Hiring and Sponsoring IT operations technicians (SOC Code 3131)

IT Operations Technicians, classified under SOC Code 3131, are vital professionals in the technology sector who ensure the smooth functioning of internal and external networks, servers, and security systems. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled IT operations technicians is consistently rising, prompting many companies and organizations to seek top talent, often from international markets. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the hiring and sponsorship processes for IT operations technicians within the UK’s immigration framework.

• Key Responsibilities:
• • Administers, monitors, and supports internal/external networks and servers.
  • Configures and sets up new server systems.
  • Schedules and performs system maintenance tasks, including loading user applications, programs, and data.
  • Analyzes systems and makes recommendations to improve performance.
  • Identifies problems, agrees on remedial actions, and undertakes emergency maintenance if required.
  • Performs server backup and recovery operations, ensuring systems are restarted following outages.
  • Acts as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams.
• Industry Demand:
• • With businesses increasingly reliant on robust IT infrastructure, the need for skilled IT operations technicians is more critical than ever.
  • Companies are looking to enhance system performance and reliability, necessitating the recruitment of competent professionals.

This overview aims to facilitate the recruitment process for IT operations technicians, ensuring that HR departments are equipped to attract and retain the best talent available in both local and international markets.

What is SOC Code 3411 for IT operations technicians?

SOC Code 3131 refers to IT operations technicians who are responsible for administering, monitoring, and supporting various technology systems. Their responsibilities can include:

• Administering networks: Overseeing internal and external networks to ensure connectivity and performance.
• Supporting servers: Providing maintenance and assistance for server operations, ensuring uptime and security.
• Email and security management: Monitoring email systems and implementing security measures to protect data integrity.
• System configuration: Setting up and configuring new server systems to meet organizational needs.
• Maintenance tasks: Scheduling and performing necessary system maintenance, including loading user applications, programs, and data.
• Performance analysis: Analyzing systems to make recommendations for improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
• Problem-solving: Identifying issues, agreeing on remedial actions, and conducting emergency maintenance as required.
• Backup and recovery: Performing regular server backup and recovery operations, and managing system restarts following outages.
• Liaising with stakeholders: Acting as a point of contact between users, external suppliers, and other technical teams for effective communication and problem resolution.

IT operations technicians play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of technology systems, enhancing organizational productivity, and maintaining data security.

Eligibility to Hire IT operations technicians (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

IT Operations Technicians must exhibit a blend of technical proficiency and practical experience in network and server management. Candidates for this role should meet the following qualifications:

• Technical Skills: Proven experience with administering and supporting internal and external networks, servers, email, and security systems.
• System Configuration: Ability to configure and set up new server systems and perform regular maintenance tasks, including loading user applications and programs.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to evaluate system performance and make informed recommendations for improvement.
• Problem-Solving: Proficiency in identifying problems, agreeing on remedial actions, and executing emergency maintenance as needed.
• Backup and Recovery: Knowledge of server backup processes, recovery operations, and the ability to restart systems after outages to ensure minimal downtime.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication abilities to act as a liaison between users, external suppliers, and internal technical teams.
• Education: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is preferable, although relevant experience may suffice in lieu of formal qualifications.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3131 and that the candidate’s skills and experiences meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring IT operations technicians: 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 IT operations technicians under SOC Code 3131.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for IT operations technicians 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 IT operations technicians’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 IT operations technicians 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 IT operations technicians

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

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring IT operations technicians

Sponsoring IT operations technicians under SOC Code 3131 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 IT operations technicians, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring IT operations technicians under SOC Code 3131 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.