Sponsorship Licences (Certificates of Sponsorship) Explained: For the Employee
Today we will be explaining all about Sponsorship Licences and what a Certificate of Sponsorship means for the employee and what steps they will need to take to work in the UK.
If any of you have any concerns or would like any more information drop us a message and we will do our best to get back to you!
What is a Licensed Sponsor?
A UK Licensed Sponsor is a person or company who is responsible for employing workers from overseas. The UK Licensed Sponsor must be registered with the UK Border Agency in order to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to applicants under the Tier 2 Employment Visa category.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a paper certificate like a work permit. It is a ‘virtual document’, with a unique reference number which you will need issued to you by your potential employer so you can apply for permission to enter the UK if you are overseas, or permission to stay in the UK if you are already here.
How do I know if my potential employer is a registered sponsor?
It is very important that your employee is registered as a sponsor with the UK Border Agency. You can check this on the Sponsors register.
I have a registered sponsor in the UK what do I need to do?
If you have found a registered sponsor in the UK you will need to apply for entry clearance known as a Tier 2 Work Permit Visa.
You will need to have the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number handy when applying.
In order to qualify for a Tier 2 Work Permit, you will need to gain a minimum of 50 points.
Points are awarded for the following:
Qualifications
- PhD = 15 points
- Masters Degree = 10 points
- Bachelor degree = 10 points
- NVQ level 3 = 5 points
Prospective earnings
- £24,000+ = 20 points
- £22,000 to £23,999 = 15 points
- £20,000 to £21,999 = 10 points
- £17,000 to £19,999 = 5 points
Level of Demand
- Non-shortage positions = 30 points
- Shortage positions = 50 points
