The essence of this sponsorship program lies in its commitment to nurturing compassionate and skilled professionals who are dedicated to making a positive impact on society. Social worker sponsorship UK is the linchpin of support networks, navigating complex issues with empathy, expertise, and a commitment to social justice.
You can hire foreign social workers as a social care provider in the UK under the Health and Care or Skilled Worker visa programs.
Organizations in the UK social assistance sector must first obtain a sponsor license in order to sponsor foreign caregivers to work in the country. Social professionals, including senior care providers, social workers, and proprietors and managers of residential, daycare, and domiciliary care, are allowed to work in the UK with the skilled worker visa.
As per the recent employed rule, you can also work in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa unless you are not working for a private household or private organization.
How to hire an International Social Worker
The following crucial actions must be taken when hiring caregivers from overseas:
- Verify whether your business qualifies for a sponsor license.
- Request a sponsor license by going to the area below.
- Verify the candidate’s qualifications for the position and work function.
- Request a sponsorship certificate and assign a COS number.
- An employee should apply for a work visa.
Here is the elaboration of the above mentioned pointers:
1. Eligibility of Sponsored Licence
If you are going to get a sponsored licence then you must assure the Home Office that you have all the important documents that validate your permission to work in the UK. Also, you are good at providing social care to people.
This could imply, for instance, that you are completely licensed with the General Medical Council as an NHS provider or the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if you operate a residential facility or the comparable organizations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, you need to be trading or have a presence in the UK.
Additionally, candidates must have had their sponsor license canceled within the last year or have any outstanding criminal histories. All sponsors must have the systems and procedures established to manage their sponsored workers in a lawful way to submit a successful sponsor licensing application.
This entails completing the required verification for being eligible to work in the UK, maintaining records, keeping an eye on sponsored workers, and providing information to the Home Office.
2. Position and eligibility
A list of shortage-eligible jobs for the Health and Care and Skilled Worker Sponsorship UK is available from the Home Office. Furthermore, you have to:
- Offer only actual work.
- You will be able to provide work that satisfies the route’s standards for skill level and pay.
- Sponsor employees only for positions on the shortage or qualifying profession lists.
- Offer compensation that satisfies or surpasses the minimal wage required for the particular position.
Requirements for Social Worker sponsorship UK
Generally, sponsorship for social workers in the UK would likely involve adherence to the Points-Based System (PBS) and may include the following aspects:
- Employer Sponsorship: Social workers may need sponsorship from a UK-based employer that is a licensed sponsor. The employer must be approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor workers.
- Qualifications and Registration: Social workers usually need to meet specific educational and professional qualifications. They might also need to be registered with a relevant professional body, such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Job Offer: A valid job offer from a UK employer that is eligible to sponsor workers is typically a prerequisite. The job role should align with the individual’s qualifications and professional experience.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in the English language is often a requirement. This might be proven through an English language test or if the individual is from a majority English-speaking country or has completed a degree in English.
- Maintenance Funds: Applicants may need to show evidence that they have enough money to support themselves in the UK, especially if they are applying for certain visa categories.
- Visa Application: Submission of a visa application, including supporting documents, through the relevant immigration channels.
The process of applying for visa for social professionals working abroad
The following is an approximate schedule for obtaining the required immigration authorization in order to hire a foreign worker for a social care position:
- Establish the procedures and mechanisms required for sponsorship: one to four weeks
- Submit an application for a sponsor license and find out the outcome: eight weeks
- Applying for a Sponsorship Certificate Takes One Day
- It takes three weeks to apply for a skilled worker or health and care worker visa.
If you require foreign social workers to begin work immediately, you can pay an additional £500 for a sponsor license application that will be processed in ten days, as well as an additional £500 for a work visa application that will be processed in one day.
Process of applying for Sponsor Licence
If you want to apply for a sponsor licence then you are obliged to follow some steps that will fulfill your requirements to get the sponsor licence, so have a look at them:
Step 1: Determine the Visa Type
Identify the type of sponsorship or work visa you need. Different visas may have specific requirements and eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Find a Sponsor
You will typically need a sponsor, which could be an employer or an institution. Ensure that the sponsor is eligible and willing to support your visa application.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria for the specific visa type. This may include educational qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents. This may include:
- Passport
- Passport-sized photos
- Visa application form
- Job offer letter
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Financial documents
- Health insurance (if required)
Step 5: Apply Online or In-Person
Most countries offer online visa applications. Complete the application form accurately. Pay any required fees.
Step 6: Biometrics and Medical Examination
Some countries may require you to undergo a biometric appointment or a medical examination as part of the visa process.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed. Processing times can vary.
Step 8: Decision and Visa Issuance
Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, you’ll likely get a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic visa.
Step 9: Travel to the Country
After receiving your visa, you can travel to the country within the validity period of the visa.
Step 10: Comply with Visa Conditions
Make sure to comply with all visa conditions, including any work restrictions, reporting requirements, or renewal processes.
You can begin applying for and issuing Certificates of Sponsorship to foreign workers as soon as your Sponsorship Management System (SMS) is operational and your sponsor licence has been issued. A designated individual within your company may submit an SMS application for a CoS. In addition, £199 is required.
The foreign worker can then use the Certificate of Offer (CoS) as proof that they have been extended an offer of employment, if authorized by the Home Office (usually within a day). This document can then be used for a request for an employment visa.
FAQs
Who is eligible for Social Worker Sponsorship UK?
Eligibility typically involves having the necessary educational qualifications, professional experience, and often requires registration with a relevant professional body such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
How do I find an employer willing to sponsor me as a social worker?
Job searching platforms, professional networks, and the websites of social work agencies can be useful for finding employers who are licensed sponsors. Networking within the industry can also be beneficial.
What are the key requirements for a social worker to be sponsored?
Requirements may include a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, relevant qualifications, professional registration, English language proficiency, and the ability to meet financial criteria.
Can I bring my family with me if I am sponsored as a social worker?
Many visas allow for family members to join the sponsored individual in the UK. Requirements and eligibility for family members may vary, and it’s crucial to check the specific details of the visa category.
How long does the Social Worker Sponsorship process take?
Processing times can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. Factors such as the complexity of the application and the current workload of immigration authorities can influence processing times.
What rights and responsibilities come with Social Worker Sponsorship UK?
Social workers sponsored in the UK generally have the right to work in the specified role for the sponsoring employer. Responsibilities include complying with visa conditions, maintaining professional standards, and adhering to UK laws
