Tier 2 Sponsorship Jobs in UK for Software Engineers

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Tier 2 Sponsorship Jobs in UK for Software Engineers

If you are an international software engineer looking to move to the UK, you have likely heard the term “Tier 2 Visa.” The first thing you need to know is that this name has officially changed. It is now called the Skilled Worker Visa.

The UK tech sector remains one of the most vibrant in the world, and despite economic fluctuations, the demand for high-quality software engineering talent often outstrips local supply.

Below is a comprehensive guide to navigating this visa route, understanding the salary requirements for 2026, and finding companies that actually sponsor.

1. The Basics: Tier 2 is Now “Skilled Worker”

The “Tier 2 (General)” visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker Visa to streamline the process after Brexit. While the name changed, the core concept remains the same: You cannot simply move to the UK and look for work; you must have a job offer first from a company with a Sponsor License.

The Core Requirements

To qualify, you need a total of 70 points in the UK immigration system. You get 50 non-tradeable points automatically if you meet these three criteria:

  1. Job Offer: You have a valid job offer from a UK employer who is a Licensed Sponsor.

  2. Skill Level: The job is at an appropriate skill level (RQF Level 3 or above—Software Engineering definitely counts).

  3. English Language: You can speak, read, write, and understand English (usually proven via a test or a degree taught in English).

The remaining 20 points usually come from your salary or if the job is on the Immigration Salary List.

2. The Salary Hurdle (2026 Update)

This is where many applicants get confused. In April 2024 and July 2025, the UK government significantly raised the minimum salary thresholds.

For a Skilled Worker visa, your salary must usually equal or exceed both of the following:

  1. The general threshold: £41,700 per year.

  2. The “going rate” for your specific job code.

The “Going Rate” for Software Engineers

Software engineers fall under SOC Code 2134.

  • Standard Rate: For experienced hires, the going rate is often higher than the general threshold, hovering around £49,400+. This means a company cannot just pay you £42,000; they must match the market rate defined by the Home Office.

  • New Entrant Rate (The Loophole): If you are under 26, a recent graduate (e.g., switching from a Student Visa), or a postdoctoral researcher, you can be paid 70% of the going rate. For software engineers, this brings the minimum down to approximately £34,580.

Note: Always verify the specific salary in your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If a startup offers you £30k, they likely cannot legally sponsor you unless you qualify as a “New Entrant” and the math aligns perfectly.

3. How to Find Sponsorship Jobs: A Strategic Approach

Don’t just “spray and pray” your CV on LinkedIn. You need to target companies that already have the legal infrastructure to hire you.

Read: USA Spousal Visa: A Guide to Apply for U.S. Spousal Visa

Strategy A: The “Sponsorship First” Filter

Use job boards that allow you to filter specifically for visa sponsorship.

  • LinkedIn: Use boolean search strings in the search bar: .(“software engineer” OR “developer”) AND “visa sponsorship” AND “UK”

  • Glassdoor: Similar to LinkedIn, search for “Visa Sponsorship” in the keywords.

Strategy B: The Tech-Specific Platforms

General job boards are often cluttered. Specialized tech hiring platforms are much better for finding modern companies (startups and scale-ups) that are willing to sponsor.

  • Otta: This is arguably the best platform for tech jobs in London right now. Their profiles clearly state if a company “can sponsor visas.”

  • Cord: A direct-messaging hiring tool. You can set your profile to “Requires Visa” and only companies willing to sponsor will typically engage with you.

Strategy C: The “Official List” Cross-Reference

If you find a job on a random site, check if the company is licensed.

  1. Download the Register of Licensed Sponsors (link below). (Cmd + F) the company name.

  2. If they are not on the list, they likely cannot hire you immediately (getting a license takes 8+ weeks, which many employers won’t wait for).

4. Top Websites for Tier 2/Skilled Worker Jobs

Here are the essential links you need to bookmark.

1. GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors

  • What it is: The source of truth. A massive CSV file listing every single company in the UK that has permission to sponsor visas.

  • How to use it: Don’t browse it; use it to verify companies you find elsewhere.

2. Otta

  • What it is: A candidate-first job platform for tech.

  • Why it’s good: It matches you with relevant jobs and has a specific filter for “Visa Sponsorship.” The companies here are usually high-growth tech firms (Monzo, Revolut, Deliveroo, etc.) rather than dusty corporate giants.

3. Cord

  • What it is: Removes recruiters from the process. You speak directly to CTOs and Hiring Managers.

  • Why it’s good: You can explicitly state your visa status. It saves time by avoiding “implied” rejections.

4. Hired UK

  • What it is: A reverse marketplace. You put up your profile, and companies apply to interview you.

  • Why it’s good: You can set your preferences to “Open to relocation” or “Requires sponsorship.”

5. Stack Overflow Jobs (and similar tech boards)

  • While their direct job board has changed, checking the “Tech Stack” and “Careers” pages of companies listed here often reveals their stance on relocation.

5. Top Companies That Frequently Sponsor

While thousands of companies sponsor, these categories are your “safest bets”:

  • Big Tech (FAANG+): Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Bloomberg. They have dedicated immigration teams and blanket policies to sponsor talent.

  • Consultancies: Deloitte, Accenture, Capgemini, Thoughtworks. They often have high turnover and constant need for developers.

  • FinTech Unicorns: Revolut, Monzo, Starling Bank, Wise. These companies compete globally for talent and are very familiar with the visa process.

Also: Visa Sponsorship Jobs in USA

6. Tips for Your Application

  1. Be Upfront, But Not Desperate: specifically mention your visa status in your cover letter or the “additional info” section. “I am currently based in [Country] and would require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.”

  2. Tailor Your CV for the UK:

    • No photos.

    • No date of birth or marital status.

    • Focus on technical skills and outcomes (e.g., “Reduced latency by 20% using Go”).

  3. Target the “Hard” Skills: The UK has a shortage of senior engineers, DevOps/Platform engineers, and AI/ML specialists. If you work in these niches, sponsorship is much easier to secure than for junior frontend roles.

Summary Checklist

  • Check Eligibility: Do you meet the English language and skill requirements?

  • Check Salary: Are you targeting roles paying £40k+ (or £34k+ if you are a “New Entrant”)?

  • Search Smart: Use Otta and Cord, not just Indeed.

  • Verify: Always check the company against the Register of Licensed Sponsors before investing hours in an interview process.

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