad.
In 2025 and 2026, two cities stand out for international job seekers: Manchester and London. These cities are not only economic powerhouses but also magnets for employers actively seeking skilled international talent. This guide explores the best visa sponsorship opportunities in these cities, focusing on high-demand sectors like care homes, software engineering, and accounting.
Why Choose the UK for Visa Sponsorship Jobs?
The UK remains a top destination for global talent due to its structured immigration pathways, attractive job roles, and competitive salaries. The Skilled Worker visa allows overseas workers to take up employment in the UK, provided they are sponsored by a licensed employer.
Here are just a few reasons why the UK is a smart career move:
- Clear visa pathways for skilled professionals.
- Shortage Occupation List includes sectors like healthcare, tech, and finance.
- Salary thresholds lowered for many in-demand roles.
- Fast-track immigration processing for critical workers.
- Global reputations of UK companies give professionals a valuable career boost.
Manchester: A Rising Hub for International Talent
Why Manchester Is a Top Choice for Skilled Workers
Often overshadowed by London, Manchester is now one of the fastest-growing urban economies in Europe. It boasts a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and a thriving business ecosystem. From tech startups to global banks and healthcare institutions, the city is rich with opportunity.
Key reasons Manchester appeals to international job seekers:
- Cost of living is significantly lower than London.
- Diverse international community and support networks.
- Extensive public transport and infrastructure development.
- Fast-growing job sectors like tech, healthcare, and finance.
High-Paying Roles in Manchester With Visa Sponsorship
1. Software Engineering Jobs
The North of England’s tech industry is booming, and Manchester leads the charge. Companies from fintech to AI startups are scaling rapidly and actively recruiting global talent.
In-demand job titles:
- Full Stack Developer
- AI/ML Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
Top employers offering visa sponsorship:
- ThoughtWorks
- Booking.com
- Auto Trader UK
- BBC Digital
Average salary ranges:
- Junior Developer: £35,000 – £45,000
- Mid-Level Engineer: £50,000 – £65,000
- Senior/Lead Engineer: £70,000 – £90,000+
Visa sponsorships are commonly offered for candidates with 2+ years’ experience and a portfolio of modern development skills such as Python, React, or AWS.
2. Care Home Jobs With Sponsorship
Care homes in Manchester face urgent staff shortages and actively seek international applicants to fill crucial roles. The UK government has made it easier for care workers to secure work visas, especially in cities like Manchester where demand is high.
Key roles with sponsorship:
- Registered Nurse (RGN)
- Senior Care Assistant
- Healthcare Support Worker
Salary expectations:
- Healthcare Assistant: £22,000 – £28,000
- Registered Nurse: £30,000 – £40,000
- Team Leader/Senior Roles: £38,000 – £45,000+
Benefits offered by care homes:
- Visa and relocation support
- Free or subsidised accommodation
- Ongoing training and development
- Pathways to permanent residency
Leading employers:
- HC-One
- Barchester Healthcare
- Four Seasons Health Care
- Local NHS Trusts
3. Accounting and Financial Services
Manchester’s finance sector is expanding, creating demand for experienced accountants and financial auditors. International professionals with relevant certifications like ACCA, CPA, or ICAEW can find excellent roles in both corporate firms and startups.
In-demand accounting roles:
- Financial Accountant
- Audit Associate
- Tax Advisor
- Finance Business Partner
Salaries to expect:
- Entry-level: £28,000 – £35,000
- Mid-level: £40,000 – £55,000
- Senior roles: £60,000 – £85,000+
Top firms with visa sponsorship programs:
- Deloitte Manchester
- PwC North West
- EY Regional Offices
- KPMG UK
Manchester’s unique blend of financial services and tech (“fintech”) means that accountants with tech-savvy skills like ERP software or data analytics are especially in demand.
What Makes Manchester Stand Out?
- International airport with global connectivity
- World-class universities feeding skilled graduates into the workforce
- Lower housing and commuting costs
- Government-backed regional development projects attracting employers
Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or finance, Manchester presents an exciting, affordable, and welcoming opportunity for overseas job seekers looking to build a long-term future in the UK.
London: The Economic Powerhouse for International Professionals
Why London’s Global Appeal Remains Strong
London has long been one of the world’s most powerful economic hubs—and in 2025/2026, it continues to attract top-tier international talent. With thousands of global companies headquartered in the city and a dynamic job market that spans finance, technology, healthcare, and more, London is an ideal destination for overseas professionals seeking sponsored employment.
