Navigating UK Visa Sponsorship as a Pharmacy Employer

As a UK pharmacy employer, you might be looking to expand your team by hiring skilled pharmacists from overseas. If so, you'll likely need to navigate the UK's visa sponsorship process. While it can seem complex, understanding the key requirements and procedures can make the process smoother.

Do You Need a Sponsor Licence?

Generally, you'll need a sponsor licence to employ someone from outside the UK, including citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who arrived after December 31, 2020. This applies even for unpaid work.

Remember: You don't need a licence to sponsor Irish citizens or those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK

Getting a Sponsor Licence

• Eligibility: Check if your pharmacy business is eligible for a sponsor licence.
• Job Suitability: Ensure the pharmacist role you're offering is suitable for sponsorship.
• Licence Type: Choose the appropriate licence type: "Workers" for skilled and long-term employment like pharmacists.
• Sponsorship Management: Decide who within your business will manage the sponsorship process.
• Apply online and Pay: Apply for the licence online and pay the required fee.
• UKVI Check: UK Visas and Immigration may visit your pharmacy to ensure it's suitable.

The processing fee for a license application is £536 for small businesses and charities, and £1,476 for medium and large organizations. It typically takes approximately 8 weeks to process an application.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

• To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa, the pharmacist you want to sponsor must:
• Have a job offer for an eligible role (pharmacist roles typically fall under occupation code 2251).
• Work for a Home Office-approved UK employer (you with a sponsor licence).
• Be paid at least the minimum salary for the role, which is the higher of:
• £38,700 per year
• The "going rate" for the type of work

Key Point: As the employer, you must ensure the pharmacist's pay meets at least the minimum wage and follows UK rules for working hours.

After You Apply

• Licence Rating: If your application is successful, you'll receive a licence rating.
• Certificates of Sponsorship: You can then issue these certificates for eligible jobs.
• Licence Validity: Your licence usually remains valid as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities as a Sponsor

Having a sponsor licence comes with responsibilities. Failing to meet them could lead to losing your licence.

Remember: Sponsorship doesn't guarantee a visa for the pharmacist. They must still meet the visa requirements.

Navigating the UK visa sponsorship process may seem daunting, but with proper preparation and compliance, pharmacy employers can seamlessly hire skilled workers from overseas. For more information or to begin the application process, visit the UK Government’s official visa sponsorship page.

By becoming a licensed sponsor, you can unlock access to a global talent pool while adhering to the UK’s immigration and employment standards.