Hello,
I’m currently in the UK, working towards my level 5 diploma in people management. I have done a master’s in public health here as well which helped me improve my analytical skills as a requirement for this field.
I have experience in HR management in my country and looking for a position here which could also sponsor my visa.
I would greatly appreciate any advice, guidance and potential connections.
Hi Hanieh,
You would need to be offered a job by a sponsoring employer - this link will take you to the list of authorised sponsors https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
You would also need to be undertaking a role that is sponsorable. The ONS has a helpful checker - if you follow this link https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/classificationsandstandards/standardoccupationalclassificationsoc/soc2010and put "Human Resources" into the seach box, it will show you a range of SoC Codes for HR related jobs. Not all of them will be sponsorable - you would probably need to be at least degree level or equivalent - and meet a suitable salary. The minimum salary for sponsorship is £26,200 but each Code also has a "Going Rate" and the salary must meet the higher of the Going Rate and the Salary Threshold.
This Appendix sets out all the SoC codes and the Going Rates for each role (and identifies which SoC Codes cannot be sponsored)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupations - based on a 37.5 hour week so the employer would adjust to meet their normal working week to find the appropriate salary.
It would be down to the employer to select and assess a relevant SoC Code and identify whether they can sponsor you in it.
If you are currently here on a Student Visa you may be able to switch into a Skilled Worker Visa and earn slightly less as a New Entrant.
The employer cannot (or should not!) refuse to offer you a job if there is a sponsorable role but they choose not to offer it, e.g. for cost reasons; but they can reject your application if they believe there is no suitable SoC Code that you could be sponsored in. When assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship for an applicant, employers have to identify the appropriate SoC Code and salary and attach a copy of the job description - so we have to be careful to make sure that the SoC code really is a suitable one, or the Home Office will reject the Certificate.
You may also be eligible for a Graduate Visa - have a look here - https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa which allows you to stay in the UK in any job (regardless of salary) for 2 years (3 if you have done a PhD) but you cannot extend this visa and would then need to move onto a Skilled Worker Visa at that point.
Hope that helps!
