Earlier this year we launched our International division which helps international superstars to find their dream roles within the UK.

We now recruit from all over the world… Philippines, Poland, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka to name only a few. We do this by recruiting candidates directly or by using our international partner recruitment agencies – either way, we work with some of the best global, hospitality, talent to help them secure not only brand new occupations but to relocate to a brand new country.

As you can imagine, whilst considering such a life-changing decision there’s a range of frequently asked questions we discuss with each of our international candidates. Allowing them to make completely informed decisions before the big move. 

The head of our international division, Kath Powell has shared some of these Q&As. 

What is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. 

Am I eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?

To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

  • Work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
  • Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
  • Do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
  • Be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do

Do I require proof of my Knowledge of English?

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale. You can prove your knowledge of English by: 

  • Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school
  • Having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English – if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

 Who does not need to prove their Knowledge of English?

 You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • The British overseas territories
  • USA

How long will it take before I get a job in the UK?

From submitting your CV and attending a first call with one of the team at Sixty Eight International, the process can take anywhere from 6 weeks through to 6 months. Factors which affect timings include the level of role, documents required for visa application procedure or Home Office process times. 

What is the annual salary?

Salary packages significantly vary based on the role, business, location as examples.

How long can you stay?

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

What if I want to  stay longer in the UK?

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like if you still meet the eligibility requirements.

 After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How do I get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

 Your prospective employer must request and, if granted, assign your CoS via their online Sponsor Management System account. They can then provide you with your Certificate of Sponsorship number to use on your visa application. 

What are the other documents Applicants have to provide as a part of their Visa Application (this list is non-exhaustive)

  • Certificate of sponsorship reference number (assigned and issued by employer.
  • Evidence of their knowledge of English.
  • A valid passport or other document that shows their identity and nationality.
  • Job title and annual salary.
  • Job’s occupation code.
  • Employers sponsor license numbers which will be on their assigned CoS.
  • Evidence of personal savings to show they can support themselves in the UK, if their CoS does not confirm certified maintenance.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results if from a listed country.
  • If applicable a valid ATAS certificate if the job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or above

 

What factors need to be considered when trying to determine a start date?

The employer must allow up to 12 weeks, minimum, (from the point of being offered the job) for a realistic start date.

This is to allow enough time for the internal visa process to be completed by HR (including the CoS allocation and issuing) as well as allowing the individual to complete their side of the process.

There are other factors to take into consideration which ultimately impact on the start date.

These include:

  • Whether the application is made inside or outside of the UK.
  • Whether standard service will be used or if an expedited service will be opted for.
  • The country in which the employee is traveling from 
  • If an ATAS certificate is required. It can take up to 4 weeks to receive this and must be an attached document in the visa application. It is crucial that a realistic start date is agreed and one that can be met, as it can potentially have an impact on sponsorship.

Sixty Eight International is creating a global hospitality movement that celebrates the talent and potential of any background (and not just chefs!!!). Although the questions and answers above cover the basic intricacies of initially applying and starting a role in the UK our support doesn’t stop there. 

We’re with you every step of the way ensuring your time in the UK and with your new employer is a happy experience for all. 

At Sixty Eight People, we’re proud to recognise and reward the undeniable contributions of hospitality professionals from around the world.

That’s why we’re actively seeking out international talent to join our community – where they can access unique opportunities to grow their careers. Would you like to know more about working in the UK with our help? You can arrange a call with our head of international, Kath by clicking here.