The skilled worker visa UK replaced the Tier 2 visa in 2020 and is now open to people who hold an RQF Level 3 skill (A-level equivalent in the UK) or higher in a qualifying occupation.
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a long-term visa and will initially be granted for up to five years (depending on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship). This visa is subject to the condition that the visa will only be valid while the employee is still doing the job for which the visa was granted by the sponsoring employer. If the worker wants to change jobs or employers that would make it necessary to apply for another Skilled Worker visa.
Employees should look for job offers provided by a firm that is listed under the Home Office’s licensed sponsors. Additionally, the eligibility criterion must be confirmed in terms of the employer being able to sponsor international workers under the Skilled Worker Route (licenses are issued according to the type of visa required) and under an A-rated license. Also, the skilled worker minimum salary requirement must be met.
B-rated sponsors are authorised neither to assign further Certificates of Sponsorship nor to alter these until they bring compliance with the Home Office requirements. This makes it essential to comply with all the Home Office requirements and secure an A-rated sponsorship license.
Documents Required
As per Appendix A, employers are required to submit the necessary documents and information to support their sponsorship licence application. Employers need to send in at least four mandatory documents to demonstrate their eligibility to prove that they are a genuine and lawful organisation operating in the UK.
Some employers may find the guidelines confusing, especially in figuring out which proposed things will relate to their specific sponsorship application. Appendix A consists of several tables the employer must scroll through to establish which documents are to be included to accompany their UK skilled worker visa application.
Subject to the type of organisation and for how long it has been operating in the UK, the supporting documents could include but are not limited to:
a. Updated audited annual accounts
b. Liability insurance certificate of the employer
c. VAT registration certificate
d. Current corporate bank account statement
e. HMRC registration evidence, including the accounts office reference number and the PAYE number
f. Evidence of commercial lease or ownership of business premises
Even though the minimum is said to be four documents only, it will definitely be beneficial if more evidence can be brought into the application, especially if there is foresight that the Home Office might have some doubts about any of those intended to be included.
Steps for a Successful UK Worker Visa Sponsorship Application
Get Ready to Submit the Application
First, ensure that your business adheres to all the eligibility requirements prescribed by the Home Office before engaging in the application process. This includes integrating operational HR systems, ensuring the legality of a business operating in the UK, and appointing key individuals to coordinate the process to sponsor employees.
Ensure your business is eligible, as this includes possessing the necessary qualifications for sponsorship duties and eligibility for the post you wish to sponsor.
One would need to designate the following roles in one’s enterprise to manage the Sponsorship Management System (SMS) and ensure every sponsorship duty is met:
- Authorising Officer
- Key Contact
- Level 1 User
Collate Necessary Documents
Bring together all relevant documents showing the legitimacy of the business, its financial standing, and readiness to service the sponsorship duties, which include the Certificate of Incorporation, business premises proof, HR records, and financial statements.
All applicable documents must be up-to-date and in proper format.
Fill in the Online Sponsorship Application Form
The application for a Sponsor Licence (CoS) must be lodged online by visiting the Home Office website. A registered account is necessary on the Sponsorship Management System in order to begin the application. It is compulsory to provide complete information about the company, the job roles you intend to sponsor, and the key personnel who will manage the Sponsor Licence.
It is quite simple, but it is an older system, and that is why the Home Office strongly advises that you save your work often so as not to lose any information.
The application will also need the following:
- Indicate the licence type.
- Contact information.
- Name the key personnel on the licence.
- List supporting documents submitted.
Further completing the application with legal help will allow it to meet the rules that have been established. These legal agencies act as the final “pushing” advocate of the application to the Home Office.
Pay the Sponsorship Application Fee
Irrespective of the type of your business concern, you will be required to pay the relevant fee when submitting the applications.
The sponsor licence fee is currently £536 for charities and small businesses and £1,476 for large and medium businesses.
Once you have paid the application fee, the system will generate a submission sheet.
Submit the Application
An online sponsor licence application form has to be submitted on receipt of the Authorising Officer’s satisfaction as to whether the organisation is geared up to perform all its sponsorship duties and responsibilities and whether the authenticity of the credentials listed are pre-verified and ready for submission.
The online sponsor licence application can only be submitted from the computer of the Authorising Officer, once completed.
Conclusion
Hiring employees from across the world will bring talent to your organisation. However, you need to first apply for a sponsorship licence. Securing a sponsorship licence can be complex as you need to meet multiple requirements. If you want to ensure smooth compliance, hiring an immigration lawyer in London would help. They will guide you on the requirements and ensure a successful application.
