Hire International Employees

An international workforce can be the cornerstone of your company’s success in an increasingly global market. However, hiring foreign employees in the UK involves navigating a complex immigration process. Don’t be deterred – the UK has established clear pathways for hiring and bringing qualified employees to the country.

Below are five important steps to take when hiring a global workforce in the UK.

1. 1. Understand Your Hiring Options. There are several visa programs available, and you need to decide which one is appropriate for the international employees you want to hire.
      • Skilled Worker Visa: For roles that meet the required skill level and salary threshold.
      • Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For transferring employees from overseas branches.
      • Temporary Worker Visa: For specific types of temporary employment.
      • Graduate Visa: For international students who have completed a degree in the UK.

      Consider the job function, the duration of the role, and the specific needs of your company when choosing an immigration program.

   2. Start Early. The process of hiring foreign employees can take several months. It’s important to start early and plan ahead. Ensure you have a sponsor licence, as this is required to employ workers from outside the UK. The application process for a sponsor licence can take up to 8 weeks.
   3. Make the Necessary Preparations Within Your Company. Identify the roles you want to fill with international employees, especially those where you have difficulty finding local talent. Develop a recruitment and retention plan, and ensure your HR department is trained to maintain compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations.
   4. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Before your prospective employee can apply for a visa, you must assign them a Certificate of Sponsorship. This certificate is a unique reference number that they will need for their visa application. Ensure that the job meets the required skill level and salary threshold.
   5. Support the Visa Application Process. Bad preparation of the visa application can ultimately delay progress and business growth. Having a grasp of visa processes is key for an International workforce.

We can help you apply for a Sponsor Licence

The Visa Office is very experienced in this field and can help with sponsorship and visas keeping you informed all the way. If you need assistance with the process, consider consulting with us. We provide guidance and support from start to finish, ensuring you obtain the talent your company needs to thrive.

Hire Foreign Employees 2025 Guide: Key Updates in UK Immigration to be aware of

The UK’s immigration landscape is changing significantly in 2025, bringing new challenges and responsibilities for businesses that hire international talent. Here are some key updates:

• Increased Salary Thresholds: The minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas has risen from £26,200 to £38,700 per year for general roles.
• Sponsorship Costs: As of December 31, 2024, businesses can no longer pass sponsorship-related fees onto employees. This includes sponsor licence fees and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees.
• Stricter Compliance: The UK government is intensifying its focus on immigration compliance with increased unannounced audits and inspections. Penalties for non-compliance are becoming more severe.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme: Starting January 8, 2025, visitors from countries previously exempt from visa requirements will need an ETA before entering the UK.
• Digital Immigration System: The UK is moving towards a fully digital immigration system, replacing physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with online eVisas by March 31, 2025.

Our Immigration and HR specialists can help guide you throughout the process from Sponsor Licence application right through to onboarding your first overseas worker. Please call us today to discuss your requirements. We provide an initial complimentary consultation for businesses wanting to apply for a Sponsor Licence, email us: contact@visa-office.com