Hiring and Sponsoring Actors; entertainers and presenters (SOC Code 3413)

Actors, Entertainers, and Presenters, classified under SOC Code 3413, are versatile performers who engage audiences through a range of disciplines, including acting, singing, comedy, and presenting. Their roles extend beyond traditional acting, incorporating various entertainment forms, such as:

• Studying scripts: Analyzing plays, books, or other written material to prepare for performances.
• Character interpretation: Embodying characters created by playwrights or authors to convey stories and emotions effectively.
• Performance: Delivering routines that may include singing, comedy, acrobatic feats, and illusion acts.
• Animal training: Teaching animals to perform entertaining routines and often working alongside them in performances.
• Broadcasting: Introducing and presenting radio and television programs, reading news bulletins, and making announcements.
• Conducting interviews: Preparing and presenting interviews for various media outlets, including current affairs programs and documentaries.
• Music playing: Playing pre-recorded music at nightclubs, discotheques, and other private events.

With the UK's dynamic entertainment sector, the demand for skilled actors, entertainers, and presenters continues to flourish. Consequently, many production companies, television networks, and event organizers are looking to source talent from overseas. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the process of hiring and sponsoring actors under the UK's immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Actors; entertainers and presenters?

SOC Code 3413 refers to actors, entertainers, and presenters who engage in a variety of performance arts. Their responsibilities can include:

• Studying scripts: Analyzing plays, screenplays, or books in preparation for performances.
• Interpreting characters: Assuming the roles created by playwrights or authors and effectively communicating these characters to the audience.
• Performing routines: Engaging in singing, comedy, acrobatics, illusion, and conjuring acts as part of their performances.
• Train animals: Working with animals to perform entertaining routines and may share the stage with them during performances.
• Presenting media programs: Introducing and presenting radio and television programs, reading news bulletins, and making announcements.
• Conducting interviews: Preparing reports and conducting interviews for news broadcasts, current affairs shows, and documentaries.
• Playing music: Operating pre-recorded music at nightclubs, discotheques, and private functions.

Actors and entertainers significantly contribute to the entertainment industry, performing for audiences and enriching cultural experiences.

Eligibility to Hire Actors; entertainers and presenters (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Actors seeking opportunities in entertainment must demonstrate a variety of skills and meet specific qualifications. These may include:

• Script Analysis: Ability to study and understand the script, play, or book in preparation for a performance.
• Character Interpretation: Skills in assuming the character created by a playwright or author and effectively communicating this to an audience.
• Performance Skills: Proficiency in various entertainment routines such as singing, comedy, acrobatics, or illusion and conjuring acts.
• Animal Training: Experience or expertise in training animals to perform entertaining routines and the ability to perform alongside them when necessary.
• Presentation Skills: Strong ability to introduce and present radio and television programs, read news bulletins, and make announcements clearly and engagingly.
• Interviewing and Reporting: Competence in conducting interviews and preparing reports for news broadcasts, current affairs programs, and documentaries.
• Music Proficiency: Familiarity with playing pre-recorded music at nightclubs, discotheques, and private events.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3413 and that the actor’s experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Actors; entertainers and presenters: 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 Actors; entertainers and presenters under SOC Code 3413.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Actors; entertainers and presenters, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Actors; entertainers and presenters under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Actors; entertainers and presenters. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Actors; entertainers and presenters applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Actors; entertainers and presenters’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Actors; entertainers and presenters can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Actors; entertainers and presenters

Before the Actors; entertainers and presenters begins working, 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 Actors; entertainers and presenters’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Actors; entertainers and presenters holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Actors; entertainers and presenters’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Actors; entertainers and presenters’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Actors; entertainers and presenterss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Actors; entertainers and presenters

Sponsoring Actors; entertainers and presenters under SOC Code 3413 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

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

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Actors; entertainers and presenters, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Actors; entertainers and presenters under SOC Code 3413 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.