Hiring and Sponsoring Social and Humanities Scientists (SOC Code 2115)

Social and humanities scientists, categorized under SOC Code 2115, play a critical role in understanding human behavior, culture, history, and social structures. Their work spans fields like sociology, anthropology, political science, and history, contributing valuable insights into societal trends, public policies, and cultural developments. As the demand for skilled researchers and academics in these fields grows, UK employers are increasingly seeking to recruit social and humanities scientists from abroad. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring social and humanities scientists under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 2115 for Social and Humanities Scientists?

SOC Code 2115 refers to social and humanities scientists who research human behavior, societies, and cultures. They are typically involved in:

• Conducting research: Investigating societal trends, historical developments, or cultural phenomena.
• Data analysis: Gathering and interpreting data from studies, surveys, or historical records.
• Developing public policies: Assisting governments and organizations in shaping policies based on their findings.
• Publishing findings: Writing academic papers or reports on societal or cultural issues.
• Lecturing and teaching: Sharing knowledge in academic institutions or public settings.

These scientists are essential in shaping the way society understands itself, offering insights that influence everything from education to public policy.

Eligibility to Hire Social and Humanities Scientists (SOC Code 2115)

If you’re looking to hire social and humanities scientists from outside the UK, you must ensure that both the role and the candidate meet the eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

Social and humanities scientists must meet specific qualifications and experience requirements to be eligible for sponsorship. These may include:

• Academic qualifications: A degree (usually a PhD) in social sciences, humanities, or related disciplines such as sociology, political science, or history.
• Research experience: A proven track record of conducting independent research, publishing work, and presenting findings at conferences or seminars.
• Skills: Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and academic writing.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 2115 and that the candidate's qualifications meet the role’s requirements.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a social and humanities scientist under the Skilled Worker Visa, the job must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the UK Home Office. Generally, this threshold is £26,200 per year or the "going rate" for the role—whichever is higher.

However, since social and humanities scientists are on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the usual minimum. This means the minimum salary requirement is £20,960 per year.

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

3. Immigration Salary List

Social and humanities scientists are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which simplifies the sponsorship process for employers. Being on this list means:

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

For more information, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Social and Humanities Scientists: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed the role and candidate’s eligibility, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsor social and humanities scientists under SOC Code 2115.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before you can hire non-UK workers, your company 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: Small companies typically pay £536, while larger businesses pay £1,476. You can find a breakdown of fees in the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Applications usually take up to 8 weeks. For faster processing, the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can expedite this process to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is 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 social or humanities scientist. This digital document contains key details about the role and the worker being sponsored.

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

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

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

• Visa Fees: The cost of the visa depends on the role and the visa duration. You can calculate the costs using the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge as part of the sponsorship process.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Social and Humanities Scientists

Before the social or humanities scientist begins work, 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 the worker’s original documents, such as their passport and visa.
• Online Right to Work Check: For workers holding an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right to work.

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

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

After hiring, your company must comply with ongoing immigration laws to maintain your sponsor licence.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Maintain up-to-date records of the worker’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes to the worker’s employment, such as promotions or salary increases, must be reported 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, which would affect your ability to sponsor future employees.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Social and Humanities Scientists

Sponsoring social and humanities scientists under SOC Code 2115 can be a detailed process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We provide comprehensive support to help you navigate every step of the sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Ensuring your documents are submitted correctly.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS assignment process.
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need help hiring or sponsoring social and humanities scientists, get in touch for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring social and humanities scientists under SOC Code 2115 is an essential step for many academic and research institutions in the UK. By following this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process and ensure compliance with Home Office regulations.

For further support, Borderless offers comprehensive services to help you manage your sponsorship duties. Contact us for expert advice on managing your sponsorship needs.