Top 15 high paying jobs in UK with visa sponsorship that allows you to come with family

You want a role that pays fairly, sponsors your visa, and lets your family move with you. Smart plan. Think of this move like a project sprint. You set the goal, line up the tasks, and ship on time. Do the same here and you will land a family friendly job with clear visa steps and a stable landing.

Advertisment

Why UK Visa Sponsorship Still Works for Families in 2025

In 2025, UK employers still struggle to fill mid‑level and senior roles in:

Health and Care
Engineering, construction, and energy
Digital, data, and cybersecurity
Education (especially STEM and languages)
Finance and business analysis

Many of these roles:

Start at or above £30,000
Progress quickly with experience, shifts, and regional premiums
Routinely offer visa sponsorship when your job matches the correct occupation code and salary rules

If you’re an experienced professional looking to move with your family, the UK can still provide:

A sponsored Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa
Competitive base salary in pounds
Work rights for your partner and school access for your children
A realistic path to long‑term stability and settlement

Always check the latest UK government guidance, because salary thresholds, codes, and dependant rules can change.

Bringing Your Partner and Children With You

Who Can Usually Come as a Dependant

Under current rules (which you must verify on GOV.UK):

Partners:
- Spouses
- Civil partners
- Unmarried partners (if you can prove your relationship)
Children:
- Children under 18
- In some cases, older children who are already in the UK as dependants or meet specific criteria

Each dependant:

Applies for their own visa, linked to your sponsorship
Typically receives a visa that expires on the same date as yours

You must usually meet financial/maintenance rules, unless an exemption applies (for example, some sponsors certify maintenance on the CoS).

What Your Partner and Children Can Do in the UK

Partner:
- Generally has broad permission to work:
  - Full‑time or part‑time employment
  - Self‑employment (with some restrictions such as sports professionals)
  - Multiple jobs
Children:
- Can attend state schools when you have a fixed UK address
- School places are usually arranged through the local council

Plan your move as a family project: decide when to arrive, which school year your children will join, and how your partner will approach job searching.

eVisa and Digital Status: How You Prove Your Rights

The UK is moving fully to digital immigration status (eVisa). Instead of relying on a physical BRP card, you:

Access your UKVI account online
Generate share codes for:
- Right to Work
- Right to Rent

Employers and landlords use these codes to confirm your status.

To avoid problems:

Keep your email address up to date in your UKVI account
Keep your phone number current
Watch for emails about:
- Status changes
- Expiry dates
- Any required actions

Losing access to your registered email or phone can delay job starts or tenancy agreements.

Salary and Visa Rules You Must Get Right

General Threshold, Going Rate, and Pay Scales

For Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas, your base salary has to meet:

The general salary threshold for the route, and
The “going rate” for your specific occupation code (adjusted for your weekly hours)

You must meet whichever is higher.

For many health and education roles:

NHS pay scales (Bands 2–9)
Teacher pay scales

are designed so that if the correct occupation code and band/scale is used, the salary usually satisfies Skilled Worker rules automatically.

What Counts as Salary for the Visa

The Home Office focuses on contracted base pay for standard hours. Common treatment:

Counts towards the threshold:

Your basic annual salary on the contract
Pro‑rated salary when your weekly hours are less than the standard for the occupation

Usually does not count:

Overtime payments
Most shift allowances, enhancements, or premia
On‑call allowances
One‑off bonuses or discretionary bonuses
Commission that is not guaranteed

Treat these extras as a bonus to your total income, not as a way to qualify for the visa.

London Weighting and Hours Pro‑Rating

London Weighting:
- Some employers include London weighting as part of the package
- It does not always count toward the Skilled Worker base salary threshold
- Confirm with HR whether it is included within your basic salary figure on the CoS
Hours Pro‑Rating:
- If the standard full‑time hours for your code are 37.5 or 40 per week, and you are offered fewer or more, the going rate is pro‑rated
- Example:
  - Going rate is £40,000 at 40 hours/week
  - Your contract is 32 hours/week
  - Minimum acceptable base salary would be £32,000

Always ask your employer to confirm, in writing:

Your occupation code
Your base salary
Your weekly contracted hours
Your expected work location (and hybrid arrangement, if applicable)

Family Benefits You Should Understand Before You Move

Partner Work Rights and School Access

Partner:
- Can normally take almost any kind of employment
- Can work full‑time, switch jobs, or build a career separate from the main visa holder
Children:
- Once you have a UK address, you can apply for school places through your local council
- You can express school preferences, but places depend on availability and catchment areas

Contact the council as soon as you sign a tenancy so you can align school start dates with your move.

