Sponsor License for Digital Agencies in the UK

Introduction

A Sponsor License is a necessary requirement for companies in the UK who wish to employ migrant workers. In the digital industry, a Sponsor License allows digital agencies to access a wider pool of talent and bring in skilled workers from overseas to work in the UK.

Obtaining a Sponsor License is a process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this article, we will explore the process of obtaining a Sponsor License for Digital Agencies in the UK, as well as the benefits of having a Sponsor License for companies in the digital industry.

Eligibility for a Sponsor License

To be eligible for a Sponsor License, a company must meet certain requirements set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These requirements include being a legitimate business operating in the UK and having the ability to offer a skilled job to a migrant worker.

To determine the eligibility of a company for a Sponsor License, the UKVI will consider factors such as the company’s financial stability, business operations, and ability to support and sponsor a migrant worker.

The Sponsor License application process

Once a company has determined that it is eligible for a Sponsor License, the next step is to complete and submit the application form. This form, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the UKVI for review.

The supporting documents required for a Sponsor License application will vary depending on the specifics of the business, but may include proof of business registration, financial statements, and evidence of business operations.

In addition to the application form and supporting documents, the company will also need to pay the fees for the Sponsor License. These fees include an application fee and a sponsorship management fee.

It is important to note that the UKVI may request an interview with the company to discuss the business and its plans to sponsor a skilled worker. During this interview, the company will need to demonstrate that it is able to meet all of the required criteria for sponsorship.

Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the company will receive the Sponsor License and will be able to sponsor a skilled worker to work in the UK.

Roles that can be sponsored in Digital agencies, their SOC codes and salary requirements

There are a wide range of roles that can be sponsored in digital agencies, each of these roles has a corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code; which is used by the UKVI to identify the specific skills and qualifications required for the role. Here is a list of the SOC codes for each of these roles:

1. Web designers – SOC code: 6114
2. Graphic designers – SOC code: 6114
3. User experience designers – SOC code: 6114
4. User interface designers – SOC code: 6114
5. Web developers – SOC code: 6113
6. Software developers – SOC code: 6113
7. Data analysts – SOC code: 2124
8. Digital marketers – SOC code: 6114
9. Search engine optimization specialists – SOC code: 6114
10. Social media managers – SOC code: 6114
11. Content writers – SOC code: 2712
12. Project managers – SOC code: 1123
13. Business analysts – SOC code: 2121
14. Quality assurance testers – SOC code: 3223
15. Technical writers – SOC code: 2712

In addition to the SOC codes, there are also minimum salary requirements for each of these roles. The UKVI has established a minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas, which is currently set at £25,600 per year. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as for jobs that are on the shortage occupation list or for PhD-level roles.

When applying for a Sponsor License, it is important to ensure that you are able to offer a skilled job in one of these roles and that the skilled worker you wish to sponsor has the necessary qualifications and skills for the job. The UKVI will consider the SOC code and minimum salary requirements for the role when reviewing your application and may ask for additional documentation or information as needed.

By obtaining a Sponsor License and sponsoring skilled workers in these roles, digital agencies in the UK can access a wider pool of talent and bring in skilled workers who may not be available in the UK. This can help your company to stay competitive and attract top talent to your team.

Benefits of a Sponsor License for Digital Agencies

There are several benefits of having a sponsor license for Media & Digital agencies in the UK:

1. Access to a wider pool of talent: A sponsor license allows Media & Digital agencies to access a wider pool of talent from overseas, including skilled workers who may not be available in the UK.
2. Increased competitiveness: A sponsor license allows Media & Digital agencies to attract and retain top talent, which can help them to stay competitive in the marketplace.
3. Improved company image: A sponsor license demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can improve the company’s image and reputation in the industry.
4. Streamlined hiring process: A sponsor license simplifies the hiring process for Media & Digital agencies, as they can directly sponsor skilled workers rather than going through an agency or other intermediary.
5. Greater flexibility: A sponsor license gives Media & Digital agencies greater flexibility in terms of hiring and managing their workforce, as they can sponsor skilled workers on a temporary or permanent basis.

Things Digital agencies must take into consideration when applying for a sponsor licence

Digital agencies may need to take the following things into consideration when applying for a sponsor licence:

1. Proof of business: Digital agencies may need to provide additional evidence of their business operations, such as contracts with clients or proof of ongoing projects.
2. Proof of financial stability: Digital agencies may need to provide evidence of their financial stability, such as financial statements or bank statements.
3. Proof of skilled job offer: Digital agencies must be able to offer a skilled job to a migrant worker and may need to provide evidence of the job offer, such as a job description or salary information.
4. Adequate resources: Digital agencies must have the resources and capacity to sponsor a skilled worker, including adequate office space and equipment.
5. Compliance with UKVI requirements: Digital agencies must ensure that they are complying with all of the requirements set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and may need to provide additional documentation or information as required.

The documents needed

Digital agencies will need to provide the following documents as part of their sponsor licence application:

1. Business registration documents: This includes proof of business registration, such as a copy of the company’s Articles of Association or a certificate of incorporation.
2. Financial documents: This includes financial statements or bank statements to demonstrate the financial stability of the company.
3. Job offer documents: This includes a detailed job description and evidence of the salary and benefits offered to the skilled worker.
4. Evidence of business operations: This includes contracts with clients or proof of ongoing projects to demonstrate the legitimate business operations of the digital agency.
5. Evidence of adequate resources: This includes proof of office space and equipment, as well as evidence of the company’s ability to sponsor and support a skilled worker.
6. Policies and procedures: This includes the company’s policies and procedures on matters such as equal opportunities, diversity, and anti-discrimination.
7. Other supporting documents: This may include additional documents requested by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as part of the sponsor licence application process

Maintaining your Sponsor License

Obtaining a Sponsor License is just the first step in the process of sponsoring a skilled worker. Companies must also ensure that they are meeting all of the ongoing requirements for a Sponsor License holder.

Digital agencies can maintain their sponsor licence by following these steps:

1. Add skilled workers to the sponsor licence: Digital agencies must ensure that they are adding all skilled workers to their sponsor licence and that they meet all of the required criteria, such as having the necessary qualifications and skills for the job.
2. Comply with reporting and record-keeping obligations: Digital agencies must maintain accurate records and report any changes to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as required. This includes changes to the company’s contact information, business operations, or the skilled worker’s employment status.
3. Ensure compliance with UKVI requirements: Digital agencies must ensure that they are complying with all of the UKVI’s requirements, including those related to equal opportunities, diversity, and anti-discrimination.
4. Monitor the skilled worker’s employment status: Digital agencies must ensure that the skilled worker is meeting the terms of their employment, including working the required number of hours and being paid the agreed-upon salary.
5. Renew the sponsor licence as needed: Digital agencies must renew their sponsor licence before it expires in order to continue sponsoring skilled workers. The renewal process includes submitting a new application and paying the required fees.

By following these steps, digital agencies can maintain their sponsor licence and continue to sponsor skilled workers to work in the UK.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Sponsor License for Digital Agencies in the UK is a process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. However, the benefits of having a Sponsor License can be significant for companies in the digital industry.

With a Sponsor License, digital agencies can access a wider pool of talent, stay competitive, improve their company image, streamline the hiring process, and have greater flexibility in managing their workforce.

By following the necessary steps and complying with all of the UKVI’s requirements, digital agencies can successfully obtain a Sponsor License and bring in skilled workers from overseas to work in the UK.

How we can help

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