How to Employ International Workforce in the UK Through Sponsorship
The global talent pool offers immense opportunities for UK businesses to enhance innovation, expand skillsets, and meet workforce demands. Employing international workers can be a game-changer for businesses that struggle to fill specialised roles locally. One of the most common ways to employ international talent is by sponsoring workers through the UK’s official sponsorship system.
In this blog, we’ll outline the steps UK employers can take to hire skilled workers from abroad through sponsorship, while staying compliant with regulations.
Step 1: Understand the Need for Sponsorship
Sponsoring an international worker may be necessary if you are hiring a candidate who doesn’t already have the right to work in the UK (such as a work visa or settlement status). Sponsorship is essential for roles requiring specific skills, qualifications, or experience that are hard to find locally.
Key industries benefiting from sponsorship include:
- Healthcare
- IT and tech
- Construction
- Engineering
- Logistics
Step 2: Obtain a Sponsorship License
To hire international workers, your business must first apply for a Sponsorship License from the UK government. This license allows your organisation to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible candidates.
What’s involved in the license application process?
- Eligibility: You must demonstrate that your company is legitimate, operates lawfully in the UK, and has systems in place to meet sponsorship obligations.
- Application Fees: The cost of applying for a license depends on the size of your organisation.
- Compliance Checks: The Home Office may visit your premises to ensure you can fulfill the duties of a sponsor.
Once granted, your license is valid for four years, provided you meet ongoing compliance requirements.
Step 3: Advertise the Role and Check Eligibility
It’s essential to advertise the role to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria for sponsorship. Most roles must meet certain thresholds for salary and skill level. For example:
- Jobs must typically offer a minimum salary (set by the UK government) or meet the shortage occupation criteria.
- You must verify the qualifications and experience of the candidate to ensure they meet the requirements of the role.
This process helps confirm that the role qualifies under the sponsorship rules.
Step 4: Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you’ve identified a suitable international candidate, you must issue them a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This electronic document contains key details about the job and the candidate’s eligibility for a work visa.
It’s important to ensure:
- The details on the CoS are accurate and complete.
- The CoS is issued for the correct visa route (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa).
Step 5: Support the Worker’s Visa Application
Although sponsoring a worker doesn’t involve managing their visa application, you can provide necessary documentation and guidance to help them complete their application. Once approved, the candidate can legally work for your company under the terms of their visa.
Step 6: Maintain Ongoing Sponsorship Compliance
Employing international workers comes with ongoing responsibilities. As a sponsor, you must:
- Track Attendance: Monitor whether the employee regularly attends work.
- Update Records: Notify the Home Office of any changes in the worker’s role, salary, or personal details.
- Avoid Misuse: Ensure sponsored workers are only performing duties specified in their CoS.
Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including the loss of your sponsorship license.
Benefits of Employing International Workers Through Sponsorship
- Access to Global Talent: Gain specialised skills and fresh perspectives.
- Diverse Workforce: Foster innovation and collaboration in your organisation.
- Market Expansion: Leverage diverse cultural insights to explore new markets.
Conclusion
Employing international workers through sponsorship is an excellent way for UK businesses to bridge skills gaps and stay competitive in a global economy. However, it requires preparation, compliance, and ongoing management to ensure success.
If your business is looking to grow its workforce with international talent, feel free to reach out to us at Visio Consultants for support in navigating the hiring process effectively.
