Hiring and Sponsoring Teachers of english as a foreign language (SOC Code 2317)

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, classified under SOC Code 2317, play a vital role in education by:

• Teaching English as a foreign language and assisting in the tuition of various foreign languages.
• Planning and preparing language lessons and educational materials tailored to diverse learners' needs.
• Encouraging interactive conversations to enhance students' confidence and understanding of the English language.
• Setting and marking tests, providing constructive feedback on students' performance to aid their improvement.
• Organising participation in cultural activities and social events to enrich the learning experience.

With the increasing global demand for English language proficiency, the need for qualified teachers in this field continues to rise. Educational institutions, language schools, and cultural organizations are actively seeking skilled professionals from overseas to fill these crucial roles. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for teachers of English as a foreign language under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Teachers of english as a foreign language?

SOC Code 2317 refers to teachers of English as a foreign language who facilitate language acquisition for non-native speakers. Their responsibilities can include:

• Planning and preparing lessons: Developing engaging curriculum materials and lesson plans tailored for language learners.
• Teaching English: Instructing students in the fundamentals of English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and usage.
• Encouraging conversation: Creating a supportive environment that promotes speaking practice to boost students' confidence and language skills.
• Assessing progress: Setting and marking tests, providing constructive feedback to help students improve their performance.
• Organizing cultural activities: Coordinating participation in language-related cultural events to enhance learning through real-world experiences.

Teachers of English as a foreign language play a vital role in bridging communication gaps, enhancing cross-cultural understanding, and equipping students with essential language skills for global interactions.

Eligibility to Hire Teachers of english as a foreign language (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language must demonstrate proficiency in language instruction and meet certain qualifications and experience criteria. These may include:

• Educational Background: A degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field is typically required. A certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is highly advantageous.
• Teaching Experience: Previous experience in language teaching, particularly with non-native speakers, is preferred.
• Curriculum Development: Ability to plan and prepare engaging lesson plans and educational materials tailored to varied learning needs.
• Assessment Skills: Competence in setting, administering, and marking tests, as well as providing constructive feedback to students to enhance their language acquisition.
• Cultural Engagement: Strong inclination towards organizing and facilitating cultural activities and social events that promote language use in real-world contexts.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2317 and that the teacher’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 Teachers of english as a foreign language: 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 Teachers of english as a foreign language under SOC Code 2317.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

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

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Teachers of english as a foreign language 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 Teachers of english as a foreign language’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 Teachers of english as a foreign language 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 Teachers of english as a foreign language

Before the Teachers of english as a foreign language 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 Teachers of english as a foreign language’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Teachers of english as a foreign language 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 Teachers of english as a foreign language’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Teachers of english as a foreign language’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 Teachers of english as a foreign languages.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Teachers of english as a foreign language

Sponsoring Teachers of english as a foreign language under SOC Code 2317 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 Teachers of english as a foreign language, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Teachers of english as a foreign language under SOC Code 2317 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.