SOAS University of London: finding sponsored work as an international student
The employers that can sponsor near London, the rules that matter, and how Visavi does the checking for you.
Home Office register,
Can SOAS University of London graduates get sponsored near London?
35,584
Skilled Worker licences in London
Home Office register, 5 October 2026
Within about 25 miles, another 16,153 Skilled Worker licences list one of 310 other towns. London has the highest count of the 493 towns with a page on Visavi. SOAS University of London itself holds a sponsor licence for Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and Skilled Worker.
| Organisation | Town | Type and rating | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Oriental and African Studies | London | Temporary Worker (A rating) | Creative Worker |
| School of Oriental and African Studies | London | Temporary Worker (A rating) | Government Authorised Exchange |
| School of Oriental and African Studies | London | Worker (A rating) | Skilled Worker |
SOAS University of London is itself on the Home Office register as "School of Oriental and African Studies" in London, with licences for Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and Skilled Worker. Universities sponsor research, teaching and professional staff, so it is an employer to search as well as a place to study.
SOAS University of London's main campus is in Bloomsbury, in the London Borough of Camden.
The town pages nearest the campus: London (1 mile, 35,584 licences), Hammersmith (4.7 miles, 27 licences), Leyton (5.8 miles, 30 licences), Walthamstow (6.6 miles, 37 licences) and Wembley (7.5 miles, 416 licences).
The universities nearest the campus: Birkbeck, University of London (0 miles); University College London (0.3 miles); University of Westminster (0.7 miles); and London School of Economics (0.8 miles).
17 universities in London have a page here. The sectors, example employers and nearby towns for London are on the town page, linked alongside.
The rules that matter
- The Graduate Route clock. A Graduate visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it lasts 3 years. See the Graduate visa timeline and Graduate Route to Skilled Worker.
- A licensed employer. A Skilled Worker visa needs a job offer from an employer on the register. On 5 October 2026, 121,996 organisations held a Skilled Worker licence.
- The salary. Usually the higher of £41,700 and the going rate for the job. New entrants, including many people switching from a Student or Graduate visa, need the higher of £33,400 and 70% of the going rate. See salary thresholds.
A licence is not a promise. Evidence beats hope. That's the whole idea.
Rules change: always check gov.uk.
Questions people ask
Is SOAS University of London a licensed visa sponsor?
Yes. On 5 October 2026, the Home Office register lists "School of Oriental and African Studies" in London with licences for Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and Skilled Worker. Universities sponsor research, teaching and professional staff.
How many employers near SOAS University of London can sponsor a visa?
On 5 October 2026, the Home Office register listed 35,584 Skilled Worker licences in London, one for each organisation and town. Another 16,153 Skilled Worker licences list a town within about 25 miles.
How long is the Graduate visa after studying at SOAS University of London?
A Graduate visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it lasts 3 years. Check gov.uk for the current rules.
What this means for your search in London
- 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.