Hiring and Sponsoring Company secretaries and administrators (SOC Code 4214)

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If your organisation needs to hire a Company Secretary or Administrator, understanding the sponsorship requirements under SOC Code 4214 is essential. This role covers professionals who manage correspondence, documentation, appointments, and office supplies, and it sits within the UK's skilled worker immigration framework. This guide explains everything UK employers need to know about hiring and sponsoring workers in this occupation.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Company Secretaries and Administrators fall under SOC Code 4214 and are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office.
• Duties must genuinely match the SOC 4214 occupation description to satisfy Home Office compliance checks.

What Is SOC Code 4214?

SOC Code 4214 covers Company Secretaries and Administrators. Workers in this category are responsible for organising and maintaining administrative systems within an organisation. Their tasks typically include managing incoming and outgoing correspondence, maintaining filing and documentation systems, scheduling appointments, and overseeing the procurement and management of office supplies.

Typical Job Duties Under SOC 4214

• Handling incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls.
• Maintaining records, databases, and filing systems in compliance with organisational requirements.
• Scheduling and coordinating appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements.
• Managing office supplies and coordinating with suppliers to ensure adequate stock levels.
• Supporting senior staff with administrative tasks and preparing reports or presentations.
• Ensuring documents are stored securely and are accessible to authorised personnel.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 4214

Company Secretaries and Administrators under SOC Code 4214 are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. To sponsor a worker in this role, employers must ensure the position meets the required skill level and salary threshold.

Skill Level Requirements

SOC Code 4214 is classified at RQF Level 3, which corresponds to A-level equivalent qualifications. The Home Office does not require the worker to hold a specific qualification, but the role must genuinely require this level of skill in practice.

Salary Thresholds

Employers must pay the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for SOC Code 4214. Salary thresholds were updated in April 2024, and sponsors should always check the latest figures on the Home Office going rates page before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

• The general threshold for Skilled Worker visas is £41,700 per year for most applicants.
• New entrants and certain other categories may qualify for a lower threshold - currently £33,400.
• The going rate for SOC 4214 must also be checked and the higher of the two figures applied.

How to Sponsor a Company Secretary or Administrator

Sponsoring a worker under SOC Code 4214 follows the standard Skilled Worker sponsorship process. Employers who do not already hold a sponsor licence must apply for one before proceeding.

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. Once licensed, log in to the Sponsor Management System (SMS) and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker.
3. Ensure the CoS accurately reflects the job title, SOC code, salary, and hours of work.
4. The worker then uses the CoS reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa online.
5. Maintain compliance records throughout the worker's employment, including right to work checks and reporting duties.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

To obtain and retain a sponsor licence, employers must demonstrate that they are a genuine trading business, that the role is genuine, and that they have appropriate HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers. The Home Office may conduct a compliance visit before or after granting the licence.

Right to Work Checks for SOC 4214 Roles

All UK employers are legally required to carry out right to work checks before a worker begins employment, regardless of whether they are sponsored or not. For sponsored workers under the Skilled Worker route, the Certificate of Sponsorship and visa approval together confirm the right to work in the role.

What Employers Must Check

• Confirm the worker holds a valid visa permitting work in the UK in the role being offered.
• Check the visa conditions do not restrict the type of work or hours.
• Use the Home Office online right to work checking service where applicable.
• Retain copies of right to work evidence for the duration of employment and for two years after it ends.

Compliance Obligations for Sponsors

Once a worker is sponsored under SOC Code 4214, the employer takes on ongoing compliance responsibilities. Failure to meet these obligations can result in licence suspension, revocation, or civil penalties.

Key Compliance Duties

• Report any significant changes to the worker's employment, including changes to salary, hours, or job duties, via the SMS.
• Report if the worker does not attend work, is absent without authorisation, or if their employment ends early.
• Keep up-to-date contact details for all sponsored workers.
• Cooperate fully with any Home Office inspection or audit.
• Ensure the role continues to meet the SOC 4214 description throughout the sponsorship period.

Common Mistakes When Sponsoring SOC 4214 Workers

Misclassifying the Role

One of the most frequent errors is assigning the wrong SOC code to a role. If a worker's actual duties do not align with the SOC 4214 description, the Home Office may determine that the sponsorship is non-compliant. Always map the genuine job duties to the correct occupation code before issuing a CoS.

Underpaying the Sponsored Worker

Paying below the required salary threshold is a serious compliance breach. Sponsors must ensure the salary offered meets both the general threshold and the going rate for SOC 4214. Underpaying can trigger a Home Office investigation and may result in licence revocation.

Failing to Update the SMS

Sponsors are required to report certain changes and events through the Sponsor Management System within specific timeframes. Missing these reporting deadlines is a common compliance failure that can affect licence ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SOC Code 4214 eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Company Secretaries and Administrators under SOC Code 4214 are on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa route, provided the role and salary meet the required thresholds.

What is the minimum salary for sponsoring a worker under SOC 4214?

The salary must meet the higher of the general Skilled Worker threshold or the going rate for SOC 4214. From April 2024, the general threshold is £41,700 per year, though lower rates apply for new entrants. Always verify the current going rate on the Home Office website before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Do I need a sponsor licence to hire a Company Secretary from overseas?

Yes. If you intend to sponsor a worker from outside the UK under the Skilled Worker route, you must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by UK Visas and Immigration before you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Can a Company Secretary under SOC 4214 apply for settlement?

Yes. Skilled Workers sponsored under SOC Code 4214 can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements at the time of application.

What happens if the job duties change after sponsorship is granted?

If there is a significant change to the worker's role - including duties, salary, or working hours - the sponsor must report this through the Sponsor Management System. If the changes mean the role no longer aligns with SOC 4214, the sponsor may need to reassign the CoS under a different occupation code.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

Standard sponsor licence applications are typically processed within eight weeks. A priority service is available for an additional fee, which can reduce processing time to around ten working days.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Company Secretaries and Administrators under SOC Code 4214 is straightforward when employers understand the requirements and follow the correct process. From obtaining a sponsor licence to maintaining ongoing compliance, every step matters. Annaizu helps UK employers manage sponsor licence duties, right to work checks, and workforce compliance in one place, reducing the administrative burden and helping you stay on the right side of Home Office rules.