When the UK government decided to leave the European Union, (referred to as BREXIT), prime minister Boris Johnson was aware of the fact that it will create a shortage of skilled workers in the UK. That is why the government later introduced a new “Employers Guide to Becoming a Licensed Sponsor of Skilled Migrant Workers”. In Britain, you must be aware that erring to acknowledge immigration law functions and responsibilities can have severe repercussions for your enterprise.
What is the process of becoming a Licensed Sponsor of Skilled Migrant Workers?
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Check if your organization is eligible or not
In this step, you have to examine the people you want to hire are eligible to come to the UK according to the new points-based immigration system. You must provide significant supporting documents for your sponsor’s license application. For example – Details of your company, why you need the license, and vacant jobs you want to fill.
If you want to get the license, you should remember that you should not have unspent criminal convictions for immigration offenses or different crimes like – money laundering and corruption.
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Confirm your organization can manage its sponsor license
You have to assign or appoint people within your organization to organize/manage the sponsorship procedure when you will apply. Only they will be accountable for ensuring your organization remains compliant with the requirements of the license. The main tool they will utilize is the Sponsorship Management System(SMS). There will be three different roles –
- Authorising Officer
- Key Contact – the main point of contact with UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration)
- Level 1 User – Responsible for everyday management of your license through SMS
- Apply for your sponsor license
You have to apply online so that you can sponsor skilled immigrants. Also, you have to pay the fee. The fee depends on the type of license you want for your organization. It will range from £536 or £1476. Attach your supporting documents (after certifying them) and send them to UKVI. You also have to confirm how many workers you are planning to hire through the sponsorship for the current financial year.
You will have to pay for your staff, it will cost around £21 or £199 along with the normal visa application fees and health surcharge. If you get the license it will be valid for four years. You will receive an A rating if your application is granted and if you do not meet your duties, it can be lowered down to a B rating.
- Start Sponsoring Workers
When you select an applicant from outside the UK, they have to make a visa application to work in the UK. You have to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) electronically.
After endorsing them financially through your sponsor license, you also have to pay an Immigration Skills Charge of £1000 for the first year to work in the UK and £500 for each additional 6 months. This will be paid for both EU and non-EU workers. This amount is different for small businesses or charities. The candidate then has to submit a visa application under the same category as your sponsor’s license. Now, the employee can travel and start working in the UK.
You should remember that if you are sponsoring a migrant worker from outside the EU from 2021, you may instantly advertise globally, and also non-UK citizens (which includes those from the EU) will require a visa and your sponsorship to serve at your organization.
At A Y & J Solicitors, our lawyers can provide full support to your organization, so you can remain compliant at all times.
Author Bio:-
Subham Kamila is a freelance content writer and enthusiastic blogger. She is the co-founder of Bigjarnews. She contributes to many authority blogs such as toppreference.
