Hiring and Sponsoring Physiotherapists (SOC Code 2221)

Physiotherapists, classified under SOC Code 2221, are vital healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating physical issues related to muscles, nerves, and joints. Their expertise is central to the rehabilitation and recovery processes in various healthcare settings. Key responsibilities include:

• Examination and Assessment: 
• • Examine medical reports and conduct thorough assessments of patients to identify conditions needing treatment.
• Case Management: 
• • Write up detailed case notes and reports, maintain accurate patient records, and manage a caseload effectively.
• Therapeutic Planning:
• • Plan and implement therapy sessions aimed at improving circulation, restoring joint mobility, strengthening muscles, and alleviating pain.
• Patient Instruction: 
• • Explain treatment programs to patients and instruct them in posture and exercises, modifying treatment plans as necessary for optimal recovery.
• Health Education: 
• • Provide valuable advice on injury prevention and promote overall health and well-being among patients.
• Supervision: 
• • Supervise physiotherapy assistants and ensure quality standards in patient care.
• Progress Monitoring: 
• • Continuously monitor patient progress and collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's treatment and rehabilitation.
• Referrals: 
• • Refer patients who require specialized medical attention to other relevant healthcare providers.

With an increasing focus on health and recovery in the UK, the demand for skilled physiotherapists is on the rise, prompting many healthcare institutions to seek qualified professionals from abroad. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the process of hiring and sponsoring physiotherapists under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Physiotherapists?

SOC Code 2221 - Physiotherapists refers to healthcare professionals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. Their responsibilities can include:

• Examining medical reports: Analyzing patient histories and medical documentation to inform treatment decisions. 
• Assessing patients: Evaluating the condition of muscles, nerves, or joints to determine specific treatment needs. 
• Writing case notes: Documenting patient evaluations, treatment plans, and progress in detailed case notes and reports. 
• Planning therapy programs: Designing and implementing therapy to improve circulation, restore joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
• Instructing patients: Explaining treatment procedures and guiding patients in posture and exercises, adjusting treatment methods as necessary. 
• Providing advice: Offering guidance on injury prevention and promoting overall health and well-being.
• Supervising assistants: Overseeing the work of physiotherapy assistants to ensure quality of care and treatment.
• Monitoring progress: Regularly assessing patients' progress and collaborating with other healthcare professionals involved in their treatment and rehabilitation.
• Referring patients: Identifying needs for additional medical attention and referring patients to appropriate specialists as required.

Physiotherapists play a vital role in the healthcare system, contributing to the rehabilitation and improvement of patients’ quality of life through tailored therapeutic approaches.

Eligibility to Hire Physiotherapists (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Physiotherapists seeking employment must demonstrate their clinical expertise and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Educational Qualifications: A degree in physiotherapy or a related field is required, along with appropriate licensing or certification to practice.
• Clinical Experience: Relevant experience in assessing and treating patients with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions is essential.
• Assessment Skills: Proficient in examining medical reports and conducting physical assessments to determine treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
• Therapeutic Expertise: Ability to plan and implement therapy strategies that improve circulation, restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and alleviate pain.
• Communication Skills: Strong aptitude for explaining treatment plans, instructing patients on exercises, and providing education on injury prevention and long-term health maintenance.
• Supervisory Experience: Experience in supervising physiotherapy assistants and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Record-Keeping: Competency in documenting patient case notes, management of records, and monitoring patient progress accurately.

All applicants must ensure that their qualifications and experience align with SOC Code 2221 and meet the professional expectations for the role of a physiotherapist.

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

Sponsoring Physiotherapists: 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 Physiotherapists under SOC Code 2221.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Physiotherapists 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 Physiotherapists’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 Physiotherapists 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 Physiotherapists

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

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Physiotherapists

Sponsoring Physiotherapists under SOC Code 2221 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 Physiotherapists, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Physiotherapists under SOC Code 2221 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.