Certificate of Sponsorship timeframes

16 Dec 2020

Update from HR Services

Managers, when agreeing start dates with new International staff/colleagues, should work towards a start date of a minimum of six to eight weeks from the date the request to appoint is submitted to HR Services and plan accordingly.  The start date will remain subject to confirmation.  This will allow time for the individual to be assessed against UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) criteria and obtain any relevant documentation in order for them to meet that criteria.  This will also allow for UKVI visa processing times, currently three weeks for out-of-country applications and eight weeks for in-country applications.

Further information

• Managers' essentials: Immigration - skilled workers
• UK Government: skilled worker visa

It is also essential that if you have agreed with the individual that they may begin remote working overseas in the interim, that HR Services are informed of this arrangement so that payment can be arranged and that both sides remain aware that the contract remains subject to the individual successfully obtaining their visa and taking up the role in the UK as intended.