Immigration Lead

Sponsorship statement from job description

"the immigration lead is a specialist role within the hr directorate, responsible for managing all aspects of healthcare ireland s immigration and sponsorship licence compliance across the group. reporting directly to the hr director, the postholder is the group s subject matter expert on uk immigration law and ukvi (uk visas and immigration) requirements ensuring healthcare ireland s sponsorship licence obligations are fully met, that international recruits are supported through the visa and right\-to\-work process, and that the group is protected from the significant financial and reputational risks that immigration non\-compliance can carry. healthcare ireland recruits internationally to help meet the staffing demands of a large and growing care portfolio, and immigration compliance is therefore a business\-critical function. the immigration lead works closely with the head of hr, hr team lead recruitment manager and team lead and external legal advisers to ensure that every stage of the international recruitment and employment journey \- from visa application through to ongoing worker monitoring and licence audit readiness \- is managed accurately, compliantly, and with genuine care for the individuals involved. * **sponsorship licence management:** take overall responsibility for the group s ukvi sponsorship licences, ensuring all requirements are met, the sponsorship management system (sms) is accurately maintained, and licences are renewed and updated appropriately. * **visa \& cos management:** manage the end\-to\-end skilled worker visa and certificate of sponsorship (cos) process, ensuring roles and candidates meet ukvi requirements, applications are accurate and timely, and candidates and stakeholders receive clear guidance and support. * **sponsored worker compliance:** maintain accurate sponsored worker records and ensure changes to roles, salary, hours, location, attendance or employment status are assessed and reported to ukvi where required. monitor compliance with sponsorship and visa conditions and ensure relevant stakeholders understand their responsibilities. provide immigration expertise throughout international recruitment campaigns, advising on sponsorship requirements, occupation codes, salary thresholds and processing times. develop and maintain immigration policies, procedures and guidance. provide training to hr, recruitment, onboarding and operational teams, stay up to date with changes to immigration legislation and ukvi guidance, and work with external immigration advisers on complex matters. maintain accurate, audit\-ready immigration records, conduct regular internal audits, identify and mitigate compliance risks, and provide the hr director with timely updates on the group s immigration compliance position and emerging risks. act as the group s trusted immigration specialist, building effective relationships across hr, recruitment and operational teams and providing practical, timely advice. * demonstrable experience in immigration compliance, sponsorship management or right\-to\-work, with strong knowledge of the uk skilled worker route and ukvi requirements. * experience managing a ukvi sponsorship licence, including cos, sms, sponsored worker monitoring and reporting. * experience supporting international recruits through the visa process, with the ability to communicate complex requirements clearly and sensitively. * up\-to\-date knowledge of uk immigration law and ukvi policy, with a proactive approach to compliance and risk management. * excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with external immigration advisers. * relevant immigration, hr or legal qualification (e.g."