Back in April 2020 we updated you that the Home Office had issued The UK’s points-based immigration system: an introduction for employers. It contains guidance on the proposed points-based immigration system, which assigns points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries and shortage occupations. Visas are then awarded to those who gain enough points but it is now increasingly challenging for low skilled workers to gain permission to enter and work in the UK.
Full details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-points-based-immigration-system-employer-information
In the guidance the Home Office says:
Employers not currently approved by the Home Office to be a sponsor should consider applying now if they think they will want to sponsor skilled migrants, including from the EU, from early 2021. https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers
You need to apply to be a sponsor if you want to recruit workers from outside the resident labour market from 1 January 2021.
The standard processing time for an application is usually 8 weeks and will start when the Home Office receives your application.
You do not need to be a sponsor to employ someone from the resident labour market with an existing right to work in the UK. This includes EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status, and non-EU citizens with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
For advice on Visa and Immigration issues enlightenHR partners with Permits2Work (www. https://permits2work.co.uk or email mpassmore@permits2work.com) and can highly recommend Matthew and his team for any queries you have or any support you may require as they have supported a number of our clients over the years.
Further information
Our professional body, the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, have produced a very useful flow chart and a very detailed guide to the whole post-Brexit immigration process which, if you want to check out all the facts. These are available to clients on our Advice Line Scheme.
COVID-19 and the restrictions associated with it may affect an employees’ ability to provide certain eligibility documentation e.g. if an embassy is closed due to COVID-19. In such cases, other documentation may be acceptable but always check first.