Who Can Sponsor Tier 2 Visa UK

In the United Kingdom, Tier 2 Visa sponsorship plays a crucial role in facilitating the employment of skilled workers from overseas. The primary pathway for non-UK resident workers to enter the country is the Tier 2 (General) skilled worker visa. To prevent problems or delays with the Home Office application, it is crucial to comprehend the eligibility and application requirements for the Skilled Worker visa, whether you are a firm seeking to engage a skilled worker from abroad or a person applying for a sponsorship visa, you need to understand who can sponsor tier 2 visa UK.

Let’s delve into the specifics of ‘who can sponsor Tier 2 visa UK’ and what this entails.

What is Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship?

Tier 2 Visa sponsorship is a system that allows UK employers with a valid sponsor license to employ skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Sponsors play a pivotal role in supporting visa applicants throughout the immigration process. Those who get 70 points, which includes achieving certain conditions like skill and income level, English language proficiency, and having a valid work offer from a UK sponsor, are eligible to apply for the visa.

In addition to providing a path to permanent residency and Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa also allows dependent spouses and children to apply to join the primary visa applicant in the country.

The Sponsor’s Role and Responsibilities are to Support Visa Applicants.

Employers acting as sponsors have various responsibilities in supporting visa applicants, including:

• Issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to successful applicants.
• Ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
• Providing necessary support and guidance to visa holders during their employment in the UK.
• Reporting any significant changes or breaches of immigration rules to the relevant authorities.

Requirements for Employers Seeking to Sponsor Tier 2 Visas.

Who can sponsor Tier 2 UK Visa is largely a matter of meeting the eligibility criteria. To qualify as a sponsor for Tier 2 visas, employers must:

• Hold a valid Tier 2 sponsor license issued by UKVI.
• Meet specific eligibility criteria related to the nature of their business and their track record of compliance with immigration laws.
• Employers must provide evidence of genuine vacancies that cannot be filled by settled workers in the UK.

Criteria for Prospective Employees to Qualify for Tier 2 Sponsorship.

Prospective employees must check if their jobs are eligible for Tier 2 sponsorship. If you are seeking Tier 2 sponsorship, you must also meet certain criteria, including:

• Holding a valid job offer from a UK employer with a Tier 2 sponsor license.
• Meeting the minimum skill level and salary requirements for the relevant occupation.
• Demonstrating proficiency in the English language, if applicable to the role.

Types of Tier 2 Sponsorship

Tier 2 Visa sponsorship in the UK comes in different forms, each serving specific purposes and catering to various scenarios.

• Tier 2 ( General): This group includes talented immigrants to the UK who are coming to fill a specific job opening that cannot be filled by a permanent employee. You need a job offer from a UK employer, a current certificate of sponsorship (CoS), and a minimum salary of £20,800.
• Tier 2 (Minister of Religion): Religious workers who have received a job offer from a faith community in the nation fall under this category.
• Tier 2 (Sportsperson): Elite athletes and coaches who have achieved worldwide recognition at the pinnacle of their sport and wish to advance their careers in the UK are eligible to apply.
• Tier 2 (Intra-Company): Workers from multinational corporations who have moved to a UK company division are in this category.

Differences Between Tier 2 General and Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Sponsorship.

• Tier 2 General Sponsorship: This category is for skilled workers with a job offer in the UK that a settled worker cannot fill. It allows individuals to apply for a visa to work for a particular employer in a specific role.
• Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Sponsorship: This category is designed for multinational companies transferring their employees from overseas to UK branches. It enables existing employees to work in the UK temporarily.

Tabular Representation of Main Differences Between General and ICT Visa Sponsorship

Differences	Tier 2 (General)	Tier 2 (ICT)
Eligibility	Requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 sponsor license.	Requires sponsorship from a multinational company with a UK presence and a Tier 2 sponsor license.
Duration	Can be issued for up to 5 years initially, with options for extension and potential eligibility for settlement	Can be issued for up to 5 years for long-term staff and up to 9 months for graduate trainees, with no pathway to settlement.
Appropriate Salary	The minimum is £30,000 per year	Long Term Staff of 1yr+ – £41,500 Long Term Staff of 1yr- – £73,900 Graduate Trainee – £23,000
Dependents	Allows dependents (spouse/partner and children) to accompany the main applicant to the UK	Also permits dependents to accompany the main applicant to the UK but with more restricted work or study rights than Tier 2 dependents.
Purpose	Skilled workers looking for permanent roles in the UK	Already employed by a company and moving to the UK branch

Employer Obligations and Compliance

Employers who sponsor Tier 2 visas have significant responsibilities to uphold, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations. Let’s explore these obligations in detail.

