HML - bringing IT programmers from Down Under
August 2008
Demand is increasing for the products and services of Homeloan Management Ltd (HML).The company depends on a particular IT programming skill that is very difficult to source in the United Kingdom, so it relies on bringing in trained programmers from Australia or New Zealand - usually at short notice.
HML used to find that applying for individual work permits was laborious and time-consuming, and required detailed knowledge of the immigration system. Now, its ability to issue certificates to staff from overseas as a licensed sponsor is making the whole process easier to manage and promises to reduce the wait time for new staff by at least a month.
Justine Mooney, HML's resourcing manager, says: 'Initially it seemed quite daunting to go through the licensing approval process, but with the support and guidance of our dedicated UK Border Agency account manager the process was actually very straightforward.'
The process simply required HML to gather information, complete an application form and providing supporting documentation, and so was not unlike a normal recruitment process.
'We even had a pre-licensing visit from the UK Border Agency, which did feel a bit like an job interview! The whole process helped us to get our house in order and has raised the understanding of "right to work" requirements in our recruitment team,' says Justine.
With HML now preparing to issue its first certificate of sponsorship towards the end of the year, Justine adds: 'Although I'll be quite nervous doing the first one, I know I will have my UK Border Agency account manager at the end of the phone to guide me through it if needed.'
Terms explained
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Certificate of sponsorship
This is a virtual document (a unique reference number) that an organisation gives to migrants they want to employ, and that the migrant uses when applying.under the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. Also known as confirmation of acceptance for studies.
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Licensed sponsor
An organisation that is licensed by us to sponsor migrants to come to the United Kingdom under the points-based system.