Tech Companies That Sponsor Visas in the UK (2026)

The UK tech sector is one of the largest employers of sponsored workers. From global giants like Google and Microsoft to homegrown fintechs like Monzo and Revolut, hundreds of tech companies hold active sponsor licences and regularly hire through the Skilled Worker visa route.

But having a licence doesn't mean a company is actively sponsoring. Some companies maintain their licence without using it. The table below shows real-time data: which tech companies are actually posting jobs right now, and how many of those listings mention visa sponsorship.

Top tech sponsors with live job data

Data refreshed every 6 hours from live job listings. Click any company to see full details.

How tech visa sponsorship works

To work in the UK as a tech professional, you need a Skilled Worker visa. The process has three main steps:

1. The company offers you a job. They must hold a valid sponsor licence (all companies in our database are verified on the Home Office register).
2. The company assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a digital record, not a physical document. It includes your job title, salary, and SOC code. The company's HR team handles this through the Sponsorship Management System.
3. You apply for the visa. You'll need your CoS reference number, proof of English language ability (usually IELTS or a degree taught in English), and evidence you can support yourself financially (typically £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days, unless the employer certifies maintenance).

Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks. Priority processing costs £500 extra and takes 5 working days. Some employers cover the priority fee.

Salary thresholds for tech roles

The Skilled Worker visa has two salary requirements. Your salary must meet whichever is higher:

• General threshold: £38,700 per year
• Going rate for your role (set by SOC code):

Most tech roles in London pay well above these thresholds. Outside London, salaries can be closer to the going rate, especially at smaller companies. Always check the specific salary before accepting an offer. Use the salary threshold calculator on any sponsor page to compare.

What to look for in a tech sponsor

• A-rating: All major tech companies hold an A-rating, meaning clean compliance records with the Home Office. B-rated sponsors have had issues flagged.
• Active job listings: More jobs means more hiring activity. Companies with 10+ active listings are typically in growth mode.
• Sponsorship mentions: Job listings that specifically say "visa sponsorship available" are the strongest signal that the company is open to sponsoring.
• Hiring trend: Is the company posting more or fewer jobs than last month? An upward trend suggests growing hiring needs.

Big tech vs fintech vs startups

Big tech (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Apple) have dedicated immigration teams and sponsor hundreds of workers per year. The process is well-oiled. Expect a structured onboarding experience with relocation support.

UK fintechs (Monzo, Revolut, Wise, Checkout.com, Stripe) are also experienced sponsors but may have smaller immigration teams. They typically offer competitive salaries and move faster on hiring decisions.

Startups with fewer than 50 employees can sponsor, but the process may be new to them. Ask specifically: "Have you sponsored a Skilled Worker visa before?" If not, the process is still straightforward, but expect some learning on their side.

Tips for getting sponsored in tech

1. Apply to companies already sponsoring. Companies with "Actively sponsoring" status on SkilledWorker have recent job listings that mention visa sponsorship. They're already set up for it.
2. Don't ask about sponsorship in your cover letter. Let the company see your skills first. Raise sponsorship after the first interview or when they express strong interest.
3. Highlight your unique value. The company is paying a sponsorship fee (£536-£1,476 depending on company size) plus the Immigration Skills Charge (£364-£1,000 per year). Make it obvious why you're worth the investment.
4. Be flexible on location. London has the most sponsors, but cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Cambridge have growing tech scenes with lower competition for sponsored roles.
5. Consider contract-to-perm. Some companies are more willing to sponsor after you've proven yourself on a short-term contract (if your current visa allows it).

Frequently asked questions