With a growing shortage of skilled labour in the UK construction industry, many companies are turning to overseas recruitment to fill critical roles.
If you’re in a similar position, this blog post will walk you through the main visa routes available for hiring international construction workers.
Understanding the UK Sponsor License: A Prerequisite for Hiring Foreign Workers
To legally employ workers from outside the UK, you must first acquire a Sponsor License from the Home Office.
You will need to demonstrate that your business is legitimate with strong HR systems to manage sponsored workers. The process will require some documentation, such as company registration and tax records, and proof that you can track and report any changes in the employment status of expat talent.
Once you secure a sponsor licence, you can consider the various visa options available for overseas construction workers. The most popular routes include the Skilled Worker Visa, while other options such as the Intra-Company Transfer Visa and Global Talent Visa cater to more specialised or high-level construction professionals.
The Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for hiring non-UK workers in construction, offering a long-term solution for employers seeking skilled talent. This visa covers a range of skilled roles and is suitable for positions that require specific qualifications and expertise, such as civil engineers, architects, and project managers.
Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor talent under this visa, you must ensure that both the job role and the talent meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Skill Level: The position must meet the UK government’s minimum skill level. Many roles in construction, such as engineers and surveyors, are included in the Shortage Occupation List. (or recently changed to the Immigration Salary List)
- Salary Threshold: Typically, the job must pay at least £25,600 or meet the “going rate” for the specific job type, whichever is higher. Positions on the Shortage Occupation List can qualify with a reduced salary threshold.
- Language Requirement: Talent must demonstrate a working knowledge of English — at minimum, they should be able to prove they can read, write, speak and underhand English at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Advantages of the Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa allows for long-term employment (up to five years, with the option for renewal) and offers a pathway to permanent residency after five years, making it an appealing option for both employers and talent seeking stability.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa (For Multinational Companies)
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa is designed for multinational companies that want to transfer an employee from an overseas branch to a UK branch. This visa option is ideal iof you have international operations that need to bring in skilled or senior-level employees temporarily.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an ICT Visa, both you and your talent must meet certain conditions:
- Position in a Multinational Corporation: The employee must have a role in a multinational company that has a branch or office in the UK.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: The role must meet a specific salary threshold, which varies but is typically higher than the Skilled Worker Visa threshold.
- Employment Duration Requirement: The employee must have worked for your company for a certain period before applying.
Advantages of the ICT Visa
The ICT Visa provides a flexible way to bring in experienced workers or managers for a specified period. However, it isn’t a pathway to permanent residency and is best suited for temporary assignments where specific expertise is needed.
Global Talent Visa for High-Level Construction Professionals
The Global Talent Visa is designed to attract highly skilled individuals recognized as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as science, engineering, and digital technology. In construction, this visa could apply to high-level professionals involved in cutting-edge research, innovative design, or significant infrastructure projects.
Eligibility Requirements
Talent must meet specific requirements, including:
- Endorsement by a Recognized Body: Professionals must be endorsed by an approved body such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, depending on their area of expertise.
- Proven Track Record: The individual must demonstrate notable achievements, contributions, or leadership in their field.
Advantages of the Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa allows the recipient to work in the UK without a sponsor. It also offers a pathway to permanent residency in as little as three years, making it ideal for top-tier professionals in construction who bring valuable expertise to the industry.
Key Compliance Responsibilities for Employers
To maintain your sponsor licence and avoid penalties, there are a few compliance requirements that you have to keep top of mind.
Record-Keeping and Reporting
You must maintain detailed records for each sponsored employee, including copies of passports and proof of right-to-work. You must also report significant changes in the employee’s employment status, such as job title changes or terminations, to the Home Office.
Conducting Right-to-Work Checks
You must conduct right-to-work checks to confirm that every employee has the legal right to work in the UK. These checks help prevent illegal employment and protect the company from potential penalties.
Conclusion: Best Practices for Leveraging Visa Options in Construction
UK construction businesses facing labour shortages can benefit greatly from the various visa options available, from the Skilled Worker Visa to the Global Talent Visa. Here are some best practices to consider:
- Match the Visa to the Job Requirements: Identify whether your job roles require long-term or short-term staffing solutions and choose the visa accordingly.
- Maintain Compliance: Ensure your HR and compliance teams understand the sponsor licence requirements, including reporting obligations and right-to-work checks.
- Stay Updated on Immigration Policy: Immigration laws frequently change, so it’s essential to stay informed of new policies and adjust your recruitment strategy as needed.
- Enlist Professional Support: Navigating immigration compliance can be challenging, so consulting with immigration experts like Localyze can help ensure smooth processes.
By understanding and leveraging these visa options, UK construction companies can address skills shortages effectively, meet project demands, and strengthen their workforce for future growth.