The United Kingdom is a hub of opportunities for skilled workers from around the world. The UK government has established a system known as the Tier 2 Sponsorship to facilitate the employment of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals in skilled jobs. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Tier 2 Sponsorship system, including how it works, the roles of sponsors, and the opportunities it presents for both employers and employees.
Understanding Tier 2 Sponsorship
So, what is Tier 2 Sponsorship? It is a system that allows UK employers to sponsor non-EEA nationals to fill a skilled job vacancy. The employer, or the sponsor, must have a Tier 2 Sponsor License to offer sponsorship. The sponsored individual can then apply for a Tier 2 visa to work in the UK. The system is divided into different tiers, with Tier 2 being the primary route for skilled workers.
Types of Tier 2 Sponsorship
There are four categories under Tier 2 Sponsorship:
- General: For long-term job offers in skilled occupations.
- Intra-Company Transfer: For employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a UK branch.
- Sportsperson: For elite sportspeople and coaches.
- Minister of Religion: For those coming to fill a position within a religious organisation in the UK.
Role of a Sponsor
Another word for sponsor in this context is a guarantor or supporter. The sponsor, usually a UK-based employer, plays a crucial role in the Tier 2 Sponsorship system. They are responsible for ensuring that the sponsored individual is eligible for the job and has a genuine intention to fill the vacancy. The sponsor also needs to provide documents to support the visa application and inform the UK Home Office if the sponsored individual is not complying with the visa conditions.
Obtaining a Tier 2 Sponsor License
To sponsor a Tier 2 visa, an employer must first obtain a Tier 2 Sponsor License. The process involves proving that the company is genuine and has effective systems in place to monitor sponsored employees. The employer must also demonstrate that the job role cannot be filled by a resident worker. Once the license is granted, the employer becomes a Tier 2 sponsor and can issue Certificates of Sponsorship to prospective employees.
Opportunities for Skilled Workers
There are numerous Tier 2 visa sponsorship jobs in the UK, ranging from IT professionals to healthcare workers. For instance, care homes with Tier 2 sponsorship in Sheffield and other cities often have vacancies for skilled healthcare professionals. Similarly, there are many Tier 2 sponsorship jobs in Edinburgh and other major cities in sectors like finance, engineering, and technology.
Applying for a Tier 2 Visa
Once a worker has a job offer from a Tier 2 sponsor, they can apply for a Tier 2 visa. The application process involves providing personal details, information about the job, and evidence of maintenance funds. The worker must also prove their knowledge of English and may need to provide a criminal record certificate.
Risks of Sponsoring an Immigrant
While the Tier 2 Sponsorship system offers many benefits, there are also risks of sponsoring an immigrant. If the sponsored individual violates the visa conditions, the sponsor may face penalties, including the revocation of their sponsor license. Therefore, it’s crucial for sponsors to monitor their sponsored employees and report any non-compliance to the Home Office.
Will You Require Sponsorship Now or in the Future?
This is a common question asked by employers during the recruitment process. If a non-EEA national requires sponsorship now or in the future, they must disclose this to potential employers. It’s important to note that not all employers are Tier 2 sponsors, so it’s crucial to seek employment with a company that sponsors visas.
Conclusion
The Tier 2 Sponsorship system is a valuable pathway for skilled workers seeking opportunities in the UK. It’s also beneficial for UK employers looking to fill skilled vacancies with talented individuals from around the world. However, both parties must understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure a successful sponsorship process.
FAQs
- What is a visa sponsorship? Visa sponsorship refers to the process where a UK employer sponsors a non-EEA national to work in the UK. The employer must have a Tier 2 Sponsor License to do this.
- How to get a company sponsorship? To get a company sponsorship, you must first secure a job offer from a UK employer with a Tier 2 Sponsor License. The employer will then issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which you can use to apply for a Tier 2 visa.
- What are visa sponsored jobs? Visa sponsored jobs are roles that a Tier 2 sponsor is willing to fill with a non-EEA national. These are typically skilled jobs that cannot be filled by a resident worker.
