A sponsor licence is required if a business wishes to recruit and employ overseas nationals who are subject to UK immigration controls. There are different routes that can be taken.
Businesses can use a number of different worker licence routes, including:
- Skilled worker;
- Global Business Mobility;
- T2 Minister of Religion; and
- International Sportsperson.
For a Temporary Worker licence, the routes include:
- Charity worker;
- Creative worker;
- Global Business Mobility;
- Graduate Trainee; and
- Seasonal worker.
Immigration rule changes
On 9 March 2023, the Government published Statement of changes to the immigration rules. The current UK immigration rules are set to change from 12 April 2023.
Any application for a sponsored worker submitted on or after 12 April 2023 will be decided in accordance with the new immigration rules in place at that time even if the certificate of sponsorship was issued before 12 April 2023.
Going rate change
A key change is that salary thresholds and going rates for occupations are being increased.
Currently, going rates are based on a 39-hour week; this will be changed to 37.5 hours per week to reflect a more common working pattern. Applicants with irregular working patterns will also be assessed against the minimum pay requirement.
Salary threshold increases
The salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa will increase from £25,600 a year to £26,200 a year and the minimum equivalent hourly rate will increase from £10.10 per hour to at least £10.75 per hour.
Other thresholds increasing include the Global Business Mobility, Graduate Trainees, Senior or Specialist Workers and UK Expansions Workers.
Route changes
The Innovator Found route will replace the Start-up and Innovator routes when the new rules come into force.
Need more help?
For more information on these changes or assistance with updating your policies or contracts, you can contact our Employment Client Services team here, or by calling the team 0344 2640102.