At Remitly, we know that moving to a new country comes with challenges, and finding the right job is often at the top of the list. The UK has long been a destination for immigrants seeking better opportunities, contributing significantly to its economy, culture, and workforce. While job searching in a new country can feel overwhelming, the good news is that there are many job boards designed specifically to help immigrants connect with employers who value their skills.
We’ve created this guide to help make your job search easier. It highlights the best job boards for immigrants in the UK, so you can find the opportunities that match your experience and visa status.
As an immigrant, job hunting in the UK comes with unique challenges—work authorisation, visa sponsorship,and industry-specific requirements can make the process feel overwhelming. However, the right job board can simplify the process by connecting international job seekers with UK employers looking for global talent.
With thousands of listings spanning various industries, experience levels, and visa requirements, job boards serve as a bridge between international job seekers and UK companies. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a skilled professional, or transitioning careers, these platforms provide a structured way to explore opportunities that align with your qualifications and work authorisation status.
Why use job boards?
Job boards offer several advantages for immigrants looking to work in the UK:
- Access to thousands of job postings in different industries, from tech and finance to healthcare and engineering.
- Filters to search based on salary, location, and visa sponsorship availability, saving time and effort.
- Opportunities to connect with employers actively seeking international professionals.
Choosing the right job board as an immigrant
Not all job boards are designed for international job seekers. While some focus on local candidates, others specialise in visa-sponsored roles, making them more suitable for immigrants. Choosing the right job board can significantly impact your job search efficiency, helping you avoid dead-end applications and increasing your chances of finding the right role in the UK.
By leveraging specialised job boards designed for global talent, you can streamline your job search and take confident steps toward building your career in the UK.
Understanding the UK Job Market
Employment trends relevant to immigrants
The UK job market is diverse, with certain sectors experiencing high demand for skilled workers. Industries actively seeking international talent include:
- Healthcare: The NHS and private hospitals regularly hire doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
- Engineering: Demand is high for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
- IT and tech: The UK’s growing tech sector needs software developers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts.
- Finance: Banking, accounting, and FinTech companies often recruit skilled professionals from abroad.
- Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses frequently hire international workers.
For many immigrants, finding a job in these sectors is a great way to build a stable life in the UK. However, job seekers generally cannot apply for a work visa independently—most UK work visas require sponsorship from an approved employer. This means obtaining a formal job offer before beginning the visa application process.
Visa requirements and employment opportunities
Most immigrants who want to work in the UK need a Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. Some sectors with labour shortages may offer faster visa processing, helping skilled professionals secure employment.
According to UK immigration statistics, the UK granted a total of 1.16 million UK visas for work, study, or family reasons in the year ending June 2024, reflecting a strong demand for employment and educational opportunities among immigrants. In the same period, the UK issued 3.4 million entry clearance visas, with 62% granted as visitor visas and the remainder granted for work, study, family, and other reasons. These trends highlight that the UK plays a key role as a key destination for professionals, students, and families looking to settle and build a future in the country.
Best Websites for UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Finding a job in the UK with visa sponsorship can be challenging, but using the right job boards makes the process easier. Here are some of the best platforms to help you secure a sponsored position, each offering unique advantages:
- Indeed: Best for wide reach and job variety
Indeed is one of the largest and most popular job boards globally, offering a wide range of job opportunities, including those with visa sponsorship. You can easily filter job postings by location, salary, and visa sponsorship status. Its comprehensive job search engine, along with features like company reviews and salary insights, make it an excellent platform for job seekers looking for both professional roles and new career opportunities abroad.
- Gov.uk Find a Job: Best for government-backed listings
Gov.uk Find A job is an official UK government job portal listing a wide range of vacancies, including visa-sponsored roles, making it a reliable source for job seekers. Since it’s backed by the government, listings often provide trustworthy information about employer sponsorship eligibility.
- LinkedIn: Best for networking and professional roles
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for professional networking and job searching. LinkedIn allows you to connect directly with recruiters and employers offering visa sponsorship. You can filter jobs by location, industry, and visa sponsorship status while also leveraging connections to get referrals and insights about potential employers.
- Totaljobs: Best for high-volume listings
Totaljobs is one of the largest job sites in the UK. Totaljobs has a dedicated visa sponsorship filter, allowing immigrants to easily find jobs where employers are willing to sponsor work visas. It offers a vast range of listings across industries, making it a great resource for professionals in various fields.
- Glassdoor UK: Best for company insights
Glassdoor goes beyond job postings to provide valuable insights into companies through employee reviews, salary data, and interview experiences. This helps job seekers evaluate potential employers and make informed decisions about which visa-sponsored roles to pursue.
