For UK businesses, Brexit has fundamentally changed the hiring process.
All non-UK nationals, both EU and non-EU, are treated equally under the new immigration rules, and companies now require permission from the UK government to hire from that pool of candidates. under the same visa regime.
In practice, it means that UK-based businesses looking to hire foreign employees must apply to the Home Office for a special government permit known as the Sponsor License.
Since the introduction of the immigration system, the number of companies holding a Sponsor Licence has doubled, with more than 50,000 businesses now registered as sponsorsAcross sectors, businesses without the Sponsor License face staff and skills shortages.
Any genuine organization operating lawfully in the UK is able to apply for a Sponsor Licence. Businesses will be expected to provide a number of company-related documents to support their application. It is equally important to demonstrate that the decision to apply is based on hiring needs that cannot be met by the local workforce.
Companies will also be required to have HR systems and practices in place to monitor the immigration status of their employees and to ensure compliance with the other immigration requirements.
Finally, at least one member of staff, preferably from upper management, will need to act as a key person responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Sponsor Licence. Businesses’ legal representatives are also able to take on some these functions.
Companies must apply online.. The application fee ranges from £536 to £1,476, depending on the size and structure of the business.
Typically, it can take 2-3 months before a decision is made. For an additional £500, companies may request priority service, reducing the processing time to 10 working days.
During this period, the Home Office may arrange to visit the companies’ offices and to discuss the application in person. This is also known as a compliance audit. Thehe UK immigration authorities must be satisfied that the business will honour its commitments as a licenced sponsor if they are to grant theapplication.
Once approved, the Sponsor Licence will be valid for 4 years. The company can start hiring suitable candidates from outside the UK using its access to the Sponsorship Management System, an online portal created by the Home Office for licensed sponsors to manage their licence activities.
As long as the company continues to meet the eligibility criteria, it can apply to extend it as many times as necessary.
Would you like to learn more about this visa or find out which UK immigration route best suits your needs? Speak to us at +44 (0) 020 808 73583 or fill out our Quick Consultation form.
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