Hiring and Sponsoring Artists (SOC Code 3411)

Artists, classified under SOC Code 3411, are creative professionals who contribute to the cultural and creative industries, producing artwork across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, installations, and digital media. With the UK's vibrant arts scene, the demand for skilled and innovative artists continues to grow, leading many institutions, galleries, and creative agencies to seek talent from overseas. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring artists under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Artists?

SOC Code 3411 refers to artists who create original works of art across a wide range of mediums. Their responsibilities can include:

• Creating original artworks: Producing paintings, sculptures, installations, or digital art.
• Exhibiting work: Displaying art in galleries, exhibitions, or public spaces.
• Collaborating with other creatives: Working with designers, curators, or other artists on joint projects.
• Public commissions: Completing artworks commissioned by public or private institutions.
• Engaging with the public: Hosting workshops, talks, or educational programs to engage the public in artistic practices.

Artists play a crucial role in the cultural and creative industries, shaping societal values, inspiring change, and promoting cultural heritage.

Eligibility to Hire Artists (SOC Code 3411)

Hiring artists from outside the UK requires meeting the criteria of the Skilled Worker Visa program. To ensure compliance, both the role and the artist must meet specific requirements.

1. Job Requirements

Artists seeking sponsorship must demonstrate their artistic abilities and meet certain qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Portfolio of work: A collection of completed artworks demonstrating originality and creativity.
• Exhibition history: Previous exhibitions, collaborations, or commissions.
• Skills: Expertise in a specific artistic discipline such as painting, sculpture, or digital art.
• Education: While formal qualifications may not always be required, a degree in fine arts or a related field can be advantageous.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3411 and that the artist’s experience and work meet the expectations for the role.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor an artist under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. The general minimum salary threshold is £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, since artists are on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the standard minimum. This brings the required salary for artists to £20,960 per year.

Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

3. Immigration Salary List

Being on the Immigration Salary List simplifies the sponsorship process for artists. This designation offers benefits such as:

• Lower salary thresholds: Reduced to 80% of the standard requirement.
• Reduced visa fees: Artists on the Immigration Salary List may benefit from lower visa fees.

For further details, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Artists: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring artists under SOC Code 3411.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK artists, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas artists under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £536, while larger institutions pay £1,476. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the artist. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for artists applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the artist’s portfolio, passport, and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the artist can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and the length of the visa. Use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Artists

Before the artist begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure that they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the artist’s passport and visa.
• Online Right to Work Check: If the artist holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right to work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

After hiring, employers must remain compliant with UK immigration regulations to maintain their sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the artist’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the artist’s role, such as promotions or salary increases, via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future artists.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Artists

Sponsoring artists under SOC Code 3411 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier.
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring artists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring artists under SOC Code 3411 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.