For Nigerians looking to work and live in the UK, visa sponsorship jobs offer a viable pathway to secure a Skilled Worker Visa and relocate legally.
In 2025, thousands of UK employers across various sectors are licensed to sponsor foreign workers, including Nigerians, under the UK’s Skilled Worker route.
This extensive guide highlights 20-25 in-demand visa sponsorship jobs, how to find them, eligibility criteria, and application tips to help you successfully apply.
What Is Visa Sponsorship in the UK?
Visa sponsorship means a UK employer is licensed by the Home Office to hire foreign nationals and support their visa application to work legally in the UK. The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is essential for the Skilled Worker Visa application.
Why Nigerians Should Consider Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK
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Legal work and residence: Sponsorship ensures your visa is valid for work and stay.
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High-demand sectors: The UK faces skill shortages in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education.
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Competitive salaries: Even on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), wages exceed many Nigerian job markets.
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Pathway to settlement: Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.
Top 20-25 Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK for Nigerians in 2024
These jobs are either on the UK Immigration Salary List (ISL) or commonly sponsored by licensed employers:
| Job Title | Sector | Approximate Salary Requirement* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Healthcare | £26,200+ | High demand across NHS and private sector |
| Care Assistant | Healthcare | £20,960+ (lower threshold) | Entry-level, some employers sponsor |
| Software Developer | IT/Technology | £26,200+ | Growing demand, many sponsors |
| Civil Engineer | Engineering | £26,200+ | Infrastructure projects ongoing |
| Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | £26,200+ | Manufacturing and energy sectors |
| Early Years Educator | Education | £20,960+ | Demand in nurseries and schools |
| Vehicle Mechanic | Skilled Trades | £26,200+ | Automotive industry sponsorships |
| Panel Beater / Vehicle Sprayer | Skilled Trades | £26,200+ | Automotive repair shops |
| Business Development Executive | Commerce | £26,200+ | Sales and marketing roles |
| Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | £26,200+ | NHS and private healthcare providers |
| Optometrist | Healthcare | £26,200+ | Optical clinics and hospitals |
| Spa Therapist | Hospitality | £20,960+ | Some wellness centers sponsor |
| Assistant Restaurant Manager | Hospitality | £20,960+ | Some restaurants offer sponsorship |
| Resident Doctor | Healthcare | £31,000+ | Requires medical registration |
| Ecommerce Developer & Digital Marketer | IT/Marketing | £26,200+ | Growing e-commerce sector |
| Nursery Practitioner | Education | £20,960+ | Childcare centers |
| Support Worker | Social Care | £20,960+ | Care homes and community services |
| Manufacturing Operator | Manufacturing | £20,960+ | Factories with sponsorship licenses |
| Panel Beater | Skilled Trades | £26,200+ | Automotive repair |
| Vehicle Sprayer | Skilled Trades | £26,200+ | Automotive bodywork |
| Private Dentist | Healthcare | £31,000+ | Requires professional qualifications |
| Associate Dentist | Healthcare | £31,000+ | Requires professional qualifications |
*Salary thresholds are approximate and based on the UK Immigration Salary List 2024-2025. Some shortage occupation jobs have lower salary thresholds.
How to Find UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Nigerians
1. Official UK Government Job Board
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Visit the UK government’s job site: findajob.dwp.gov.uk
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Use keywords like “visa sponsorship” or filter by location and job type.
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Thousands of permanent jobs with visa sponsorship are listed, including vehicle mechanics, care assistants, and more.
2. Popular Job Portals
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Indeed UK: Search for “sponsorship visa UK 2024 jobs” to find hundreds of listings in healthcare, education, IT, and skilled trades
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LinkedIn: Over 6,000 visa sponsorship jobs are posted regularly, including manufacturing operators and support workers.
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UKVisaJobs.com: Specializes in visa sponsorship vacancies, including graduate and experienced hire roles.
3. Check the UK Sponsorship License Register
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Verify if an employer is licensed to sponsor foreign workers at uktiersponsors.co.uk.
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This ensures you only apply to legitimate companies authorized to issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
4. YouTube and Online Tutorials
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Channels like “Your Upwork Buddy!” offer detailed guides on how to find and apply for UK visa sponsorship jobs from Nigeria, including LinkedIn strategies and direct employer contact tips5.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
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Updated CV tailored to the UK job market.
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Cover letter highlighting your skills and willingness to relocate.
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Proof of qualifications and work experience.
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Valid passport.
Step 2: Search and Apply
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Use the job portals and government sites mentioned above.
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Apply directly through employer websites or trusted job boards.
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Tailor each application to the job description.
Step 3: Interview and Offer
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Prepare for interviews, often conducted online.
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If successful, the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Step 4: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
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Submit your visa application with your CoS.
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Provide proof of English proficiency, financial means (if required), and health surcharge payment.
Step 5: Relocate and Start Work
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Once visa is approved, arrange your travel.
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Register with local authorities and start your new job.
Tips for Success
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Target Shortage Occupation List Jobs: These have lower salary thresholds and faster visa processing.
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Verify Employer Sponsorship License: Avoid scams by checking the official sponsor register.
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Use Networking: Connect with UK recruiters on LinkedIn and attend virtual job fairs.
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Stay Updated: Immigration rules and salary thresholds change; always check the latest Home Office guidance.
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Be Patient and Persistent: The process can take time, but consistent effort pays off.
Conclusion
In 2024, Nigerians have access to a broad range of visa sponsorship jobs in the UK across healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and skilled trades. By focusing on licensed employers, tailoring applications, and following the Skilled Worker Visa process carefully, you can secure a job offer and legally relocate to the UK.
Start your job search today using official government portals and trusted job sites to maximize your chances.