The tech industry in the UK continues to expand, providing numerous opportunities for software engineers, both local and international.
As one of Europe’s leading tech hubs, the UK attracts talent from around the world, offering various job roles, including Software Engineer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship. However, finding the right opportunity requires a strategic approach.
Here are some of the best ways to secure software engineering jobs in the UK, with a particular focus on opportunities for foreigners and remote work options.
How to Find Software Engineering Jobs in the UK
1. Leverage Tech-Specific Job Boards
To find software engineering jobs in the UK for foreigners, job seekers need to use platforms that cater specifically to the tech industry. General job search engines like Indeed and LinkedIn are useful, but platforms like Stack Overflow Jobs, Technojobs, and CWJobs are more targeted for tech roles.
These platforms often feature positions that include visa sponsorship and are tailored for skilled migrants looking to work in the UK.
For those searching for software engineer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, CWJobs allows filtering by visa requirements, making it easier to spot opportunities that support international hires.
Many tech companies in the UK are open to sponsoring skilled professionals, especially for roles requiring expertise in areas such as cloud computing, data science, and software development.
2. Take Advantage of Remote Work Opportunities
The rise of remote work has been a significant shift in the global job market, and this trend has opened doors for foreign workers looking to land software engineer jobs in the UK remotely.
Many companies have adapted to a hybrid or fully remote work model, which allows engineers from outside the UK to contribute without relocating.
Websites like We Work Remotely and Remote OK are excellent for finding remote software engineering positions, and many listings specify roles that are open to candidates from different countries.
In fact, according to LinkedIn’s Remote Work Report, 43% of software engineering jobs in the UK now offer remote or hybrid working options, providing greater flexibility for both local and foreign candidates.
3. Utilize Recruitment Agencies That Specialize in Tech Roles
Many recruitment agencies in the UK specialize in tech jobs and can help you secure roles that offer visa sponsorship. Agencies like Understanding Recruitment and Hays Technology have established relationships with UK-based companies and understand the visa requirements for international candidates.
Working with an agency increases your chances of finding software engineering jobs in the UK for foreigners as they can guide you through the application process and assist with visa paperwork.
Recruiters are also well-connected within the tech industry, often having access to exclusive job listings that aren’t advertised on public job boards. By maintaining a relationship with these agencies, you’ll gain insights into companies actively looking to sponsor foreign candidates and those offering remote work options.
4. Tailor Your CV and Portfolio for the UK Market
To improve your chances of landing a job, your CV and portfolio should be tailored to reflect your expertise and adaptability to the UK job market. Employers in the UK tend to prefer concise, results-driven CVs that highlight specific achievements and projects.
If you are applying for software engineer jobs in the UK remote or visa-sponsored roles, ensure your CV is clear, well-structured, and demonstrates your technical prowess.
A GitHub portfolio showcasing real-world projects can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed.
Employers in the UK are particularly keen on seeing the practical application of skills, whether it’s in full-stack development, mobile app creation, or cloud-based projects. Including certifications in AWS or Microsoft Azure could make you stand out even more, particularly for remote and senior-level positions.
5. Look for Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship
Many companies in the UK actively seek international talent to fill tech roles, offering software engineer jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship to attract the best candidates. Industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce are particularly keen to bring in skilled professionals from abroad due to the demand for specialized technical knowledge.
Companies such as Google UK, Amazon, Facebook, and Revolut frequently advertise job openings that offer visa sponsorship for software engineers. Keep an eye on these organizations by regularly checking their career pages or setting up alerts on job boards like CWJobs and Technojobs, where visa sponsorship is often indicated in job descriptions.
6. Network with Industry Professionals
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find hidden job opportunities, including those offering visa sponsorship.
A study by The Undercover Recruiter reveals that 85% of job vacancies are filled through networking and referrals, making it essential for any job search. This is especially relevant for foreigners seeking to enter the UK job market.
Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to connect with industry professionals and recruiters, who can provide insight into companies hiring international candidates.
Attend virtual meetups, webinars, or local tech events when possible to expand your network. Tech Nation and London Tech Week are excellent places to start for industry events, where you can meet recruiters and fellow software engineers.
For remote positions, it’s also important to participate in online communities like Stack Overflow or GitHub, where employers can spot your contributions and connect with you for potential opportunities.
7. Consider Graduate Schemes and Internships
If you’re early in your software engineering career, looking into graduate schemes and internships can help you build a solid foundation. Several tech giants in the UK, including Microsoft, IBM, and Google, offer programs tailored for new graduates. Many of these programs include roles that are open to international applicants with visa sponsorship.
Graduate schemes are beneficial as they provide structured pathways for recent graduates to enter the workforce, with many schemes leading to permanent positions.
Suppose you’re looking for how to find software engineering jobs in the UK for foreigners. In that case, graduate programs are a valuable stepping stone, giving you both experience and the potential for long-term employment in the UK tech industry.
Data Insights on the UK Software Engineering Job Market
Remote Work Trends: According to a survey by LinkedIn, nearly 43% of software engineering jobs in the UK now offer remote working options.
This reflects a growing trend toward flexibility, making it easier for foreign workers to secure positions without the need for relocation.
Visa Sponsorship: A report from Tech Nation highlighted that the UK tech sector saw a 35% increase in skilled migrant workers over the last year, with many roles in high-demand areas like software engineering offering visa sponsorship.
Demand for Engineers: The UK is home to over 100,000 tech companies, with a significant portion of these businesses actively seeking software engineers. The demand is particularly high in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, the country’s leading tech hubs.
Conclusion
Finding software engineering jobs in the UK, whether you’re seeking visa sponsorship or remote opportunities, is a multi-step process that requires dedication, networking, and an understanding of the local job market. With the rise of remote work and increased demand for skilled foreign workers, now is an excellent time to explore job opportunities in the UK.
