University of Derby: finding sponsored work as an international student
The employers that can sponsor near Derby, the rules that matter, and how Visavi does the checking for you.
Home Office register,
Can University of Derby graduates get sponsored near Derby?
493
Skilled Worker licences in Derby
Home Office register, 5 October 2026
Within about 25 miles, another 3,443 Skilled Worker licences list one of 53 other towns. Derby has the 28th highest count of the 493 towns with a page on Visavi. The University of Derby itself holds a sponsor licence for Skilled Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and International Sportsperson.
| Organisation | Town | Type and rating | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Derby | Derby | Worker (A rating) | Skilled Worker |
| University of Derby | Derby | Temporary Worker (A rating) | Creative Worker |
| University of Derby | Derby | Temporary Worker (A rating) | Government Authorised Exchange |
| University of Derby | Derby | Worker (A rating) | International Sportsperson |
The University of Derby is itself on the Home Office register as "University of Derby" in Derby, with licences for Skilled Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and International Sportsperson. Universities sponsor research, teaching and professional staff, so it is an employer to search as well as a place to study.
Nearby towns with their own page: Ilkeston (8 miles, 31 licences), Burton-on-Trent (11 miles, 129 licences), Swadlincote (11 miles, 31 licences) and Alfreton (13 miles, 31 licences).
Of the sponsors in Derby, going by registered name, 45 have "care" or "healthcare" in their name; and 18 have "restaurant", "kitchen", "cafe" or "food" in their name.
Employers on the register in Derby include Rolls-Royce plc, Toyota, Alstom Engineering and Services Limited, Amsi Consultancy Services and Applied Dynamics International Ltd..
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 University of Derby a licensed visa sponsor?
Yes. On 5 October 2026, the Home Office register lists "University of Derby" in Derby with licences for Skilled Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange and International Sportsperson. Universities sponsor research, teaching and professional staff.
How many employers near University of Derby can sponsor a visa?
On 5 October 2026, the Home Office register listed 493 Skilled Worker licences in Derby, one for each organisation and town. Another 3,443 Skilled Worker licences list a town within about 25 miles.
How long is the Graduate visa after studying at University of Derby?
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 Derby
- 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.