Hiring and Sponsoring Musicians (SOC Code 3415)

Musicians, classified under SOC Code 3415, play a critical role in the entertainment, cultural, and creative industries. From performing in live concerts to composing music for media productions, musicians contribute to the UK's thriving arts scene. As the demand for talented musicians continues to grow, many organisations and performance venues are looking to recruit skilled performers from overseas. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring musicians under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3415 for Musicians?

SOC Code 3415 encompasses musicians who perform and create original music across various genres and platforms. Their responsibilities can include:

• Performing music: Playing instruments or singing in live concerts, studio recordings, or media productions.
• Composing and arranging: Writing original music or arranging existing pieces for performances.
• Collaborating with other artists: Working with bands, orchestras, or other musicians to create cohesive performances.
• Teaching music: Offering private lessons or working in schools to instruct students in playing instruments or vocal performance.
• Recording and producing music: Participating in the recording and production of albums, soundtracks, or commercial music projects.

Musicians are essential to the UK’s vibrant cultural landscape, performing in venues from concert halls to festivals and contributing to the country's global influence in the arts.

Eligibility to Hire Musicians (SOC Code 3415)

If you’re looking to hire musicians from outside the UK, there are specific eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker Visa program that you must follow.

1. Job Requirements

Musicians must meet certain qualifications or experience requirements to qualify for sponsorship. These may include:

• Portfolio of performances: A documented history of live performances, studio recordings, or other musical accomplishments.
• Skills and experience: Proficiency in playing one or more musical instruments or exceptional vocal abilities.
• Education: While formal education is not always required, professional training at a conservatory or music academy can be advantageous.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 3415 and that the candidate's qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a musician 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 musicians are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum. This means the required salary is £20,960 per year.

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

3. Immigration Salary List

Musicians are on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. The benefits include:

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

For more details, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Musicians: 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 musicians under SOC Code 3415.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK musicians, your organisation 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 that proves your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. For more details, refer to the sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £536, while larger organisations pay £1,476. More information 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 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 securing your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the musician. This digital document provides 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 details, see the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: You’ll need to provide documentation such as the musician’s portfolio, passport, and job offer. For a full list of required documents, see Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is assigned, the musician can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: The fees vary depending on the role and the length of the visa. You can estimate costs using the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which is separate from the visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Musicians

Before the musician can begin working, employers must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally permitted 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, you must comply with UK immigration regulations to maintain your sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of the musician’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes in the musician’s employment status, such as promotions or salary increases, through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Non-compliance with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, which could affect your ability to sponsor workers in the future.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Musicians

Sponsoring musicians under SOC Code 3415 can be a detailed process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer full support to help manage the sponsorship process from start to finish.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we provide:

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

If your organisation needs assistance with hiring or sponsoring musicians, get in touch for personalised guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring musicians under SOC Code 3415 is an essential step for many performance venues, media productions, and music institutions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For expert advice on managing your hiring and sponsorship needs, Borderless is ready to assist. Contact us for guidance on managing your sponsorship duties.