- CV-Library: Best for a user-friendly experience
CV-Library is known for its intuitive interface and extensive job database. It features thousands of listings, including those specifically for immigrants looking for sponsorship, and offers job alerts and CV-matching services to help candidates find suitable roles faster.
- Adzuna: Best for smart job searching
Adzuna stands out with its salary comparison tool and AI-driven job matching features. It aggregates listings from multiple sources, making it a convenient and efficient way to discover visa-sponsored jobs tailored to your skills and experience.
- Student Circus: Best for international students
Student Circus is tailored for international students seeking UK job opportunities. It exclusively lists employers who are already approved to hire graduates on a Skilled Worker visa, making it an excellent resource for students transitioning from a Student visa.
Steps for Job Searching in the UK as a Foreigner
1. Check your visa eligibility
Before starting your job search, confirm that you meet the requirements for a UK work visa. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of visa, employer sponsorship requirements, and sector-specific needs. The UK government provides the most up-to-date requirements here. Ensuring you qualify before applying will save time and help you focus on realistic job opportunities.
2. Use the right job boards
Not all job boards cater to immigrants. Focus your job search on platforms that list visa-sponsored positions. The websites we listed above allow you to filter roles that offer sponsorship, making it easier to connect with eligible employers.
3. Tailor your CV
UK employers expect clear, well-structured CVs that highlight relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Ensure your CV is adapted to UK hiring standards by using a concise, professional format, emphasising skills that match UK employer needs, and avoiding unnecessary personal details.
4. Write a strong cover letter
A well-crafted cover letter should complement your CV by explaining why you’re a strong fit for the role. In the UK, a cover letter should be concise (one page maximum), demonstrate how your skills align with the employer’s needs, and use a professional yet engaging tone.
5. Apply strategically
Focus on industries with high demand for skilled workers, such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. These sectors often have shortages, making it easier to secure visa sponsorship.
6. Network and improve your marketability
Networking is a powerful tool for finding job opportunities and making professional connections in the UK job market. Consider these strategies:
- Leverage LinkedIn: Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups, connect with recruiters, and engage with UK professionals in your field.
- Attend UK job fairs and industry events: Many employers use these as a platform to recruit skilled workers, giving you direct access to hiring managers.
- Work with recruiters: Some recruitment agencies specialise in placing foreign workers with visa-sponsored roles.
- Obtain UK-recognised certifications: Relevant certifications in IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare can make your application more competitive.
Key interview practices in the UK
UK interviews often follow a competency-based format, meaning employers assess your suitability through structured questions and tests. Here’s what to expect:
- Competency-based questions: Employers often use prompts like, “Tell me about a time when you…” to assess problem-solving abilities and experience.
- Behavioural assessments: Many companies evaluate cultural fit and how candidates align with their values.
- Technical skills tests: Common in industries like IT, engineering, and finance, where practical expertise is essential.
Understanding workplace expectations can improve your chances
- Punctuality matters: Arriving on time is essential and shows professionalism.
- Dress code standards: Business formal is expected unless instructed otherwise.
- Clear & professional communication: Speak concisely, avoid slang, and maintain a polite tone.
- Follow-up etiquette: Sending a thank-you email after an interview reinforces your enthusiasm and professionalism.
By using top job boards, tailoring your applications, and understanding visa requirements, you can improve your chances of securing employment. Need help with more than just your job search? Explore Remitly’s expert guides on UK relocation, including how to get health insurance, find housing, and open a bank account as a foreigner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most used job board in the UK?
Indeed UK and LinkedIn are the most popular platforms for job seekers. Indeed UK offers a vast range of job listings across industries, while LinkedIn allows you to network with employers, connect with recruiters, and showcase your professional experience. Other widely used platforms include Totaljobs, Reed.co.uk, and CV-Library.
How do you get a job in the UK as an immigrant?
To work in the UK as an immigrant, you need a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship licence. Many companies hire international talent through Skilled Worker visas, which require your employer to prove that the role cannot easily be filled by a UK resident. To increase your chances, focus on high-demand industries that frequently offer visa sponsorship, tailor your applications to highlight your relevant skills, and use job boards that specialise in visa-sponsored roles. If you’re planning to settle in the UK long-term, it’s also essential to understand work visa requirements and pathways to permanent residency.
What is the best job for foreigners in the UK?
Sectors such as healthcare, IT, finance, and engineering have high demand for skilled workers and frequent visa sponsorship opportunities. Roles such as doctors, nurses, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, accountants, and civil engineers often qualify under the Immigration Salary List, allowing lower salary thresholds for certain Skilled Worker visa roles.
What is the best website to apply for jobs in the UK?
There are several reliable job search platforms depending on your industry and visa requirements. The UK government’s Gov.uk Find a Job platform is ideal for public sector roles, while LinkedIn is a great place to connect with recruiters and apply for professional positions.