Hiring and Sponsoring Air travel assistants (SOC Code 6213)

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Air travel assistants play a vital role in keeping airports and flights running smoothly. If your organisation is looking to hire from overseas for SOC Code 6213 roles, understanding the sponsorship requirements, salary thresholds, and compliance obligations is essential before you begin the process.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Air travel assistants fall under SOC Code 6213 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas candidates.
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office, which varies depending on the going rate for the occupation.
• Right to work checks must be completed before employment begins, regardless of whether the worker is sponsored or not.

What Do Air Travel Assistants Do?

Air travel assistants (SOC Code 6213) support passengers throughout their journey, from check-in through to boarding and in-flight service. Their responsibilities span a broad range of customer-facing and operational tasks.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Checking in passengers and processing ticketing requests at airport desks.
• Assisting with luggage handling, tagging, and baggage drop procedures.
• Supporting passengers with reduced mobility or special assistance needs.
• Providing in-flight service including food, beverages, and safety demonstrations.
• Responding to passenger queries and resolving service issues during flights.
• Conducting pre-flight safety checks and ensuring cabin compliance with aviation regulations.
• Communicating with ground crew and flight deck staff on passenger and safety matters.

SOC Code 6213 and the Skilled Worker Visa

SOC Code 6213 covers air travel assistants and is listed on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa. This means UK employers with a sponsor licence can recruit from outside the UK for this role, provided all eligibility criteria are met.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship

• The role must genuinely match the duties associated with SOC Code 6213.
• The job offer must meet the minimum salary threshold for the occupation code.
• The overseas worker must meet the English language requirement at the relevant level.
• The employer must hold an active sponsor licence and assign a valid CoS.

Salary Thresholds for Air Travel Assistants

The Home Office sets a going rate for each eligible occupation. For SOC Code 6213, employers must pay whichever is higher - the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas or the going rate for air travel assistants specifically.

Current Salary Requirements

• The general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa roles is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• New entrant rates may apply in certain circumstances, which can allow a lower salary, typically 70% of the going rate.
• Salary must reflect actual hours worked and must not be made up of allowances or one-off payments that do not count toward the threshold.

Always check the latest Home Office occupation codes and salary guidance on gov.uk before issuing a CoS, as thresholds are subject to change.

How to Sponsor an Air Travel Assistant

Sponsoring an overseas worker for a SOC Code 6213 role involves several steps. Employers who are new to sponsorship must first obtain a licence before they can proceed.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence through the UK Visas and Immigration portal if you do not already hold one.
2. Identify the overseas candidate and confirm they meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker visa.
3. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), including accurate role and salary details.
4. Ensure the candidate applies for their Skilled Worker visa using the CoS reference number before travelling to the UK.
5. Carry out a right to work check before the worker's first day of employment.
6. Maintain accurate sponsorship records and report any changes in the worker's employment to the Home Office.

Sponsor Licence Duties for Air Travel Employers

Once a sponsor licence is granted, employers take on ongoing compliance obligations. Failure to meet these duties can result in licence suspension or revocation, meaning you would no longer be able to sponsor overseas workers.

Key Compliance Responsibilities

• Keep up-to-date records for all sponsored workers, including contact details and right to work documents.
• Report changes such as absences, role changes, or early termination of employment within the required timeframes.
• Ensure sponsored workers are only carrying out duties consistent with their CoS and visa conditions.
• Cooperate with any Home Office audit or compliance visit.
• Renew the sponsor licence before it expires to maintain the ability to issue CoS certificates.

Right to Work Checks for Air Travel Assistants

All employers in the UK must conduct right to work checks on every employee before they start work. For sponsored workers, the process differs slightly from checks on settled or pre-settled status holders.

How to Conduct the Check

• For sponsored workers, the right to work check must be carried out using the Home Office online checking service with the worker's share code.
• Keep a clear record of the check result, including the date it was completed.
• Repeat the check before any existing visa or permission expires to maintain a statutory excuse against a civil penalty.
• Do not rely on physical documents alone for workers who hold an eVisa - the online service must be used.

Recruiting Air Travel Assistants from Overseas

Aviation employers often find it challenging to fill air travel assistant roles from the domestic labour market, particularly during periods of high demand. Overseas recruitment through the Skilled Worker route can help bridge that gap.

Things to Consider Before Recruiting Internationally

• Advertising the role domestically first is not a mandatory requirement for Skilled Worker sponsorship, but it is good practice to document your recruitment process.
• Overseas candidates will need time to obtain their visa before they can start work - factor this into your hiring timeline.
• Sponsorship costs, including the Immigration Skills Charge, must be budgeted for. The charge is currently £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors and £364 per year for small sponsors and charities.
• Candidates must meet the English language requirement, which for SOC Code 6213 roles is typically at CEFR level B1.

Immigration Skills Charge

When assigning a CoS to a sponsored worker, most employers must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). This charge applies for each year of sponsorship and cannot be passed on to the worker.

ISC Rates at a Glance

• Large sponsors: £1,000 per year of sponsorship per worker.
• Small sponsors and charities: £364 per year of sponsorship per worker.
• The charge is paid upfront at the point of CoS assignment and is calculated based on the length of the visa being granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can air travel assistants be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC Code 6213 is an eligible occupation under the Skilled Worker visa route, meaning UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can recruit and sponsor overseas workers for air travel assistant roles, provided the salary and eligibility requirements are met.

What is the minimum salary for sponsoring an air travel assistant?

The salary must meet the higher of the general Skilled Worker threshold (currently £41,700 per year) or the going rate for SOC Code 6213. New entrant rates may apply in certain circumstances. Always verify the current rates on gov.uk before assigning a CoS.

Do I need a sponsor licence before I can hire an overseas air travel assistant?

Yes. You must hold an active Skilled Worker sponsor licence before you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. Without a licence, you cannot lawfully employ someone on a Skilled Worker visa.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

Standard processing typically takes around eight weeks, though priority processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce this to around ten working days. Factor this timeline into your recruitment planning.

Can the Immigration Skills Charge be deducted from the worker's salary?

No. It is unlawful to pass the Immigration Skills Charge on to the sponsored worker, either directly or indirectly. The employer must bear this cost in full.

What right to work check must I carry out for a sponsored air travel assistant?

You must use the Home Office online right to work checking service with the worker's share code. This applies to workers who hold an eVisa or digital immigration status. Keep a record of the check result and repeat it before their visa expires.

What happens if I fail to meet my sponsor licence duties?

The Home Office can downgrade, suspend, or revoke your sponsor licence if you fail to meet your compliance obligations. This could prevent you from sponsoring new workers and may affect the status of existing sponsored employees.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring air travel assistants under SOC Code 6213 requires careful attention to salary thresholds, CoS assignment, right to work compliance, and ongoing sponsor duties. Annaizu helps UK employers manage the full sponsorship lifecycle -