NHS Access and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Skilled Worker visa holders:
- Usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of the visa, for each family member
- This gives access to the NHS:
  - GP visits
  - A&E
  - Most hospital treatment
  - Some services (dentistry, optical, prescriptions) may still involve charges
Health and Care visa holders:
- Often exempt from paying the IHS, a significant cost saving for families

Always:

Keep IHS payment receipts
Understand what is covered by NHS vs. what might require private insurance

Simple Checklist for Dependant Documents

Prepare documents for your partner and children early:

Passports:
- Valid for the length of the intended stay if possible
Birth certificates for children and marriage/civil partnership certificates for your partner
- Provide certified translations if not in English or Welsh
TB tests:
- Required depending on your country of residence and visa type
Police clearance certificates:
- Some roles and countries require these for both the main applicant and partner
After arrival, for everyday life:
- Proof of address: tenancy agreement, council tax bill, or bank statements
- Used for school enrolment, GP registration, bank account opening, and other services

Keep physical copies and clear digital scans.

15 High‑Paying, Visa‑Sponsored, Family‑Friendly Jobs in the UK

Below are roles that:

Commonly come with Skilled Worker or Health and Care sponsorship
Often pay £30,000+ at entry to mid‑level
Provide clear progression in pay with experience and responsibility

Salary figures vary by region, employer, and experience, so always confirm current bands.

Health and Care Roles

1. Registered Nurse

Typical pay: NHS Band 5–6, with:
- Night and weekend enhancements
- Overtime bank shifts
Requirements:
- NMC registration
- Proven clinical experience and English language evidence
Sponsorship:
- Common across NHS Trusts and private hospital groups throughout the UK

2. Radiographer (Diagnostic or Therapeutic)

Typical pay: NHS Band 5–7, with:
- On‑call and out‑of‑hours premia in some settings
Requirements:
- HCPC registration
- Degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography
Sponsorship:
- Offered by many hospitals, cancer centres, and private imaging providers

3. Pharmacist

Typical pay: around £35,000–£55,000+:
- Hospital, community chains, and some private clinics
Requirements:
- GPhC registration
- Pre‑registration training and assessment passed
Sponsorship:
- Common in hospitals and large pharmacy chains, especially in shortage areas

4. Biomedical Scientist

Typical pay: generally NHS Band 5–6, higher in specialist posts
Requirements:
- HCPC registration
- Accredited biomedical science degree
- Pathology laboratory experience
Sponsorship:
- Widely used by busy hospital labs and some specialist diagnostic providers

5. Physiotherapist

Typical pay: NHS Band 5–7, plus enhancements
Requirements:
- HCPC registration
- Physiotherapy degree and varied clinical placements
Sponsorship:
- Available in:
  - NHS trusts
  - Community and rehab services
  - Private MSK, neuro, and sports clinics

Engineering, Construction, and Energy

6. Electrical Engineer

Typical pay: £35,000–£55,000+ at mid‑level
Sectors:
- Building services
- Utilities and power networks
- Data centres
- Rail and transport infrastructure
Sponsorship:
- Common with utilities, infrastructure contractors, and specialist design consultancies

7. Mechanical Engineer

Typical pay: about £35,000–£55,000+, with higher bands for chartered engineers
Sectors:
- Manufacturing
- HVAC and building services
- Process plants and pharmaceuticals
- Energy and renewables
Sponsorship:
- Normal for experienced mechanical engineers in shortage sub‑disciplines

8. Civil Engineer

Typical pay: around £35,000–£60,000+
Sectors:
- Highways
- Rail and bridges
- Water and wastewater
- Flood defence and major civils projects
Sponsorship:
- Widely available with Tier 1 contractors and leading civil consultancies

9. Quantity Surveyor

Typical pay: roughly £35,000–£60,000+, with:
- Potential bonuses
- Car allowances at senior level
Sectors:
- Construction
- Infrastructure programmes
- Real estate development
Sponsorship:
- Teams that manage multi‑year frameworks regularly sponsor experienced QSs

10. Building Services Engineer (M&E)

Typical pay: generally £35,000–£60,000+
Sectors:
- Hospitals and labs
- Universities and public buildings
- Commercial offices
- High‑spec data centres and cleanrooms
Sponsorship:
- Strong demand across:
  - London and Southeast
  - Major regional hubs

