If you wish to work in the UK after completing your studies, you must apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa, also known as a skilled worker visa. This visa allows you to work for a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you.

Here’s how you can obtain a Tier 2 (General) visa after graduation:

·      Find a job with a sponsor: The first step is to secure a job offer from a UK employer willing to sponsor your visa. The employer must have a valid sponsor license issued by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.

·     Ensure the job meets requirements: The job offer must meet certain criteria, including minimum salary, skill level, and English language proficiency. Your employer will need to provide evidence that the role cannot be filled by a resident worker.

·      Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once you have a job offer, your employer will issue you a CoS. 

·      Apply for the visa: With the CoS, you can apply for the Tier 2 (General) visa. You must submit an online application and provide supporting documents, including your passport, evidence of finances, and proof of English language proficiency.

·      Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): After applying, you must attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph. 

·      Once this is done, you can begin working. Your visa will be valid for the duration of your employment contract. 

Here are some companies to look out for when looking for one that will sponsor your work visa in the UK:

1. McKinsey & Company

Global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company has offices worldwide, including in the UK.

If you’re an international UK student looking for roles in consulting, research, design, digital, analytics, implementation, or internal services, this is the place for you.

2. Barclays

A British multinational universal bank, Barclays’s main office is located in London, but they also have smaller offices all over the country.

They usually sponsor visas for jobs that need special skills, like software development, business analysis, wealth management or managing credit cards.

3. Ernst & Young (EY)

One of the largest professional services networks in the world, Ernst & Young (EY) has offices in countries like Belgium, Poland, Spain and Germany. It helps companies with consulting, assurance, tax dealing, and transactions.

At EY, careers revolve around technology, accounting, consulting, market strategising or business services. 

4. KPMG

Another titan in the professional services field, KPMG can be found all over the world. Even though their main office is in Amsterdam, they have many offices in the UK, like in Birmingham, Gatwick and Cardiff.

Here, you can explore audit, consulting, deal advisory, tax and law, and technology-related careers.

5. GSK

GSK, which used to be called GlaxoSmithKline, is a big British company that makes medicines and biotechnology. Their main goal is to use technology, science and talented people worldwide to develop new and better ways to help people with their health. 

They focus on making vaccines, special medicines, and regular medicines that doctors prescribe.