Unskilled Construction Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship (2026)

Finding unskilled construction jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship is currently the fastest route to relocate abroad in 2026; with the current shortage of workers, UK companies are actively issuing Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship (now Skilled Worker Visa) to foreigners who are ready to work as bricklayers, painters, and site laborers. If you are looking for construction jobs in the UK for foreigners that include flight tickets and accommodation, this guide is for you.

Why UK Construction Companies Are Hiring Nigerians

The United Kingdom is facing a massive infrastructure crisis. They have the projects, but they do not have the manpower.

Post-Brexit, many European workers left the UK, leaving thousands of construction vacancies empty.

This is where you come in. To fill these gaps, the UK government has relaxed the rules for the Skilled Worker Visa.

They have added specific construction roles to the Shortage Occupation List, making it easier for employers to hire from Nigeria.

You do not need a Master’s degree or a PhD. You only need the physical skill and the willingness to work hard.

For a Nigerian earning Naira, the salary difference is life-changing.

A standard construction worker in London earns between £25,000 to £35,000 per year.

Converted to Naira at the current black market rate, that is over N50 Million Naira per year.

This is why the UK visa sponsorship jobs portal traffic is exploding right now.

Top High-Demand Unskilled Construction Jobs in UK

If you want to secure a job quickly, you need to apply for the specific roles that are in “critical demand.”

Employers are not looking for general managers; they are looking for people to do the actual work.

Here are the top roles you should target when searching for visa sponsorship jobs:

1. Bricklayers and Masons

This is the number one most requested job in the UK construction sector right now.

New housing estates are being built across Manchester, Birmingham, and London, and they need bricklayers.

Average Salary: £30,000 – £40,000 per year.
Requirements: Ability to lay bricks, mix mortar, and read basic site plans.
Visa Eligibility: High.

2. Roofers, Tilers, and Slaters

The UK weather damages roofs constantly, creating a permanent demand for roofers.

If you have experience fixing aluminum or slate roofs in Nigeria, your skills are highly transferable.

Average Salary: £28,000 per year.
Requirements: Comfort with heights, safety knowledge, and tiling skills.
Visa Eligibility: Very High.

3. Carpenters and Joiners

This role involves fitting doors, window frames, and structural woodwork.

It is considered a “skilled trade” but does not require a university degree, just vocational training or experience.

Average Salary: £32,000 per year.
Requirements: Woodworking tools knowledge, precision measurement.
Visa Eligibility: High.

4. Plasterers and Drywallers

Finishing the interior of buildings is a crucial step that delays many projects due to lack of staff.

If you know how to POP or plaster smoothly, you are in high demand.

Average Salary: £27,000 – £35,000 per year.
Requirements: Plaster mixing, skimming, and drywall installation.
Visa Eligibility: Moderate to High.

5. Construction Site Labourers

While “general labour” is harder to get sponsored for, many companies bundle this under “Groundworker” roles.

These jobs involve site preparation, digging trenches, and moving materials.

Average Salary: £24,000 per year.
Requirements: Physical fitness, CSCS card (can be obtained later).
Visa Eligibility: Moderate.

Requirements for UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs (2026)

Before you rush to apply, you must prepare your documents.

UK employers will not take you seriously if your profile looks disorganized.

To qualify for unskilled construction jobs in the UK for foreigners, you typically need the following:

Valid International Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining.
Proof of Experience: Even if you don’t have a degree, you need references or photos of your past work in Nigeria.
TB Test Result: A mandatory medical test for Nigerians moving to the UK.
Police Character Certificate: Proof that you have no criminal record.
English Language Proficiency: usually IELTS General Training (Score 4.0 or higher) or UK VI.

Important Note: Many people ask, “Do I need a degree?”

The answer is NO.

For construction trades, your Trade Test Certificate or vocational training certificate holds more weight than a university degree.

If you have a “Trade Test 1, 2, & 3” from the Ministry of Labour in Nigeria, scan it immediately. It is your golden ticket.

How to Identify Genuine Sponsorship Companies

The internet is full of scams. You must be careful not to pay agents who promise you fake jobs.

A genuine company offering UK Tier 2 visa sponsorship jobs will rarely ask you to pay for the job offer itself.

