Visa-sponsoring employers in Wales
Where the licensed sponsors in Wales are, the universities nearby, and the salary rules that differ by nation.
Home Office register,
The short answer
2,030
employers in Wales hold a Skilled Worker licence, counted from the towns we can place
Home Office register, 5 October 2026
Counted across 97 towns we can place in Wales, each employer once. The most are in Cardiff (595 licences), Swansea (248 licences) and Wrexham (94 licences).
How we count: every Skilled Worker register row whose town we can place in Wales, plus rows that give Wales itself as the town, with each organisation counted once even if it lists several towns. Town names shared with places elsewhere, and towns we cannot place, are left out, so the true total may be higher.
Towns in Wales with the most visa sponsors
| Town or city | Skilled Worker licences | Share of Wales |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | 595 | 29.1% |
| Swansea | 248 | 12.1% |
| Wrexham | 94 | 4.6% |
| Bridgend | 65 | 3.2% |
| Pontypridd | 45 | 2.2% |
| Cwmbran | 43 | 2.1% |
| Llanelli | 34 | 1.7% |
| Caerphilly | 34 | 1.7% |
| Neath | 33 | 1.6% |
| Barry | 32 | 1.6% |
| Deeside | 29 | 1.4% |
| Port Talbot | 28 | 1.4% |
| Colwyn Bay | 26 | 1.3% |
| Llandudno | 26 | 1.3% |
| Rhyl | 25 | 1.2% |
Universities in Wales
Salary rules that differ in Wales
The general salary threshold and the Table 1 going rates are the same across the UK. Jobs paid on national pay scales are different: the Home Office tables list Wales's own rates for these occupations. Some Immigration Salary List entries also apply in one nation only.
| Foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent | £33,307 |
|---|---|
| Foundation year 2 (F2) and equivalent | £41,073 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at ST/CT1-2 and equivalent | £43,821 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at CT/ST3 and above | £43,821 |
| Specialty doctor and equivalent | £59,727 |
| Salaried General practitioner (GP) and equivalent | £76,079 |
These going rates are per year and based on a 40-hour working week unless noted. 1 more grade in the full table on gov.uk. Doctor jobs with UK visa sponsorship
| Dental foundation training (Hospital dental services) and equivalent | £38,292 |
|---|---|
| Dental core training and equivalent | £41,269 |
| Band A posts (for example, Community practitioner) and equivalent | £50,789 |
| Band B posts (for example, Senior dental officer) and equivalent | £79,003 |
| Band C posts (for example, Specialist / managerial posts) and equivalent | £94,525 |
| Consultant and equivalent (37.5 hour week) | £106,000 |
These going rates are per year and based on a 40 hour working week unless noted. Dentist jobs with UK visa sponsorship
| Instructor / demonstrator and associate lecturer (below the £25,000 minimum, so £25,000 applies) | £24,048.75 |
|---|---|
| Main grade lecturer | £30,619.64 |
| Upper pay spine | £44,010.49 |
| Management | £47,696.57 |
These going rates are per year and based on the definition of a full-time teaching professional used when determining these pay scales. Further education lecturer jobs with UK visa sponsorship
NHS Agenda for Change bands and teachers’ pay scales also have their own rates for each nation, in Tables 4 and 5 of the Home Office tables. Home Office tables on gov.uk.
The salary also has to be at least £25,000 a year, so for any grade listed below that, £25,000 applies. Healthcare and education salary rules on gov.uk.
The Immigration Salary List entries that apply in Wales are the ones that apply across the UK. A few entries apply only in Scotland. Guide: the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List.
Questions people ask
How many employers in Wales can sponsor a Skilled Worker visa?
At least 2,030 employers in Wales held a Skilled Worker licence on the Home Office register on 5 October 2026, counted across 97 towns we can place in Wales. How we count: every Skilled Worker register row whose town we can place in Wales, plus rows that give Wales itself as the town, with each organisation counted once even if it lists several towns. Town names shared with places elsewhere, and towns we cannot place, are left out, so the true total may be higher.
Which towns in Wales have the most visa sponsors?
On the register of 5 October 2026: Cardiff (595 licences), Swansea (248 licences), Wrexham (94 licences), Bridgend (65 licences) and Pontypridd (45 licences).
Are Skilled Worker salary rules different in Wales?
The general salary threshold and the Table 1 going rates apply across the UK. Jobs paid on national pay scales, such as generalist medical practitioners, dental practitioners and further education teaching professionals, use Wales's own scales, listed separately in the Home Office tables. The Immigration Salary List entries that apply in Wales are the ones that apply across the UK. A few entries apply only in Scotland.
What this means for your search in Wales
- Check the licence first. An employer needs a licence to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa. Use the sponsor check. The register changes often and lists legal names, which can differ from a brand name. Check the latest register on gov.uk before you rule an employer out.
- Read the advert's sponsorship line. "Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK" is a no, even from a licensed employer.
- Check the salary. Usually the higher of £41,700 and the going rate. For new entrants, the higher of £33,400 and 70% of the going rate. See salary thresholds and going rates.
- After an offer, ask about the Certificate of Sponsorship. See what to ask.
Full routine: How to find a job that sponsors your visa in the UK. Rules change: always check gov.uk.
Sources
- Register of licensed sponsors: workers Snapshot 5 October 2026
- Appendix Skilled Occupations (going rates) Updated 11 November 2025
- Appendix Immigration Salary List