Hiring and Sponsoring Data analysts (SOC Code 3544)

Data Analysts, classified under SOC Code 3544, are essential professionals in the realm of data-driven decision-making. Their roles encompass a broad range of activities that contribute significantly to various sectors. Key responsibilities include:

• Data Gathering and Cleaning: Collects and cleans datasets to ensure accurate and high-quality data for analysis.
• Data Management: Develops and implements data management processes and policies, ensuring efficient data handling practices.
• Data Analysis: Examines data to identify trends and patterns in diverse fields, including:
  • Opinion polling
  • Demand forecasting for goods and services
  • Testing of new medications
• Data Visualization: Creates visual representations of data, such as dashboards and graphs, to facilitate understanding and insights.
• Presentation of Findings: Communicates analytical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, aiding decision-making for:
  • Companies
  • Government agencies
  • Other organizations

With the ongoing digital transformation and the increasing reliance on data analytics, the demand for skilled data analysts is on the rise. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsoring process of data analysts under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Data analysts?

SOC Code 3544 refers to data analysts who specialize in harnessing data to drive informed decision-making across various sectors. Their responsibilities can include:

• Data collection and cleaning: Gathering, cleaning, and collating datasets to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
• Data management processes: Developing data management processes and policies to streamline data handling.
• Data analysis: Analyzing data to identify trends and patterns in fields such as opinion polling, demand forecasting, or medical research.
• Data visualization: Creating visual representations of data, including dashboards and graphs, to make complex information accessible.
• Presenting findings: Communicating insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, aiding in the decision-making process for companies, government entities, and other organizations.

Data analysts play a vital role in the modern data-driven landscape, enabling organizations to leverage insights for strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Eligibility to Hire Data analysts (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Data analysts must possess a strong analytical skillset and relevant experience in data management and analysis. Candidates should meet the following qualifications:

• Educational Background: A degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and programming languages such as SQL, Python, or R.
• Data Management Experience: Familiarity with data cleaning, transformation, and management processes, as well as experience in developing data management policies.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong capability to analyze datasets to identify trends and patterns relevant to various industries, including market research and healthcare.
• Visualization Skills: Experience in creating visual representations of data, such as dashboards and graphs, to effectively communicate findings.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to present complex data insights clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences, facilitating informed decision-making.
• Experience: Prior experience in a similar role or relevant internships that demonstrate data analysis expertise.

Ensure that these qualifications align with SOC Code 3544 and that the candidate’s experience meets the expectations required for the role.

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

Sponsoring Data analysts: 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 Data analysts under SOC Code 3544.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Data analysts, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Data analysts 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 Data analysts. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Data analysts 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 Data analysts’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 Data analysts 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 Data analysts

Before the Data analysts 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 Data analysts’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Data analysts 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 Data analysts’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Data analysts’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 Data analystss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Data analysts

Sponsoring Data analysts under SOC Code 3544 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 Data analysts, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Data analysts under SOC Code 3544 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.