Recruiting Social Care Workers From Overseas

How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

To be a sponsor, an employer must provide the correct documentation and information to the Home Office. Some typical documents include the employer’s liability insurance, VAT certificate, bank statements and evidence of PAYE registration.
Scan and submit your submission sheet and the supporting documents to the email address provided in the submission sheet. The submission must:

• be in PDF, JPEG or PNG format
• include descriptive titles
• be of high-quality resolution to be readable

After submitting the documents, applicants have five days to pay the required licence fee. Small companies must pay a sponsor licence fee of £536, while medium and large organizations must pay £1,476. UK Visas and Immigration typically takes about eight weeks to process a licence application. Sponsor licence applicants may apply for fast-tracked processing and get a decision in 10 working days for an additional fee of £500.

You can expect the Home Office to inquire for further details. Failure to adequately answer and provide supporting documents for the inquiries within seven days may result in the rejection of your application.

The UK Visa Sponsorship Management System (SMS)

An organization applying for a sponsor licence will use the sponsorship management system as a point of contact with the UK Visas Immigration.

That being the case, the organization must appoint people who will serve as a senior and competent person to be in charge of the actions of staff who use the SMS.

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship

Under SOC Code 6145, the employer hires the applicant with the intent to employ them as care providers in residential and daycare establishments. The care workers may also work in the homes of employers.

Overseas workers applying under the SOC Code 6145 will need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by an employer authorized to sponsor applicants for the eligible job.

Minimum Salary Threshold of £20,480 Per year

Typically, the minimum salary requirement under the Skilled Worker Visa route is £25,600 per year. However, the minimum salary requirement is £20,480 per year for skilled worker visa applicants who benefit from tradeable points, such as the job offer under the shortage occupation list.

Applicant Must Meet the Maintenance Requirement

Health and care visa applicants must meet the maintenance required to work in the UK and show proof of funds of at least £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 days.

As an alternative, the employer may confirm willingness to cover the applicant’s cost of the stay for the first month. The idea is to let the care worker visa applicants show that they are financially capable of supporting themselves while working as a health and social care workers in the UK.

English Language Requirement

Under the immigration rules, worker visa applicants to the UK must be able to speak, understand, read and write English. They must achieve at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ( CEFR ) scale.

The ability to communicate in English is important for communication purposes and to provide quality care to those who need it. By ensuring that all care team members can effectively communicate with one another, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that is conducive to providing quality care.

Visa knowledge of English by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.

Background Checks and Health Care Screening

Organizations looking to hire care providers overseas must conduct criminal record checks and tuberculosis tests on all potential employees to ensure the safety of those in their care. Background checks and health screenings are likely required for care staff roles, so it’s important to ensure your prospective recruit has the necessary documentation.

By requiring these checks, organizations can feel confident that they are hiring staff who are fit and able to do the job safely.

Moreover, while applicants may not need to worry about academic entry requirements, they must be at least 18 years old and have experience working as a care provider in a health and care setting.