Visa and Immigration Assistant

UK Management College; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

UK Management College (UKMC) is seeking a motivated Visa and Immigration Assistant to join our HR team in Manchester. You will support visa applications, sponsorship processes, and right-to-work checks across the UKMC Group.

The role collaborates with HR, Talent Acquisition, legal advisers, and external immigration providers to ensure compliance with UK immigration law. The position is a fixed-term contract for six months, on-site, with standard hours Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Previous HR/recruitment/immigration administration experience.
• Experience supporting visa, sponsorship, or right-to-work processes.
• Knowledge of UK immigration legislation and sponsor requirements.
• Attention to confidentiality and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Support administration of employee visa and immigration processes.
• Prepare, review and process immigration documentation.
• Maintain immigration records and trackers.
• Track visa expiry dates and deadlines.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on immigration matters.

Tools

HRIS (Employment Hero)

Job description

Visa and Immigration Assistant

Department: Human Resources

Reporting to: HR Support Manager

Location: Manchester / UKMC Group Locations

Position Type: Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months)

Salary: 28,000 per annum

Proposed Start Date: ASAP

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (On-site)

About UK Management College and Unibridge Group

UK Management College (UKMC) and the wider Unibridge Group are committed to providing a high-quality educational experience supported by effective, reliable, and secure systems and services.

At UK Management College, we aim to unlock infinite possibilities by nurturing every individual's potential and creating an inclusive environment where aspirations become achievements. Through strong partnerships with universities and industry stakeholders, we strive to foster excellence in education and empower our communities to make meaningful contributions within their chosen fields.

The Role

The Visa and Immigration Assistant provides administrative and operational support for immigration, visa, sponsorship, and right-to-work processes across UK Management College and the wider Unibridge Group.

The postholder will work closely with the Human Resources team, Talent Acquisition team, legal advisers, and external immigration providers to support visa applications, sponsorship activities, compliance monitoring, and employee communications.

The role is critical in ensuring that immigration processes are managed efficiently and that the organisation remains fully compliant with UK immigration legislation and sponsor licence requirements.

This position requires a highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented individual with excellent administrative and communication skills, capable of managing multiple cases and deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Immigration Administration

• Support the administration of employee visa and immigration processes.
• Prepare, review, and process immigration documentation in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.
• Maintain accurate immigration records, employee files, and case management documentation.
• Track visa expiry dates, work permits, and immigration deadlines.
• Ensure all immigration applications and supporting documentation are completed within required timescales.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external immigration advisers where necessary.

Sponsorship Compliance

• Support the administration of the organisation's Sponsor Licence obligations.
• Maintain records required for Home Office compliance and audit purposes.
• Assist with reporting requirements relating to sponsored workers.
• Monitor employee changes that may impact sponsorship requirements.
• Escalate potential immigration and compliance risks to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Support internal audits and compliance reviews.

Right-to-Work Processes

• Coordinate and conduct right-to-work checks for new and existing employees.
• Maintain accurate records of right-to-work documentation in line with legal requirements.
• Monitor follow-up checks and ensure they are completed before expiry dates.
• Ensure employee records remain compliant with Home Office regulations.

Employee and Candidate Support

• Act as a first point of contact for immigration and visa-related enquiries.
• Provide guidance regarding visa processes, documentation requirements, and expected timelines.
• Support employees and candidates throughout the visa application process.
• Communicate professionally with employees, managers, and external stakeholders regarding immigration matters.
• Assist hiring managers and recruitment teams with immigration-related recruitment queries.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain immigration databases, trackers, and monitoring systems.
• Produce regular reports relating to visa applications, sponsorship activity, compliance metrics, and upcoming expiries.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure the accuracy and completeness of immigration records.
• Ensure confidential employee information is handled securely and in accordance with GDPR requirements.
• Support the preparation of information required for compliance inspections and audits.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in HR administration, recruitment administration, immigration administration, or a similar support role.
• Experience supporting visa, immigration, right-to-work, or sponsorship processes.
• Knowledge of UK immigration legislation and sponsored worker requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics.

Desirable

• Experience working with external immigration providers or legal advisers.
• Familiarity with HR Information Systems (HRIS), including Employment Hero or similar platforms.
• Experience working within a high-volume recruitment environment.
• Experience within the higher education, professional services, or corporate sectors.
• CIPD Level 3 qualification or currently working towards achieving it.
• Immigration law, compliance, or sponsorship-related training.
• Experience supporting Sponsor Licence compliance activities.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Proactive and solution-focused approach to work.
• Strong administrative and record-keeping capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and legislation accurately.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.