Tier 2 Sponsors are Responsible for Recruitment, Reporting, and Compliance with Immigration Regulations.

• Recruitment: Sponsors must adhere to fair and transparent recruitment practices, ensuring that job vacancies are genuine and accessible to both domestic and international candidates.
• Reporting: Sponsors are required to promptly report any significant changes or breaches of immigration rules to UKVI. This includes changes in the employment status of sponsored workers or any other relevant updates.
• Compliance: Sponsors must maintain compliance with all immigration regulations, including ensuring that sponsored workers meet the requirements of their visa category and that their employment conditions align with UKVI standards.

Consequences of Non-Compliance or Breaches of Sponsorship Duties.

Failure to comply with sponsorship duties can have severe consequences for employers, including:

• Revocation of sponsor licenses.
• Fines and penalties.
• Ineligibility to sponsor future visas.
• Damage to reputation and credibility.

Step-by-Step Guide for Employers on How to Apply for a Tier 2 Sponsorship License.

Employers looking who can sponsor tier 2 visa UK must first obtain the requisite license. This is a crucial step for hiring skilled workers from outside the UK. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

• Assess Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that your organisation meets the eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This includes having a genuine need for skilled workers and maintaining appropriate HR and recruitment practices.
• Prepare Documentation: Employers must appoint key personnel, including documents, to manage the sponsorship process.
• Submit Application: Complete the online application form on the UKVI website, providing accurate information and supporting documents as required. Pay the applicable fee and submit your application.
• Compliance Visit: UKVI may conduct a compliance visit to verify the information provided in your application.
• Receive Decision: Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive a decision from UKVI regarding your sponsorship license. If approved, you’ll be issued a sponsorship license rating, allowing you to sponsor skilled workers under Tier 2 visas.

Benefits and Challenges of Tier 2 Sponsorship

Sponsoring Tier 2 visas offers several benefits for employers, such as access to a broader talent pool and the ability to fill skills gaps within their workforce. However, it comes with challenges, including compliance obligations and administrative burdens.

Alternatives to Tier 2 Sponsorship

While Tier 2 sponsorship is a standard route for hiring skilled workers from overseas, employers have alternative options. Depending on the specific circumstances and requirements, these may include other visa routes, such as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme or the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tier 2 sponsorship offers employers in the UK a valuable opportunity to recruit skilled workers from outside the country. By understanding the application process, benefits, and challenges associated with sponsorship, employers can effectively make informed decisions to meet their workforce needs.

Stay informed about the latest developments in immigration regulations and explore the best options for your organization’s talent acquisition strategy.

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FAQs:

Can any Employer in the UK Sponsor Tier 2 Visas, or Are There Specific Eligibility Criteria?

Not every employer in the UK can sponsor Tier 2 visas. To become a sponsor, organisations must meet strict eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These criteria include demonstrating a genuine need for skilled workers, maintaining appropriate HR and recruitment practices, and adhering to UK employment law.

What are the Primary Responsibilities of Employers Who Sponsor Tier 2 visas?

Employers sponsoring Tier 2 visas have various responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring compliance with UKVI regulations and reporting requirements.
• Maintaining accurate records of sponsored employees and their immigration status.
• Monitoring and supporting sponsored employees to ensure their continued eligibility to work in the UK.
• Informing UKVI of any changes to the sponsored employee’s employment status or circumstances.
• Cooperating with compliance visits and inspections conducted by UKVI.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Roles That Can be Sponsored Under Tier 2 Visas?

While Tier 2 visas are primarily for skilled workers with job offers in the UK, some restrictions exist on the types of roles that an employer can sponsor. Certain occupations may be subject to specific requirements or salary thresholds, and some roles may not be eligible for sponsorship under Tier 2, depending on the UK’s shortage occupation list and immigration rules.

Can Individuals Apply for Tier 2 visas without Sponsorship from an Employer?

No, individuals cannot apply for Tier 2 visas without sponsorship from an employer. With Tier 2 visas, the employer obtains the license for the skilled worker who has been offered a job in the UK by a licensed sponsor. The employer must obtain a sponsorship license from UKVI, and the individual must meet the eligibility criteria for the specific Tier 2 category they are applying under.