5 Tips for Sponsoring a Skilled Worker Visa in the Healthcare Industry
Are you looking to hire a skilled worker from outside the UK in the healthcare industry? Sponsoring a skilled worker visa can be a complicated process, especially when it comes to immigration and visa requirements. In this blog post, we’ll provide five tips to help simplify the process of sponsoring a skilled worker visa in the healthcare industry. We’ll cover topics such as the sponsorship license, the shortage occupation list, visas, immigration, and English proficiency requirements. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing a successful foreign worker for your healthcare organization.
1) Check if your role is on the shortage occupation list
If you are in the Care Industry and looking to sponsor a skilled worker, it is important to first check if your role is on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List. If the role you are looking to fill is on the list, it will make it much easier to apply for a Sponsorship License. The Shortage Occupation List is regularly reviewed and updated by the Migration Advisory Committee, and contains positions that employers are struggling to fill with UK workers. Being on the list provides a clear advantage when applying for a Sponsorship License as it means that the roles are officially acknowledged as being difficult to fill with UK workers. Checking the list before beginning the application process will save time and ensure that your application stands the best chance of success.
2) Meet the English Language requirement
For employers looking to sponsor a skilled worker visa in the care industry, one of the requirements is that the employee must meet the English language proficiency level. This means they must have either a valid certificate from an accredited provider or have taken and passed an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
The test results must be submitted as part of your sponsorship license application. If you are successful in obtaining the license, then you can begin recruiting and supporting a foreign worker to come to the UK.
It’s important to note that the level of English required for the care industry is higher than for some other industries. Your potential employee must have a minimum score of 7 in each component of the test, meaning speaking, writing, reading and listening.
To check what level of English your potential employee must have, visit the government website for more information on the English language requirements for sponsorship licenses. If you need help understanding the requirements, you should contact an experienced immigration lawyer who can advise you on how to meet the English language requirement for sponsorship licenses in the care industry.
3) Prove you can support your employee
If you are looking to sponsor a skilled worker in the care industry, one of the steps you must take is to prove that you can support your employee financially. This involves obtaining a Sponsorship
License from the Home Office. A Sponsorship License shows that an employer is able to offer suitable employment and provide adequate support for the sponsored employee.
To obtain a Sponsorship License, employers must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support their sponsored employees, as well as meet any other requirements. This includes providing evidence of funds, such as bank statements or tax returns. Employers must also show that they have the experience and ability to manage the immigration process and understand their responsibilities as sponsors.
Once the Sponsorship License has been obtained, employers must ensure that they comply with the conditions laid out in their license. This includes keeping up to date records on their sponsored employees, as well as providing information on any changes in their employment status. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines or suspension of the license.
By taking these steps, employers in the care industry will be able to demonstrate that they can support their sponsored employees, allowing them to hire the best talent for their business.
4) Follow the sponsorship process
Sponsoring a skilled worker visa in the care industry requires the employer to obtain a Sponsorship License from the Home Office. This is a lengthy process and you must meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating that you have adequate resources to support the migrant worker. Once approved, the Sponsorship License will be valid for 4 years and allows employers to sponsor workers from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA).
When sponsoring a migrant worker, employers must ensure they maintain their Sponsorship License and meet all relevant reporting duties. These duties include informing the Home Office when the worker starts employment, if their details change, or if they leave the business. The Sponsorship License also requires that employers remain responsible for all duties related to the worker’s visa, such as ensuring they remain compliant with any visa restrictions.
To apply for a Sponsorship License, employers must complete an online application form and submit the appropriate fee. Once the application is processed, employers will receive an email notification with further details on how to submit their supporting documents. After this, the Home Office will review the application and determine whether they meet all relevant criteria.
Sponsoring a skilled worker visa in the care industry is not a straightforward process, but by following the correct procedure and obtaining a Sponsorship License, employers can ensure they are providing legal and safe employment opportunities to migrant workers.
5) Use an experienced immigration lawyer
When it comes to sponsoring a skilled worker visa in the Care Industry, there are many regulations and requirements that need to be met. It’s important to use an experienced immigration lawyer who understands all the ins and outs of the sponsorship license process.
An experienced immigration lawyer will be able to guide you through the application process and advise you on the most appropriate visa category for your particular needs. They will also be able to help you ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements and avoid any potential pitfalls along the way.
It’s vital to understand the full legal implications of obtaining a sponsorship license before embarking on the application process. An experienced immigration lawyer will be able to provide advice on the various policies and procedures that must be adhered to, such as the rights of sponsored workers, working conditions and the responsibilities of employers.
In addition, an experienced immigration lawyer can assist with the management of sponsored workers throughout their employment and handle any issues which may arise during their tenure. This can include preparing for routine inspections by the Home Office or making sure that any changes to the employee’s situation or circumstances are reflected in their documents.
Using an experienced immigration lawyer is highly recommended when sponsoring a skilled worker visa in the Care Industry. With their expert knowledge and guidance, they can ensure that the entire process runs smoothly and successfully.