Digital, Data, and Cybersecurity

11. Software Engineer

Typical pay: mid‑level £45,000–£80,000+, higher in fintech and scale‑ups
Tech stacks often in demand:
- Python, Java, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Node.js
- Cloud: AWS, Azure, GCP
- DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD
Sponsorship:
- Regular with product‑led companies, fintechs, and established tech firms

12. Data Engineer / Data Analyst

Typical pay: £40,000–£70,000+, depending on city, stack, and responsibility
Core skills:
- SQL, Python, ETL pipelines, Spark, data warehousing (Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift)
- BI tools and dashboards
Sponsorship:
- Common in financial services, health analytics, e‑commerce, and consultancies

13. Cybersecurity Analyst

Typical pay: £40,000–£70,000+, sometimes more with:
- On‑call allowances
- Shift premia
Focus areas:
- SOC operations
- Incident response
- Detection engineering
- Cloud security and threat intelligence
Sponsorship:
- Growing need in banks, critical infrastructure providers, large tech, and managed security services

Education and Finance

14. Secondary School Teacher (STEM or Languages)

Typical pay: about £30,000–£50,000+ depending on:
- Region (inside/outside London)
- Experience (ECT to experienced teacher)
- Additional responsibilities (TLRs)
Highest demand subjects:
- Maths
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Modern foreign languages
Sponsorship:
- Offered by academy trusts and schools struggling to fill long‑term vacancies

15. Business Analyst (Financial Services)

Typical pay: roughly £40,000–£65,000+, with:
- Bonus potential
- Strong benefits
Focus:
- Regulatory change
- Risk and compliance
- Payments and digital banking
- Data‑driven transformation
Sponsorship:
- Banks, insurers, fintechs, and consultancies sponsor experienced BAs with strong domain knowledge

Real Sponsors You Can Shortlist Today

NHS Trusts and Private Hospital Groups

Use NHS Jobs and Trac:
- Filter for roles that explicitly mention sponsorship
- Look out for relocation packages and OSCE or adaptation support
Many private groups offer:
- Faster onboarding
- Relocation contributions
- Sometimes higher total compensation

Tier One Contractors, Consultancies, and M&E Firms

Look at:

National and international Tier 1 contractors
Design consultancies with infrastructure frameworks
M&E contractors delivering hospitals, labs, and data centres

These employers often:

Work on multi‑year frameworks
Have ongoing demand for engineers, QSs, planners, and managers
Are used to sponsoring international personnel

Fintechs and Product Companies Outside London

Consider:

Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast

These hubs often offer:

Strong tech and data salaries
Lower housing and childcare costs than London
Shorter, more family‑friendly commutes

Before you accept an offer or resign from your current job:

Search the Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers) on the official UK government site
Match the exact legal entity name with:
- The name on your offer letter
- The name that will appear on your contract
Ask HR, in writing, to confirm:
- Your occupation code
- Your base salary and weekly hours
- Your work location (onsite, hybrid, remote)
- That they will assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) under Skilled Worker or Health and Care
Remember:
- Never pay anyone for a Certificate of Sponsorship
- Genuine sponsors do not charge candidates for CoS issuance

Application Playbook That Gets You Interviews

Make Your CV ATS‑Friendly With Sector Keywords

Most medium and large employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). To pass automated filters and recruiter keyword searches, your CV should reflect the language used in UK job adverts.

Examples of keywords to include:

Health and Care:
- Medication safety
- Escalation protocols
- Sepsis screening
- Care pathways
- Clinical audits
- Infection prevention and control
- Clinical governance
Engineering:
- Commissioning
- FAT/SAT
- EICR
- PPM (planned preventive maintenance)
- CMMS
- CDM regulations
- Method statements
- RAMS
- QA/QC
Tech / Software:
- Python, Java, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript
- React, Node.js, .NET
- AWS, Azure, GCP
- Docker, Kubernetes
- Terraform, CI/CD, microservices
Construction / Project Control:
- Primavera P6
- MS Project
- Risk registers
- Claims management
- Change control
- Handover documentation

Mirror the phrasing of job adverts (without copying entire sentences) to increase relevance and search visibility.

