Hiring and Sponsoring Pharmaceutical Technicians (SOC Code 3212)

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to grow and evolve, the need for skilled pharmaceutical technicians is on the rise. These professionals, classified under SOC Code 3212, play a critical role in assisting pharmacists with dispensing medications, managing prescriptions, and ensuring the smooth operation of pharmacies and pharmaceutical laboratories. If you're an HR professional looking to sponsor non-UK workers for this role, this guide will walk you through the process of hiring and sponsoring pharmaceutical technicians under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3212 for Pharmaceutical Technicians?

SOC Code 3212 refers to pharmaceutical technicians who assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medication, managing prescriptions, and maintaining proper stock and storage. Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing and dispensing medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Managing inventory and restocking medications.
• Handling prescriptions and providing patient advice on non-prescription medications.
• Ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical laws and safety regulations.

Pharmaceutical technicians work in settings such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies, supporting the vital work of pharmacists and ensuring that medications are safely and accurately dispensed to patients.

Eligibility to Hire Pharmaceutical Technicians (SOC Code 3212)

If you’re looking to hire non-UK workers for the role of pharmaceutical technicians, there are several eligibility criteria that you need to meet under the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Pharmaceutical technicians must meet certain qualifications and experience requirements to be eligible for sponsorship. This includes:

• A recognized qualification as a pharmaceutical technician (such as a diploma or certification in pharmacy services).
• Relevant experience working in a pharmacy or pharmaceutical setting.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations and safety protocols.

When sponsoring workers for this role, ensure that their qualifications and experience align with the job description under SOC Code 3212.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a pharmaceutical technician under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. This threshold is typically £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, since pharmaceutical technicians are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold for this role is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum, meaning the minimum salary requirement is £20,960 per year. This reduction applies due to the role being on the Immigration Salary List, which recognizes roles where there is a specific salary benchmark lower than the usual threshold.

You can use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

3. Immigration Salary List

Pharmaceutical technicians are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. Being on this list means:

• Lower salary thresholds: As mentioned earlier, the salary requirement is reduced to 80% of the standard threshold.
• Reduced visa fees: Workers applying for roles on the Immigration Salary List may benefit from lower visa fees compared to other roles.

You can learn more about salaries for roles on the Immigration Salary List in the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Pharmaceutical Technicians: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and the candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to successfully sponsor a pharmaceutical technician under SOC Code 3212.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK workers, your company must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence allows employers to sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: You will need to provide documents proving that your business is legitimate and that you have a genuine vacancy. To understand the full process, visit this sponsor licence application guide.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Depending on your company size, the cost of obtaining a sponsor licence may vary. Small companies typically pay £536, while larger companies pay £1,476. For detailed information on fees, check the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: The processing time for sponsor licences usually takes up to 8 weeks, but you can expedite this through the Sponsor Licence Priority Service, which reduces the wait to 10 working days.

Once granted, your company will receive a sponsor licence number, allowing you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to your workers.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After securing a sponsor licence, your next step is to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the pharmaceutical technician. This certificate is a digital document containing details about the role and the individual being hired.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: If the worker is applying from outside the UK, you will need a Defined CoS. If the worker is already residing in the UK, you will need an Undefined CoS. For more information, refer to the guide on Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship.
• Required Documents: HR professionals must submit various documents when assigning a CoS, such as the worker’s passport information, job offer, and salary details. For a full list of required documents, check the Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship guide.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS has been assigned, the worker can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa. They will need to submit their visa application, pay the required fees, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Visa Fees: The visa fees can vary depending on the role and the duration of the visa. You can calculate the fees using the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are also required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which is a levy on businesses sponsoring non-UK workers. This fee is separate from visa fees and is part of the employer’s obligations.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Pharmaceutical Technicians

Once the pharmaceutical technician has received their visa, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure that they are legally allowed to work in the UK. This is a mandatory requirement for all employers in the UK.

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

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

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Hiring a pharmaceutical technician doesn’t end with the visa approval. After the worker has been employed, you must remain compliant with UK immigration laws to ensure your sponsor licence remains valid.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: HR professionals must maintain accurate records of their sponsored workers, including their job details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes in the worker’s role, such as promotions, salary adjustments, or job title changes, must be reported to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

To avoid penalties or the revocation of your licence, it’s essential to stay compliant with your sponsor licence duties. Failure to do so could lead to sponsor licence revocation, which would affect your ability to sponsor overseas workers.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Pharmaceutical Technicians

Sponsoring pharmaceutical technicians under SOC Code 3212 can be a complex and time-consuming process, but Borderless is here to simplify it for you. We offer end-to-end support to help you manage the sponsorship process, from obtaining a sponsor licence to maintaining compliance with UK immigration laws.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: We handle the entire application process, ensuring that all required documents are submitted on time.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Our platform streamlines the process of assigning CoS, making it easier to hire the workers you need.
• Compliance Management: We help you manage your ongoing compliance obligations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential licence revocation.

If you need help with hiring or sponsoring pharmaceutical technicians, feel free to get in touch for a personalized consultation.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring pharmaceutical technicians under SOC Code 3212 requires careful planning, compliance with UK immigration rules, and an understanding of the sponsorship process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your business can successfully sponsor skilled pharmaceutical technicians and stay compliant with the Home Office’s requirements.

If your organization needs assistance with the sponsorship process, Borderless is here to help with everything from obtaining a sponsor licence to managing post-hiring compliance. Don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance on your sponsorship needs.