Hiring and Sponsoring Other Psychologists (SOC Code 2226)

Other Psychologists, classified under SOC Code 2226, are skilled professionals who play a vital role in the mental health field and various sectors requiring psychological expertise. They perform a range of functions, including:

• Developing and administering tests to measure intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes, and assessing the results to understand individual needs.
• Creating treatment and guidance methods using a variety of therapy and counselling techniques tailored to client requirements.
• Conducting observations and experiments on humans and animals to measure mental and physical characteristics, contributing to a deeper understanding of behaviour.
• Analysing the influence of hereditary, social, and physical factors on thought and behaviour to inform treatment approaches.
• Studying psychological factors crucial for the treatment and prevention of mental illnesses, emotional, and personality disorders.
• Maintaining communication with family members and collaborating with other health professionals to recommend effective solutions for presented challenges.
• Applying professional knowledge within the workplace to address issues related to job design, motivation, and work group dynamics.
• Employing psychological treatment methods specifically aimed at helping athletes achieve optimum mental health and enhance sporting performance.

With the increasing recognition of mental health's importance across various sectors, the demand for qualified psychologists continues to rise. This guide is designed to assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsoring process for Other Psychologists under the UK's immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Other Psychologists?

SOC Code 2226 refers to other psychologists who engage in a variety of practices aimed at understanding and improving mental health. Their responsibilities can include:

• Developing and administering tests: Creating assessments to measure intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes, and interpreting the results.
• Treatment and guidance methods: Developing and applying various therapy and counseling techniques tailored to individual needs.
• Observing and experimenting: Conducting experiments on humans and animals to evaluate mental and physical characteristics.
• Analyzing influences on behavior: Studying how hereditary, social, and physical factors impact thoughts and behaviors.
• Mental illness prevention and treatment: Investigating psychological factors that affect the treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional disturbances, and personality disorders.
• Collaborating with professionals: Maintaining contacts with family members and other health professionals to recommend potential solutions for challenges faced by clients.
• Workplace application: Utilizing professional knowledge to address workplace issues such as job design, work group dynamics, and employee motivation.
• Sport psychology: Applying psychological treatment methods to support athletes in achieving optimal mental health and enhancing their sporting performance.

Other psychologists play a vital role in the mental health field, contributing to overall well-being and personal development through their expertise and interventions.

Eligibility to Hire Other Psychologists (SOC Code 3411)

Job Requirements

Psychologists seeking to work in this role must demonstrate their expertise and meet certain qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Education: A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution is typically required.
• Licensure: Current licensure or certification as a psychologist in the relevant state or region.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in administering psychological tests and assessments, along with a strong background in therapy or counseling techniques.
• Research Skills: Ability to conduct and analyze research, including observing and experimenting on humans and animals to measure mental and physical characteristics.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively recommend solutions to clients and maintain contacts with family members, educators, and other health professionals.
• Specialization: Knowledge and experience in specific areas such as mental illness treatment, personality disorders, or the psychological aspects of sports performance enhancement.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2226 and that the psychologist’s qualifications and experience meet the expectations for the role.

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

Sponsoring Other Psychologists: 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 Other Psychologists under SOC Code 2226.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Other Psychologists 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 Other Psychologists’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorshipfor a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Other Psychologists 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 Other Psychologists

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

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Other Psychologists

Sponsoring Other Psychologists under SOC Code 2226 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 Other Psychologists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Other Psychologists under SOC Code 2226 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.