The new SSW route to sponsoring skilled workers has to some extent made it easier to sponsor skilled workers by removing the Residential Market Labour test and lowering the income threshold to £26,500. This comes at no surprise as after 31 December 2020 EEA national will lose their right to free movement in the UK, and any employer wishing to employ non-UK residents after this date will need to sponsor them.
From 01 January 2021, businesses will require a Skilled Worker Licence to sponsor non-UK workers and any skilled worker will need to meet a points requirement. They will need to be sponsored by the business to carry out a specific job and meet requisite salary and skill levels.
Any existing sponsor licences held under the current regime will automatically be converted to a Skilled Worker Licence. This does not change the expiry date of licences. Licences only last 4 years and if a licence is due to expire before it can be converted to a Skilled Worker Licence, by making an appropriate application for renewal.
The process of obtaining a Skilled Worker Licence remains somewhat similar to the current regime. A business seeking a Skilled Worker Licence will need to complete an application form, collect and submit a number of original documents and appoint key personnel to manage the licence.
The fees for applying for a Skilled Sponsor Licence will depend on the size of the business. If you are a small employer with a turnover of less than 10.2 million and 50 staff or less the cost will be £536. If you are not the cost will be £1,476. There are also additional costs to consider such as Immigration Skills Charge of £,000 per year per visa.
If you need assistance applying for a Skilled Worker Licence, we have a team of experts here to help you.
