How to Instantly Tell if an NHS Job Offers Visa Sponsorship (A Guide for You in the UK)

If you’re already in the UK and searching for NHS jobs, figuring out which roles offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship can feel like a guessing game. But it doesn’t have to be.

I’ve supported many people and reviewed many NHS job adverts and will show you exactly where to find the sponsorship clues — so you can stop wasting time on roles that won’t sponsor you and focus only on those that will.

I’ve heard people ask if this or that NHS Trust offers sponsorship. All NHS Trusts can sponsor if they are impressed with your performance or if they need someone to fill a particular role.

Take a close look at the job advert and scroll down to the section titled Working for our organisation, or towards the bottom of the page.

For example, in a role advert on Trac, you’ll see:

This role is eligible for skilled worker sponsorship for candidates in the UK.

On the other hand, some other advert will say:

This opportunity is only available for candidates who have the right to work in the UK… we are unable to provide sponsorship.

Your takeaway: Always scroll carefully for phrases about sponsorship or certificates of sponsorship — they’re often hidden away in this section.

If there is no mention of the sponsorship, then the role will likely sponsor if the band and the salary are within UKVI guidelines.

Before you start reading the entire job advert, use the search function (Ctrl + F) or the page’s search bar to quickly look for keywords like ‘sponsorship’ or ‘visa.’ This will save time and help you find crucial information instantly.

Band 3 roles are still sponsored in the NHS for applicants within the UK if they pay at least £25,000.

Note that if a role is advertised at say between £24,040 and £26,200 annually, it can sponsor you if you are recruited. The HR will offer you a salary that could sponsor you, for example, £25,000 if the department or Trust needs you.

If the job is in a clinical specialty experiencing staff shortages — such as nursing, midwifery, or elderly care — it’s more likely to come with sponsorship.

Community Nursing or support jobs are examples of this. If you’re applying for roles like these, your chances of sponsorship improve significantly.

Applicants are preferred if they are licensed to drive and also mobile.

Some NHS Trusts in less populated or high-demand areas tend to offer sponsorship more frequently than those in major cities.

For example, applying to roles in Essex or Nottinghamshire could work more in your favour than similar jobs in London, simply because fewer candidates apply.

If you see these phrases anywhere in the advert, it means no sponsorship:

• We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role
  
  

• You must have the right to work in the UK

• Not eligible for a certificate of sponsorship
  
  

• Search the advert for “sponsorship.”
  
  

• Check the Band and salary details.
  
  

• Confirm if the role appears on the Home Office shortage occupation list. Most Band 3 clinical roles like HCSW, HCA, etc. appear under the medium section of the new shortage occupation list

• Think about the Trust’s location and recruitment needs.
  
  

The key isn’t applying to more jobs — it’s applying to the right jobs. Use this quick sponsorship tips, and you’ll save yourself time and frustration while boosting your chances of success.

With Love,