The Home Office has announced that employers currently employing migrant workers must apply for a sponsorship licence by 1 October 2008 if they are to continue doing so. In order to employ a skilled worker under Tier 2 or a temporary worker under Tier 5, an employer must have submitted its application for a sponsor licence by 1st October 2008.
The government is currently in the process of overhauling the entire UK immigration system and replacing it with a new “points-based system” (PBS). As part of this overhaul the work permit scheme is to be deleted and replaced with “Tier 2” of the PBS. A category called Tier 5 will also be introduced to deal with temporary workers. These changes will take place at the end of November 2008.
Under Tiers 2 and 5, if an employer wishes to employ migrant workers, it will first be necessary for it to apply for a sponsor licence. If a sponsor licence is granted, the employer will then be able to issue certificates of sponsorship to suitable migrant workers. These certificates will take the place of the work permits which are issued by the Home Office under the current system. The migrant worker may then use the certificate of sponsorship to apply for entry clearance (a visa) in their home country.
In order to apply for a sponsor licence it is necessary to submit an on-line application form together with a number of supporting documents. The applicant organisation may then be inspected by the Home Office.
Dyne Solicitors Limited can assist with all aspects of the sponsor licence application process. This includes completing the application form, helping you to compile appropriate supporting documents, advising you about preparing your organisation for a Home Office inspection and working with you to ensure that once a licence is obtained, it is not revoked due to lack of compliance.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about the sponsor licence system or application process.
Dyne Solicitors Limited - 01829 773100, info@dynesolicitors.co.uk
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