Understanding the intricacies of UK immigration can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the Tier 5 Sponsorship. This guide aims to simplify the process, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the Tier 5 Sponsorship and how it works. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor a foreign worker or an individual seeking to work in the UK, this guide will provide you with the necessary information to navigate the process with ease.
Understanding Tier 5 Sponsorship
The Tier 5 Sponsorship is part of the UK’s points-based system for immigration. It is designed for temporary workers and youth mobility, allowing individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work in the UK in certain circumstances. The Tier 5 visa is divided into two main categories: the Youth Mobility Scheme and the Temporary Worker category.
Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme is designed for young people from participating countries who want to live and work in the UK for up to two years. To qualify, you must be aged between 18 and 30, have £1,890 in savings, and be from an eligible country or a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, or a British national (overseas).
Temporary Worker Category
The Temporary Worker category is for individuals who are coming to the UK for a short time for work experience or to do a job of a religious, charitable, or creative nature. There are five sub-categories under this, each with its own set of eligibility requirements.
Applying for a Tier 5 Sponsorship
Applying for a Tier 5 Sponsorship involves several steps, including obtaining a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor, proving your knowledge of English, having personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK, and showing that you can travel and your travel history over the last five years.
Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship
A certificate of sponsorship is not an actual certificate or paper document but rather a reference number which records details about you and your job. Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application. You can only use this reference number once, and it must be used three months from the date it is assigned to you.
Proving Your Knowledge of English
You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. This usually means passing a secure English language test. However, you do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re from an English-speaking country or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
Personal Savings
You must have £945 in your bank account for 90 days before you apply as proof that you can support yourself. However, you do not need to show proof of this if your fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor has stated on your certificate of sponsorship that they will cover your costs during your first month in the UK up to £945.
Role of the Sponsor
A sponsor is an organisation or individual that wants to provide a foreign worker with a job. They must hold a valid sponsorship licence. When they sponsor a worker, they are responsible for ensuring that the worker is able to do the job they are hired for and that they comply with the conditions of their visa.
Responsibilities of the Sponsor
- Checking that the foreign worker has the necessary skills, qualifications, and accreditations to do their job.
- Only assigning certificates of sponsorship to workers when the job is suitable for sponsorship.
- Keeping copies of relevant documents, including passport and right to work information.
- Tracking and recording the foreign worker’s attendance.
- Reporting to UK Visas and Immigration if the foreign worker is not complying with the conditions of their visa.
Conclusion
The Tier 5 Sponsorship is a crucial part of the UK’s immigration system, providing opportunities for young people and temporary workers to live and work in the UK. Understanding the process, from obtaining a certificate of sponsorship to meeting the necessary requirements, can help ensure a smooth and successful application. Whether you’re an employer or a prospective worker, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Tier 5 Sponsorship, making UK immigration easy to understand.
