If you’re an American seeking to relocate to the UK, obtaining a work visa is necessary. There are various types of visas available and it’s essential that you find one that best meets your situation.
Though it may seem daunting, applying for job opportunities with visa sponsorship in the UK is actually much simpler than you might think. Check out our guide to learn how to get started.
1. Use LinkedIn
Finding a job in London can be an arduous task, particularly for Americans. The most challenging part is securing the visa necessary to work there.
Thankfully, many companies in the UK recognize the advantages of providing visa sponsorship.
As an employer, visa sponsorship enables you to draw upon international talent without the necessity of employing a national.
On sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, you can find a variety of companies offering visa sponsorship.
2. Put the UK as your location
The United Kingdom (UK) is a country composed of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that was united under British rule from 1801 until 1922.
Recently, the United Kingdom has become an increasingly attractive location for work, training and study. As a result, many employers are willing to sponsor foreign nationals in order to recruit highly-skilled staff members.
However, obtaining a visa can prove challenging for those wishing to relocate to the UK. It requires extensive due diligence, persistence and patience in order to be successful.
3. Optimize your headline
As an international job seeker, the right headline is essential. Ideally, it should be a short and snappy one-liner that grabs attention of readers. Furthermore, an effective headline should contain your qualifications and experience as well as an engaging call to action.
A headline that utilizes proper English (UK English) and references relevant industry buzzwords will surely impress recruiters. To make your CV truly stand out, incorporate the most memorable keywords from their list of required attributes and skills. To achieve this result, do your research and tailor each CV specifically to each role you are applying for.
4. Use LinkedIn Recommendations
LinkedIn is the largest professional network worldwide, boasting 28 million users (almost half of the UK population). It can be an excellent platform for job seekers in the UK as well as connecting them to potential employers.
Use the Recommendations section to demonstrate your skills and abilities to potential employers. You can get recommendations from friends and family, or ask professionals in your field to endorse what you have accomplished. Doing this increases your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of hiring managers. It would also be beneficial to request recommendations from university instructors or lecturers who are familiar with you personally.
5. Follow news from your favourite companies
In the UK, there are many reputable companies that provide Visa Sponsorship Jobs. These positions can be an excellent opportunity for those seeking a global career by working in the UK.
Before applying for these jobs, you must obtain a certificate of sponsorship from the company sponsoring you. This document contains your personal details as well as details regarding the job offer you have been presented.
However, in order to assign a certificate of sponsorship to an employee, your company must first acquire a Sponsorship Licence from the Home Office. This complex procedure can take up to 16 weeks until approval is granted.
6. Prepare for the interview
Most work visas, particularly long-term ones, require sponsorship. To apply for such a certificate from your employer, you’ll need to secure its approval.
Once you have your questions prepared, you can begin prepping for the interview. Research the company and create a list of potential questions to ask them.
For instance, you could inquire about their products, strategies and services. Doing this will give you a deeper understanding of their company and give you the assurance to ask more questions during the interview.