Use Measurable Outcomes in Your Supporting Statements

Employers respond to clear numbers and outcomes. Replace vague achievements with precise impact statements, for example:

“Reduced average emergency department waiting times by 22% over 6 months.”
“Cut p95 API latency by 34% by optimising database queries and introducing caching.”
“Delivered viaduct Phase 2 two weeks ahead of programme with zero LTIs.”
“Lowered change order costs by 15% by implementing early risk identification and control.”

This style of writing quickly shows value and separates you from candidates who only list duties.

A 60‑Second Outreach Script That Wins Replies

Use this structure for LinkedIn messages or cold emails:

Hello [Name],
I specialise in [your profession] and recently delivered [specific outcome] in [sector]. At [employer], I achieved [quantified result] using [tools/technologies/methods].
I meet UK Skilled Worker salary requirements on base pay alone and can relocate by [Month].
May I share a one‑page profile and formally apply for [Role Title] in [City/Location]?

Short, specific messages that show impact + visa readiness tend to get better response rates.

Negotiating a Package That Works for Your Family

Prioritise Base Pay, Then Negotiate Relocation and Legal Support

When you receive an offer:

Confirm base salary first:
- Ensure it meets or exceeds Skilled Worker thresholds
- Confirm it is base pay only, without relying on:
  - Overtime
  - Allowances
  - Bonuses
Then negotiate:
- Sign‑on bonus
- Relocation allowance (flights, shipping, initial costs)
- Visa and legal fees coverage, at least for you, and where possible, for dependants
- Temporary accommodation (typically 2–4 weeks)

Temporary Housing, Childcare, and Start Dates

As part of your negotiation, ask about:

Family‑sized temporary accommodation near transport and schools
Any school search support or access to relocation consultants
Start dates:
- Align with visa processing times
- School term dates
- Your notice period in your current job

A realistic start date avoids pressure on your family and reduces the risk of gaps in income.

Simple Counter‑Offer Template You Can Adapt

You can use this structure:

Thank you for the offer. Based on the scope of the role, market bands in [location/sector], and my experience, I would be comfortable at £X base salary with a £Y sign‑on payment, 2–4 weeks of temporary family accommodation, and visa fee coverage for me and my dependants, where policy allows.

At this level I can meet Skilled Worker visa requirements on base pay alone and commit to a start date in [Month], subject to visa approval.

This keeps the focus on base pay, while also covering the needs of a family move.

Cost of Living: Where Your Money Goes Further

London Weighting vs Regional Value

London:
- Higher salaries and London weighting
- Much higher:
  - Rent
  - Childcare
  - Everyday costs
Regional cities often preferred by families:
- Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast
- Offer:
  - Lower housing costs
  - Larger homes for the same budget
  - Often easier commutes
  - Growing job markets in health, tech, and engineering

Your decision should balance:

Salary
Rent and bills
School quality
Commute time

Housing, Transport, and Council Tax Basics

When you first arrive:

Consider short‑term lets or house shares for month one:
- Gives you time to view long‑term rentals in person
Before signing a tenancy, check:
- The council tax band for that property
- The average utility costs

For transport:

Check monthly or weekly travel passes
Look at railcards (e.g., family railcard) if you travel by train
Explore cycle‑to‑work options or cycling routes to cut transport costs

Sample First‑Month Family Budget (Guide Only)

Plan for:

Deposit + first month’s rent
Council tax
Utilities (gas, electricity, water)
Broadband and mobile phone contracts
Transport:
- Travel passes
- Initial car insurance and tax if you plan to drive
Groceries and essentials
School uniforms and supplies (if your children start school immediately)
An emergency buffer for unexpected fees and extra costs

Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday to keep your financial plan on track.

From Offer to Arrival: Step‑By‑Step

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), Application, and Biometrics

Offer and Contract
- Employer confirms role, occupation code, base salary, hours, and work location in writing
Certificate of Sponsorship
- Employer assigns a CoS number to you via the sponsorship system
Visa Application
- Complete the online application form for:
  - Skilled Worker
  - Health and Care Worker
- Upload:
  - Passport
  - CoS details
  - Employment contract
  - Professional registration evidence (e.g., NMC, HCPC, GPhC)
  - English language evidence
  - TB test and police certificates (if required)
Biometrics / ID Verification
- Either:
  - Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if eligible), or
  - Attend a visa application centre appointment for biometrics

eVisa, Right to Work, and School Enrolment

Once a decision is made, you receive an email confirmation
You can then:
- Share a Right to Work share code with your employer
- Share a Right to Rent share code with your landlord

