Hiring and Sponsoring Welding Trades (SOC Code 5213)

Welding trades, classified under SOC Code 5213, encompass a wide range of skilled workers responsible for fusing metals together, a critical function in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance industries. Welders are essential in sectors such as automotive, shipbuilding, and structural engineering. With the growing demand for highly skilled welders, many UK employers are looking to recruit talent from overseas. This guide will help HR professionals navigate the process of hiring and sponsoring welding trades under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 5213 for Welding Trades?

SOC Code 5213 covers skilled welders who perform tasks that involve joining metal parts using various welding techniques. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Reading blueprints and specifications: Understanding project requirements and materials to ensure proper welding methods are used.
• Operating welding equipment: Using tools such as arc welders, TIG welders, or MIG welders to join metals like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
• Inspecting welded surfaces: Ensuring the integrity and strength of welded joints by performing quality checks.
• Performing maintenance: Repairing and maintaining welding equipment to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Working in diverse environments: Welders can work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive repair.

These skilled tradespeople are indispensable for many industrial applications, ensuring the safety and longevity of structures, vehicles, and machinery.

Eligibility to Hire Welding Trades (SOC Code 5213)

When hiring welders from outside the UK, it’s essential to meet the specific requirements set by the Skilled Worker Visa program.

1. Job Requirements

To sponsor welders under SOC Code 5213, candidates must possess relevant qualifications and experience, such as:

• Vocational qualifications: Certification from recognized training programs, including NVQs in welding or equivalent qualifications.
• Professional experience: A track record of performing various types of welding, including MIG, TIG, and arc welding.
• Skills: Knowledge of different metals and welding techniques, along with the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.

Ensure that the job description aligns with SOC Code 5213 and that the candidate has the skills and experience required for the role.

2. Salary Thresholds

To sponsor a welder 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 welding trades are listed on the Immigration Salary List, the salary threshold is reduced to 80% of the standard minimum, which means the required salary is £20,960 per year.

Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer complies with immigration regulations.

3. Immigration Salary List

Welding trades are included in the Immigration Salary List, simplifying the sponsorship process for employers. The benefits include:

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

For more details, refer to the immigration salary list.

Sponsoring Welding Trades: 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 welders under SOC Code 5213.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before you can hire non-UK welders, your company must apply for 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 that you have a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more details.
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses usually pay £536, while larger businesses pay £1,476. For a detailed breakdown of fees, visit the sponsor licence fees guide.
• Processing Time: Sponsor licence applications generally take up to 8 weeks. However, 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, enabling you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to your prospective hires.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

After obtaining a sponsor licence, you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the welder. This digital document provides key details about the role and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: You will need a Defined CoS for welders applying from outside the UK and an Undefined CoS for those already residing in the UK. For more details, refer to the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide.
• Required Documents: You’ll need to provide documents such as the candidate’s qualifications, passport, and job offer details. For a full list of required documents, visit the Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS has been issued, the worker can apply for their Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and the visa’s duration. You can estimate the costs using the visa fees calculator.
• Immigration Skills Charge: As an employer, you are required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which is separate from the visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Welding Trades

Before the welder 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 original documents such as the worker’s 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 status.

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

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

Once you’ve hired a welder, it’s important to stay compliant with UK immigration laws.

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting

• Record-Keeping: Keep up-to-date records of the worker’s employment details, salary, and contact information.
• Reporting Changes: Any significant changes to the worker’s employment status, such as promotions or salary adjustments, must be reported through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

2. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance

Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties could result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, affecting your ability to sponsor future workers.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Welding Trades

Sponsoring welders under SOC Code 5213 can be complex, but Borderless simplifies the process by providing comprehensive support for HR professionals.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

Borderless offers:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Assistance with submitting all necessary documentation and ensuring your application is processed efficiently.
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Guidance on assigning CoS and streamlining the hiring process.
• Compliance Management: Helping you remain compliant with UK immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If your business needs assistance with hiring or sponsoring welders, get in touch for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring welders under SOC Code 5213 is essential for many industries, from manufacturing to construction. By following the steps in this guide, your company can successfully navigate the sponsorship process and remain compliant with UK immigration laws.

For expert advice on managing your sponsorship duties, Borderless is here to support you. Contact us to start your sponsorship journey today.