Hiring and Sponsoring Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers (SOC Code 3511)

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Hiring aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers in the UK involves navigating specific immigration rules, salary thresholds and licensing requirements. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about sponsoring workers under SOC Code 3511, from eligibility and visa routes to compliance obligations.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers fall under SOC Code 3511 and are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to any overseas candidate.
• Roles in this occupation code are on the Immigration Salary List, which may affect the minimum salary threshold that applies.
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licensing requirements must be met alongside Home Office immigration rules.
• Right to work checks are mandatory for all employees, including those sponsored on a Skilled Worker visa.

What Is SOC Code 3511?

SOC Code 3511 covers aircraft pilots, flight engineers and air traffic controllers. These are highly skilled roles responsible for the safe operation of aircraft and the management of airspace. Occupations within this group are classified as skilled at RQF Level 3 and above, making them eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa.

Roles Included Under SOC Code 3511

• Commercial airline pilot
• First officer (co-pilot)
• Charter pilot
• Cargo pilot
• Air traffic controller
• Flight engineer
• Helicopter pilot
• Test pilot

Skilled Worker Visa: Eligibility for SOC Code 3511

To sponsor an aircraft pilot or air traffic controller under the Skilled Worker visa, both the employer and the candidate must meet a set of eligibility criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Employer Requirements

• Hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
• Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the overseas worker before they apply for their visa.
• Pay at least the minimum salary threshold for the role.
• Carry out a genuine vacancy assessment and ensure the role meets the skill level requirement.
• Maintain accurate records and meet ongoing sponsor compliance duties.

Worker Requirements

• Have a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
• Meet the English language requirement at B1 level or above.
• Meet the salary threshold for the role.
• Hold or be working towards the required CAA licence or equivalent qualification.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves on arrival in the UK.

Salary Thresholds for SOC Code 3511

Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas are set by the Home Office and are based on a combination of the general threshold and the going rate for the specific occupation code. Employers must pay whichever is higher.

Current Minimum Salary Requirements

• The general Skilled Worker salary threshold is £41,700 per year.
• The going rate for SOC Code 3511 roles may exceed this figure depending on the specific job title and duties.
• Where a role appears on the Immigration Salary List, a lower threshold of £33,400 may apply in certain circumstances.
• New entrant rates may apply for workers who are recent graduates or switching from student visas, reducing the threshold to 70% of the going rate.

Employers should verify the latest going rate for SOC Code 3511 on the official UK government website before assigning a CoS.

Civil Aviation Authority Licensing Requirements

Immigration permission alone is not sufficient for pilots and air traffic controllers to work legally in the UK. These roles are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, and workers must hold the appropriate licence or rating before taking up their duties.

Licences Required for Pilots

• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) for captains operating commercial aircraft.
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) for co-pilots and charter roles.
• Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) for pilots trained through an integrated airline pathway.
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) for certain non-commercial roles.

Licences Required for Air Traffic Controllers

• Air Traffic Controller Licence (ATCL) issued or validated by the UK CAA.
• Specific unit endorsements for the type of airspace or aerodrome where the controller will work.

Overseas licences issued by other aviation authorities, such as EASA member states or the FAA, must be converted to a UK CAA licence before the individual can legally exercise their privileges in UK airspace.

How to Sponsor an Aircraft Pilot or Air Traffic Controller

The process of sponsoring a worker under SOC Code 3511 follows the standard Skilled Worker sponsorship pathway. Below is a step-by-step overview for UK employers.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence through the Home Office if you do not already hold one. Processing typically takes up to eight weeks, or as little as ten working days with the priority service.
2. Identify the candidate and confirm they meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa and hold or are eligible for the required CAA licence.
3. Carry out a right to work check on the candidate before and during employment.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship via the Sponsor Management System (SMS), including accurate details of the role, salary and start date.
5. Notify the worker so they can use the CoS reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa online.
6. Once the visa is granted, complete onboarding and begin fulfilling your ongoing sponsor duties, including reporting changes and maintaining records.

Sponsor Licence Compliance for Aviation Employers

Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing legal duties. The Home Office may carry out compliance visits at any time, and failure to meet your obligations can result in licence suspension or revocation.

Key Compliance Obligations

• Keep up-to-date records for every sponsored worker, including contact details, absences and employment status.
• Report any significant changes to a sponsored worker's circumstances within ten working days via the SMS, including changes to salary, job role or working location.
• Report a sponsored worker who does not turn up for their first day or who stops working for you.
• Cooperate fully with any Home Office compliance visit or audit.
• Ensure all sponsored workers have valid immigration permission and that their visa covers the duties they are performing.

Right to Work Checks for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers

All UK employers are legally required to conduct right to work checks before a new employee starts work. For sponsored workers, this means verifying that the Skilled Worker visa has been granted and covers the role being offered.

Acceptable Evidence of Right to Work

• A share code generated through the UK Visas and Immigration online service, checked against a valid passport or travel document.
• A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for workers who hold one.
• An eVisa record accessed via the UKVI online checking service.

Manual document checks are no longer sufficient for most overseas nationals. Employers should use the Home Office online right to work checking service to obtain a statutory excuse against illegal working penalties.

Shortage Occupation and Immigration Salary List Considerations

The UK government periodically reviews which occupation codes are included on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List). Inclusion on this list can reduce the minimum salary threshold that applies to a sponsored worker.

What This Means for SOC Code 3511 Employers

• If SOC Code 3511 roles are listed on the Immigration Salary List, employers may be able to sponsor workers at 80% of the going rate rather than the full rate.
• Employers should check the current status of SOC Code 3511 on the Immigration Salary List before making any salary offers to overseas candidates.
• Even where a discount applies, the salary must still meet the absolute minimum threshold of £33,400 per year.

Dependants and Settlement for Sponsored Workers

Pilots and air traffic controllers sponsored on a Skilled Worker visa may bring eligible dependants to the UK and can work towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five continuous years in a qualifying immigration route.

Dependant Visa Rights

• Spouses, civil partners and unmarried partners may apply as dependants if they meet the relationship requirement.
• Children under 18 may also be included as dependants.
• Dependants on a Skilled Worker visa generally have the right to work in the UK without restriction.

Settlement Pathway

• After five years on the Skilled Worker visa, sponsored workers can apply for ILR provided they have maintained continuous lawful residence and met the salary and absences requirements.
• Workers who hold ILR can subsequently apply for British citizenship if they meet the naturalisation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sponsor a pilot who trained outside the UK?

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