Positive Verification Notice: Checking Right to Work
To avoid civil penalties and the possibility of criminal prosecution, employers must verify that all of their workforce are eligible to work in the UK. There are several ways that this can be done, including manual document checks and online checks. In some circumstances, when an individual cannot provide the required documentation or digital confirmation, […]
Sponsor Licence Downgraded?
Sponsor licence holders are legally required to meet certain compliance duties. Where there has been a failure to discharge those duties, the Home Office can take enforcement action against the organisation, including downgrading the sponsor licence from an A to B rating. In this guide, we explain what a sponsor licence downgrade means, the steps to […]
Employer Checking Service: Employers’ Guide
The Employer Checking Service (ECS) is a Home Office tool for employers to use in certain circumstances to verify an individual’s right to work. It is primarily used when an individual is unable to provide proof of their eligibility to work, typically because they have an outstanding visa or settlement application, an appeal or they […]
UK Visa Processing Time After Biometrics: A Guide
The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is […]
UKVI: Guide to UK Visas and Immigration
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the government department responsible for managing the UK’s immigration system. It oversees visa applications, settlement, asylum claims, and citizenship requests, ensuring that only those who meet the required criteria are granted entry or residency in the UK. The department also regulates employer and educational institution sponsorship, allowing businesses and universities […]
A Rating Sponsor Licence Guidance
In this guide, we look at UKVI’s sponsor licence rating system, including what it means for an organisation to have an A-rated sponsor licence. We also look at the consequences of being downgraded to a B-rating and how to reinstate an A-rating. What is an A-rated sponsor licence? For routes other than UK […]
UK Discretionary Leave to Remain Explained
The UK’s Immigration Rules allow numerous routes under which overseas nationals can apply for leave to remain. If, however, you aren’t eligible under any of these routes, there are certain circumstances in which it may still be appropriate for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to grant you discretionary leave to remain in the UK. Discretionary […]
Sponsor Licence Number: Explained
For UK-based organisations looking to sponsor migrant workers, they will first need to be allocated a unique sponsor licence number before being able to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to new sponsored workers. Equally, for migrant workers looking to work in sponsored job roles in the UK, they will first need to be assigned a […]
Return to Work Interview: Employers’ Guide
Conducting a return to work interview is an essential part of an organisation’s absence management programme. Having a focused discussion with a returning employee is shown to help reduce unnecessary sickness absence and helps the returning employee transition back into the workplace environment with greater ease and with the necessary support from their employer. Return […]
How To Sponsor Someone For A Work Visa
UK-based employers will typically need to have a valid licence to sponsor someone for a work visa in the UK In this guide, we take a practical look at the rules on sponsoring overseas workers, the eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet and the process to make an application for a sponsorship licence. What […]