Calling Atlanta and Biological Scientists generally

On the 24th Feb 2025 Linked in described 1009 Biological Scientist vacancies in the UK, 395 in Australia and New Zealand, 1581 in Canada and 91 in Normandy. So you know that you are in demand and that you can go anywhere and some of you might be evaluating just where you might like to be appreciated.

This note describes the principles of Sponsorship for those coming to the UK on a work visa.

Overview of the Scheme.

The British Government permits UK based employers to sponsor skilled workers to come to work in the United Kingdom. These employers must be on the approved register of sponsors, and the job must meet the criteria set out under the Immigration Rules.

From the applicant’s point of view, the first step contains two prerequisites:

• You should identify your skills against the approved list of job titles warranting sponsorship as set out in Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations . https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupationsThese include for example: -

2112 Biological scientists
2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
2483 Environmental health professionals
3111 Laboratory Technicians

• You should ascertain if the prospective employer has a Sponsor’s Licence, or is intending to so obtain. The register is found here: - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67bc4a6a4ad141d908353436/2025-02-24_-_Worker_and_Temporary_Worker.csv/preview

The employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, ( a reference number ) which you would then add to the visa application.

Details.

Once the general eligibility has been established and before any certificate of sponsorship is issued, the applicant must ensure that both the post and they themselves, meet the detailed requirements to the Rules. A visa application will only be granted if all these are met.

There are two distinct salary thresholds that the prospective post must meet.

• The job meets the “ going rate” as defined by the relevant SOC Code.

The post must be paid at least the prescribed salary ( set out in tabular form in Appendix Skilled Occupations ). Each job may have a series of separate minimum payrates contingent on the applicant’s circumstances, or variations of policy within the United Kingdom.

• Minimum salary threshold across all posts.

There are separately a series of salary thresholds that are to ensure a minimum income irrespective of the going rate, and such levels are currently set at between £23,000 and £38700 per year depending on the applicant’s establishment. You should seek legal advice where you are uncertain if the post meets the thresholds set out in the Immigration Rules. The Rules themselves change frequently. A separate Appendix Immigration Salary List sets out those sectors which permit a reduced salary entry level, and include Biological Scientists ( 2112 ) and Laboratory Technicians of more than three years experience ( 3111.)

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