If you’ve been searching for a career path that blends professional recognition, competitive pay, and the chance to live in a thriving international hub, support secretary jobs in UK could be your gateway. With annual salaries ranging from £23,000 to £32,000, visa sponsorship opportunities, and benefits like paid leave, pensions, and healthcare, these roles offer more than just employment they provide a stable foundation for building a new life abroad.
The UK’s business and healthcare sectors are expanding rapidly, but a shortage of skilled administrative staff has left employers looking overseas. This is where international professionals come in: hardworking, organized, and tech-savvy candidates are in high demand. For many, this is not only a career move but also a chance to settle in one of the most diverse and opportunity-rich countries in the world
Why is There Demand for Support Secretaries in UK?
Several key factors are driving the need for international talent in this field:
- Business Growth & Efficiency: Companies of all sizes require skilled secretaries to manage core administrative functions, freeing up executives and managers to focus on strategic goals.
- Healthcare Sector Expansion: The NHS and private healthcare trusts are major employers of Support Secretaries to handle patient records, appointments, and critical communications, ensuring the efficient delivery of care.
- Addressing Labour Shortages: A significant gap in the domestic labour market for organised, tech-savvy administrative staff has led employers to seek talent from abroad, with visa sponsorship making this possible.
Key Responsibilities of a Support Secretary
The role is diverse and central to organisational efficiency. Key duties typically include:
- Schedule and Diary Management: Coordinating meetings, appointments, and managing executives’ calendars.
- Document and Record Management: Organising, filing, and retrieving both digital and physical documents.
- Communication Liaison: Acting as a first point of contact, handling phone calls, emails, and internal/external correspondence.
- Report and Presentation Support: Drafting documents, creating presentations, and proofreading materials.
- Logistics Coordination: Arranging travel, booking accommodations, and preparing itineraries.
Salary and Benefits Expectations
Salaries are competitive and reflect experience and specialisation.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | £23,000 – £25,000 |
| Experienced | £26,000 – £28,000 |
| Senior/Specialist | £29,000 – £32,000 |
In addition to the base salary, comprehensive benefits packages often include:
- Paid annual leave (typically 25+ days)
- Employer pension contributions
- Private healthcare options
- Opportunities for professional development
Eligibility and Requirements for Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for a Support Secretary role with visa sponsorship, candidates must meet specific criteria:
1. Educational Background:
- A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A diploma or degree in Business Administration, Secretarial Studies, or a related field is highly advantageous.
2. Professional Experience:
- 1-2 years of experience in an administrative or secretarial role is typically preferred by sponsoring employers.
- Experience within a specific sector like healthcare or legal can be a significant asset.
3. Essential Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is mandatory.
- Familiarity with CRM systems, database management, or specialized office software is valued.
4. Core Soft Skills:
- Exceptional Communication: Strong verbal and written English skills.
- Organisational Prowess: Excellent time management and the ability to prioritize a varied workload.
- Discretion and Professionalism: Often handling sensitive information.
5. Visa Requirements:
- The primary visa route is the Skilled Worker Visa.
- The employer must be a licensed sponsor and provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- You must meet the English language requirement and the minimum salary threshold.
Potential Benefits of Support Secretary Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
- Steady Employment & Demand
Secretarial and administrative roles are essential in nearly every sector—law firms, schools, non-profits, and corporations. So there’s consistent demand. - Skill Development
As a support secretary, you’ll gain strong organizational, communication, and computer skills. These skills are universally useful if you later move into senior admin, operations, or HR roles. - Work in a Structured Environment
UK employment tends to be more regulated than many places in terms of employment rights, contracts, sick pay, holidays, etc. With visa sponsorship, you get many protections. - Visa Sponsorship Opens Doors
If an employer is willing to sponsor, it means you get legal work status, more stability, and might qualify for better benefits. It also helps credibility and future visa/residency options. - Possibility to Advance
Once you’re in, you can move up to senior secretary, office manager, executive assistant, or other related roles. Experience in the UK tends to carry weight. - Access to Public Services & Benefits
As a legally employed visa holder, you may have access to healthcare via the NHS, public transportation benefits, local services, etc. - Pathway to Long-Term Residency
Some visa routes eventually lead toward permanent residence (depending on your job, salary, and how long you work). Having a stable job helps. - Cultural & Networking Opportunities
Working in the UK gives exposure to varied work cultures, chances to improve your English (if not already fluent), build local networks, etc.
Visa Requirements & What You’ll Need (for Skilled Worker Visa)
Many support/secretary/administrative roles are affected by tighter visa rules. Below are the current requirements & conditions you (and your employer) must satisfy, especially under the Skilled Worker Visa route.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Job Eligibility / Occupation Classification | The role must be on the Skilled Occupations list (Appendix Skilled Occupations), mapped to a valid SOC 2020 code. Usually the job must meet a certain skill level. As of 22 July 2025, many roles require RQF Level 6 (UK bachelor’s degree level) unless the job is on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List. |
| Approved Employer / Sponsor License | The employer must hold a valid sponsor license from UK Home Office. Only licensed sponsors can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | You need a CoS from the sponsoring employer. This records your job, salary, start date, etc. It must be valid (not expired or withdrawn). |
| Minimum Salary / Going Rate Requirement | You must be paid at least the “going rate” for that job and at least the general salary threshold. As of 2025, the general threshold for many Skilled Worker applications is £41,700/year unless you’re on a “shortage” list or some exceptions apply |
| Skill Level Requirement | The job must be at or above the required skill level (RQF Level 6) unless exempted (shortage list or special category). Many administrative/support jobs previously could qualify at lower levels, but after the July 2025 changes, fewer will qualify |
| English Language Requirement | You’ll need to show sufficient English ability, often via a test (or proof via prior education), as per Home Office rules |
| Employer Compliance | The employer must comply with Home Office rules: pay the worker via proper channels; meet employment rights, working hours, and minimum wage; and not misclassify the role to skirt requirements. |
| Transitional Provisions | If you have a CoS issued before 22 July 2025, there are some transitional rules that may allow lower skill or different salary thresholds. But new CoS after that date are under stricter rules. GOV.UK+1 |
How to Apply For Support Secretary Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
- Optimize Your CV and Cover Letter: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant administrative experience, technical proficiencies, and soft skills. Your cover letter should express your motivation for relocating to the UK.
- Search on Key Job Portals: Use major UK job sites like Indeed, Totaljobs, and Reed. Filter searches using keywords like “Support Secretary visa sponsorship” or “Skilled Worker Visa.”
- Target Major Employers Directly: Large corporations, universities, and especially the NHS Jobs portal are primary sources for these roles. Monitor their career pages regularly.
- Engage with Recruitment Agencies: Register with specialist agencies like Hays, Reed, and Page Personnel, which have dedicated divisions for administrative staff and relationships with sponsoring employers.
- Secure a Job Offer and Apply for the Visa: Once you receive a formal job offer and CoS, you can submit your Skilled Worker Visa application through the official UK government website.
Conclusion
A support secretary role in UK is more than an administrative job; it’s a critical function that keeps organizations running and a fantastic opportunity to launch an international career. With clear demand, a structured visa process, and roles available across vibrant sectors, dedicated professionals will find a welcoming and rewarding environment in UK. Your journey begins with a well-prepared application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common visa for a support secretary role?
The Skilled Worker Visa is the standard route. It requires a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license and a Certificate of Sponsorship
Is the salary enough to live on in UK?
A salary of £23,000-£28,000 provides a modest but livable income, especially outside of high-cost areas like Central London. Careful budgeting, particularly regarding accommodation costs, is important.
