Hiring and Sponsoring Dancers and Choreographers (SOC Code 3414)

Dancers and choreographers, categorized under SOC Code 3414, are key figures in the performing arts industry, responsible for creating and performing artistic dance routines. Their roles contribute significantly to cultural events, performances, theatre, and even media productions. With the UK being a hub for arts and culture, the demand for skilled dancers and choreographers is high, and many employers are looking to recruit talent from overseas. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring dancers and choreographers under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3414 for Dancers and Choreographers?

SOC Code 3414 covers dancers and choreographers who perform and create original dance routines. Their responsibilities can include:

• Performing dance routines: Participating in live performances, theatre productions, music videos, or films.
• Choreographing dance pieces: Creating and directing original dance sequences for performances or productions.
• Collaborating with directors: Working alongside artistic directors, producers, and other performers to enhance a production’s artistic quality.
• Teaching dance: Instructing dancers in techniques, movement styles, and artistic expression.
• Training and rehearsing: Practicing dance routines to ensure precision and fluidity in performances.

These professionals are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the UK’s rich cultural and entertainment sectors, including theatre, film, television, and live events.

Eligibility to Hire Dancers and Choreographers (SOC Code 3414)

If you plan to hire dancers and choreographers from outside the UK, it's essential to meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

To qualify for sponsorship, dancers and choreographers must meet certain qualifications or experience requirements, such as:

• Portfolio of performances: A documented history of performances in professional or highly regarded productions.
• Skills and experience: Proficiency in specific dance styles (e.g., ballet, contemporary, jazz) or choreographic techniques.
• Education: While formal education in dance is not always required, professional training at a reputable dance school or conservatory can enhance a candidate’s qualifications.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3414 and that the candidate's skills and experience meet the needs of the role.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a dancer or choreographer 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 dancers and choreographers are on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, which means the required salary is £20,960 per year.

To ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements, use the Minimum Salary Calculator.

3. Immigration Salary List

Dancers and choreographers are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. This offers benefits such as:

• Lower salary thresholds: Reduced to 80% of the standard requirement.
• Reduced visa fees: Workers on the Immigration Salary List benefit from reduced visa application fees.

For more information, check out the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Dancers and Choreographers: 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 sponsor dancers and choreographers under SOC Code 3414.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and that you have a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more details.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Fees vary depending on the size of your organisation. Small companies typically pay £536, while larger organisations pay £1,476. More details can be found in the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Applications usually take up to 8 weeks to process, though the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can expedite the process, reducing the waiting time to 10 working days.

Once approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, allowing you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After obtaining your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the dancer or choreographer. This digital document contains key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for workers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for workers already in the UK. For more information, refer to the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: Provide key details such as the candidate’s portfolio, passport, and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a complete list of documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is assigned, the dancer or choreographer can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and length of employment. Use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge, which is separate from visa fees and part of the employer’s responsibility when sponsoring non-UK workers.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Dancers and Choreographers

Before the dancer or choreographer starts working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

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

For more details, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

After hiring, employers must comply with immigration regulations to maintain their sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Keep up-to-date records of the worker’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Report significant changes to the worker’s employment status, 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 workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Dancers and Choreographers

Sponsoring dancers and choreographers under SOC Code 3414 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Helping you submit accurate documents and avoid delays.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process for efficient hiring.
• Compliance Management: Ensuring that you remain compliant with UK immigration laws and avoid penalties.

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

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring dancers and choreographers under SOC Code 3414 is a key step in enhancing your artistic and cultural projects. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while remaining compliant with UK immigration laws.

For further support, Borderless offers expert guidance to help you manage the sponsorship process from start to finish. Contact us for advice on managing your hiring needs.