Key reasons to choose London:
- Access to high-paying, globally recognised roles
- A hub for innovation, investment, and growth
- Diverse and multicultural population
- Direct job pathways into global firms and the public sector
Best Visa Sponsorship Jobs in London
1. Software Engineering and Data-Driven Roles
London’s technology landscape rivals that of Silicon Valley. From AI research labs to fintech unicorns, the city is overflowing with opportunities for international software engineers.
In-demand roles with visa sponsorship:
- AI Research Engineer
- Front-End Developer (React/Angular)
- Back-End Developer (Node.js, Java, Python)
- Data Scientist / Data Engineer
- DevOps / Cloud Engineer
Average salary bands:
- Mid-Level Software Engineer: £55,000 – £75,000
- Senior Software Engineer: £80,000 – £110,000
- AI/ML Specialist: £90,000 – £130,000+
Top tech companies hiring with sponsorship:
- Google UK
- Revolut
- Deliveroo
- Palantir Technologies
- Accenture Digital
Many of these firms are Home Office-licensed sponsors, which means they are legally permitted to hire international candidates and support their Skilled Worker visas.
2. Healthcare and Elderly Care Opportunities
London’s healthcare system—both public (NHS) and private—continues to face a pressing need for skilled professionals. This shortage creates numerous opportunities for overseas candidates with medical and caregiving experience.
Popular roles with sponsorship:
- Registered Nurse
- Healthcare Assistant
- Care Coordinator
- Physiotherapist
- Home Support Worker
Salary expectations:
- Healthcare Assistant: £24,000 – £30,000
- Registered Nurse: £30,000 – £42,000
- Clinical Specialist Roles: £40,000 – £60,000+
Visa sponsorship employers in London include:
- NHS Foundation Trusts (e.g., Guy's and St Thomas’, Barts Health)
- Priory Group
- Bupa UK
- Private clinics and rehabilitation centers
In addition to visa sponsorship, many roles also offer:
- Relocation bonuses
- Paid accommodation for the first few months
- Tier 2 Visa support with indefinite leave pathways
3. Accounting and Auditing Positions
If you're a finance or accounting professional, London offers the most lucrative and globally recognised opportunities in the UK. Many major firms are licensed visa sponsors and actively hire international candidates with qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CPA.
Sought-after accounting jobs:
- External Auditor
- Corporate Tax Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- IFRS Consultant
- Internal Auditor
Typical salary ranges:
- Associate: £35,000 – £45,000
- Manager: £55,000 – £75,000
- Senior Manager/Partner Track: £85,000 – £130,000+
Top accounting employers offering visa sponsorship:
- Deloitte UK (London HQ)
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- KPMG
- Grant Thornton
International candidates with Big Four experience or strong IFRS/UK GAAP skills are particularly in demand.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Manchester and London
Navigating the UK job market can be complex, but a structured approach will help maximize your chances.
Step-by-Step Application Strategy
- Create a UK-Style CV
- Keep it concise (1–2 pages).
- Tailor it to each job role.
- Highlight certifications and visa eligibility.
- Use Trusted Job Platforms
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Reed.co.uk
- TotalJobs
- NHS Jobs (for healthcare roles)
- Tech Nation jobs portal (for tech roles)
- Apply Directly to Licensed Sponsors
- Use the UK government’s list of licensed sponsors to find companies that can legally offer visa sponsorship.
- Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
- Demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit.
- Mention willingness to relocate and visa type.
- Leverage Recruitment Agencies
- Robert Half (Finance and Accounting)
- Hays Recruitment (General)
- Global Medics (Healthcare)
- Lorien (IT & Digital)
- Prepare for Virtual Interviews
- Practice common UK interview questions.
- Be ready to discuss visa process timelines.
Conclusion
The UK is an exceptional place to live and work—and as demand for international talent grows in 2025 and 2026, cities like Manchester and London present the strongest opportunities for professionals seeking visa sponsorship jobs.
While London offers prestige and access to global firms, Manchester provides a balanced lifestyle with fast-growing career prospects. Whether your skills lie in software engineering, caregiving, or accounting, now is the perfect time to make your move.
💡 Take the Next Step: Start preparing your CV, browse trusted job platforms, and connect with employers offering sponsorship. Your career in the UK could be just one offer away.