They might ask you to pay for your visa fees or flight (though some cover this), but paying for the “job slot” is a red flag.

To verify a company, you must check the Official UK Government Register of Licensed Sponsors.

If the company name is not on that list, they legally cannot employ you from Nigeria.

Always cross-check the company’s registration number before sending any personal data.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply from Nigeria

Follow this exact process to maximize your chances of getting picked.

Step 1: Reformat Your CV to UK Standard

Do not use the standard Nigerian CV format. UK recruiters want “Functional CVs” that highlight skills over school.

Remove your date of birth, religion, and state of origin. They do not care.

Focus on “Key Skills,” “Tools You Can Use,” and “Projects Completed.”

Step 2: Search on Designated Portals

Stop looking for jobs on Facebook. Go to where the visa sponsorship jobs are listed.

Use keywords like “Tier 2 construction jobs” on platforms like Indeed.co.uk, TotalJobs, and the UK Government’s “Find a Job” service.

Step 3: Filter for “Visa Sponsorship Available”

This is the most critical step.

Many jobs are for UK residents only. You must filter your search to find employers willing to pay for your sponsorship certificate (CoS).

Look for job descriptions that explicitly say: “Sponsorship available for the right candidate” or “Overseas applicants welcome.”

Step 4: The Cover Letter Strategy

Your cover letter should be short and direct.

State clearly: “I am a skilled bricklayer from Nigeria with 5 years of experience. I am ready to relocate immediately and require Tier 2 sponsorship.”

This honesty saves time and attracts employers who are specifically looking to import labor.

Understanding the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The CoS is not a physical certificate. It is a digital reference number.

Once a UK employer accepts you, they will issue this number to you.

You cannot apply for a UK work visa without it.

There are two types of CoS:

Defined CoS: For people applying from outside the UK (This is what you need).
Undefined CoS: For people already inside the UK.

Make sure your employer applies for the “Defined CoS” so you can process your visa at the TLSContact center in Ikeja or Abuja.

The Cost of Relocation: Budget Wisely

While the job pays well, the initial “Japa” cost can be high if the employer does not cover everything.

Here is a rough estimate of what you might need to save or borrow:

Visa Application Fee: Approx £298 – £625 (depending on duration).
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): Approx £1,035 per year (sometimes employers pay this).
Flight Ticket: Approx N1.5 Million – N2.5 Million (Lagos to London).
Proof of Funds: You may need to show about £1,270 in your account to prove you can survive the first month.

However, many “Shortage Occupation” employers offer Relocation Packages.

These packages often include paying for your flight and providing free accommodation for the first 3 months.

Always negotiate for a relocation package during your interview.

Common Mistakes That Disqualify Nigerians

Thousands of Nigerians apply every day, but few get selected. Why?

1. Applying for “General Labour” only

Everyone applies for “helper” jobs. To stand out, claim a specific trade like “Painting” or “Drywalling.”

2. Poor Email Etiquette

Do not send emails with subjects like “Please help me sir.”

Use professional subjects: “Application for Bricklayer Role – Reference: [Job ID] – [Your Name].”

3. Ignoring the IELTS

Some people try to dodge the English test. Unless you have a UK degree, just write the IELTS General. It is easy and proves you are serious.

4. Fake Documents

Do not forge experience. If you get to the site in London and cannot lay a brick straight, you will be fired and deported immediately.

Why 2026 is the Golden Year for Construction Visas

The UK government is under pressure to build more homes before the next election.

They have realized that the local workforce is too small to meet the targets.

This political pressure translates directly into more visa quotas for construction workers.

By starting your application now, you position yourself ahead of the rush that usually happens towards the end of the year.

The “Japa” window opens and closes based on government policy. Currently, the window is wide open for tradesmen.

Sending Paragraph: Start Your Application Here

The opportunity to earn in Pounds while building a career in the UK is real, but you must act fast before the visa sponsorship quota fills up for the year.

Do not wait for a “better time.” The best time to apply for unskilled construction jobs in UK with visa sponsorship is today.

We have curated a direct list of recruitment agencies currently hiring Nigerians for these roles.

Click the link below to access the official application portal and submit your CV directly to sponsoring employers.

[CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR UK VISA SPONSORSHIP JOBS]

Take the leap today. Your future in the UK is just one application away.