Attention business owners: here’s how you can benefit from UK’s Tier 2 Sponsorship system
In the globalised era, talent knows no borders. The Tier 2 Visa, an immigration pathway designed by the UK government, presents a golden opportunity for employers to hire skilled individuals from beyond the boundaries of the EEA or Switzerland. By sponsoring a Tier 2 visa applicant, you can tap into the international pool of talent to fill specialised roles that are hard to fill domestically.
The Benefits of Sponsoring a Tier 2 Visa Worker
1. Bridging the Skills Gap: Skilled workers are in high demand across a myriad of industries. With the Tier 2 visa, you can address the skills shortage by bringing in highly-qualified individuals from different parts of the world, thereby securing the best talent for your business.
2. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: By embracing professionals from various cultural backgrounds, you can cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive workplace that fosters innovation and creativity.
3. Economical Talent Acquisition: Sponsoring a Tier 2 visa applicant can sometimes be more cost-effective than hiring a UK or EEA worker, making it a financially sound strategy for many businesses.
Navigating the Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship Process
If sponsoring a Tier 2 visa applicant sounds like the right move for your business, here’s what you need to do:
Get Licensed: Before you can sponsor a Tier 2 visa applicant, your company must hold a valid sponsorship license. Information about the licensing process can be found on the UK government’s official website.
Find the Right Candidate: This involves posting the vacancy on job boards or working with recruitment agencies to identify suitable applicants.
Submit Your Application: Once you’ve identified the right candidate, you’ll need to apply to the UK Home Office. Given the complexity of the process, seeking guidance from immigration experts who specialize in Tier 2 visa applications can be beneficial.
Successful applications will enable the selected candidate to live and work in the UK for up to five years under a Tier 2 visa.
Extra Perks of a Diverse Workforce
Apart from filling critical skill gaps, Tier 2 visa hires can also provide added advantages such as:
Productivity Boost: Research suggests that a diverse workforce often outperforms a homogeneous one in terms of productivity.
Improved Customer Service: Employees from varied backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives, enhancing your customer service experience.
Fostering Innovation: A mix of different cultures and experiences can catalyse the generation of new, innovative ideas within your company.
So, if you’re an employer striving for growth, a Tier 2 visa worker might just be the secret ingredient you need.
Tips for Sponsoring a Tier 2 Visa Worker
Research Thoroughly: Understand the sponsorship process and the Tier 2 visa requirements using resources like the UK government website.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with an immigration expert, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the Tier 2 visa sponsorship process.
Attract the Best Talent: Market the job effectively, leveraging job boards or recruitment agencies to find the right fit.
Submit a Robust Application: Be diligent in your application. Provide solid evidence that the role requires unique skills not readily available in the UK or EEA labour market.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing a Tier 2 visa worker, empowering your business to reach new heights.