After you have your rental agreement:

Register with a GP (doctor)
Apply for school places via the local council, including:
- Proof of address
- Child’s identity documents
- Previous school records where requested

Documents That Speed Approvals and Reduce Stress

Prepare and store:

Passport (and copies)
CoS number and signed contract
Professional registration or proof of registration in progress
English language certificate or degree taught in English (if applicable)
TB test results and police certificates (where required)
Marriage and birth certificates with certified translations if not in English or Welsh

Ensure:

Name spellings, dates of birth, and other details match across all documents
Scans are clear and complete (no cut‑off edges or missing pages)

Five‑Year Plan to UK Settlement (ILR)

Track Absences, Payslips, and Key Records From Day One

For Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you will usually need:

A continuous period of lawful residence (often 5 years in the Skilled Worker or Health and Care route)
To stay within absence limits from the UK (check current Home Office rules for days permitted outside the country)

To make your ILR application easier:

Keep a simple digital folder with:
- All employment contracts and updated job descriptions
- Payslips, P60s, and P45s
- Copies of all CoS and visa decision emails
- A travel log with dates of leaving and entering the UK

Life in the UK Test and English Language Evidence

By year 4:

Book and prepare for the Life in the UK Test
Confirm your English language evidence is valid and at the correct level:
- Approved test at the required CEFR level, or
- Degree taught in English that is recognised

Planning early gives you time to:

Rebook tests if necessary
Collect any missing documents
Avoid last‑minute delays close to expiry of your current visa

Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Avoid these frequent problems that delay or block Skilled Worker and Health and Care visas:

Relying on overtime, bonuses, or allowances to meet the salary threshold
Using an occupation code that does not match your actual job duties
Accepting a verbal promise of sponsorship without full written details
Uploading:
- Blurry scans
- Cropped documents
- Files with name or date mismatches
Failing to match your work pattern (onsite, hybrid, remote) and location with what is recorded on the CoS and visa application
Not checking the latest rules on salary, dependants, and ILR before you apply

Conclusion and Practical Next Steps

The UK in 2025 still offers family‑friendly, visa‑sponsored roles across:

Health and Care
Engineering, construction, and energy
Digital, data, and cybersecurity
Education (STEM and languages)
Finance and business analysis

To move with confidence:

Target roles where sponsorship is normal and base salaries clearly exceed Skilled Worker thresholds.
Verify sponsors on the official register and confirm occupation code, salary, hours, and work location in writing.
Present a metrics‑driven CV and supporting statement that mirrors the language in UK adverts.
Negotiate relocation support, visa fee coverage where possible, and temporary accommodation that works for a family.
Plan schools, housing, and NHS access before you arrive.
Keep an organised evidence folder from day one so your future ILR application is a controlled process, not a last‑minute scramble.

Treat your move like a project with clear milestones. With focused planning, your UK relocation feels less like a risky leap and more like a structured upgrade for you and your family.

FAQs

Can my partner work if I come on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa?

In most cases, yes. Eligible partners of Skilled Worker and Health and Care visa holders have broad rights to work in the UK. Always check the latest government guidance before you apply, as rules can change.

What salary do I need to qualify for sponsorship?

You must meet the higher of:

The general Skilled Worker salary threshold; and
The going rate for your occupation code, adjusted for your weekly hours

Health and education roles often rely on national pay scales to satisfy these rules.

Do bonuses, overtime, or London weighting help me meet the salary rule?

Generally no. The Home Office assesses your contracted base salary for standard hours. Overtime, most allowances, and one‑off bonuses usually do not count towards the threshold. Treat them as extra pay only.

Search the Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers) on the GOV.UK website
Match the legal entity name to your offer letter
Ask HR to confirm:
- Occupation code
- Base salary
- Weekly hours
- Work location
- That they will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
Never pay anyone for a CoS; genuine sponsors do not charge candidates for it.

What is the fastest way to find family‑friendly sponsors?

Health roles:
- Start with NHS Jobs and Trac, filtering for adverts that clearly mention visa sponsorship and relocation.
Engineering and construction:
- Go directly to the career pages of Tier 1 contractors, consultancies, and M&E firms.
Tech and fintech:
- Focus on product companies and financial services hubs in cities like Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

Move quickly with:

An ATS‑friendly CV
A short, impact‑focused supporting statement
Clean, prepared documents for yourself and your dependants.