Visas and immigration
Visas and immigration
The visa requirements and restrictions for foreign individuals entering the UK for business purposes depend on the activity they intend to carry out.
Applications for all visas are made directly to the UK Visas and Immigration department of the Home Office (UKVI).
Immigration routes are available for overseas companies that wish to expand their business into the UK market and send up to five senior or specialist employees to the UK (also known as the Expansion Worker route).
There are also options available to companies that already have a presence in the UK and wish to employ foreign workers. These visas come under the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes which are both points based. These categories enable UK-based companies to sponsor foreign workers or transfer employees to a UK branch from an overseas branch.
The visa requirements and restrictions for foreign individuals entering the UK for business purposes depend on the activity they intend to carry out.
Applications for all visas are made directly to the UK Visas and Immigration department of the Home Office (UKVI).
Immigration routes are available for overseas companies that wish to expand their business into the UK market and send up to 5 senior or specialist employees to the UK (also known as the Expansion Worker route).
There are also options available to companies that already have a presence in the UK and wish to employ foreign workers. These visas come under the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes which are both points based. These categories enable UK-based companies to sponsor foreign workers or transfer employees to a UK branch from an overseas branch.
If an individual wishes to come to the UK for a short period of time to undertake activities such as business meetings, they may be able to enter the UK with a standard visitor visa or may require Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to them travelling to the UK.
The Labour Party manifesto proposed reforms to the UK’s points-based immigration system, aiming to reduce net migration and address abuse within the visa system. However, the government has intensified efforts to hold companies accountable by revoking sponsorship licences from those found to be non-compliant with their legal duties. It should be noted that a sponsorship licence is essential for UK companies wishing to employ foreign nationals.
Regardless of the application, the UKVI’s requirements are complicated and stringent and the most appropriate option will depend on a number of factors. It’s recommended that professional advice is taken to ensure the correct approach.
How can we help?
Visas
Business immigration law is complex and no two issues are the same. Our expert team can advise you on which visa is the right one for your business. We can also make sure you’re complying with the legal requirements.
We can help you:
- Make sure you comply with immigration law by auditing your business processes
- Fix any problems we find from our audit and help you avoid them in future
- Apply for sponsorship licences or certificates of sponsorship
- Deal with sponsorship licences that are refused, suspended or revoked
- Train HR teams on how to manage and stay compliant with sponsorship licences and employee visas
- Create policies for sponsors, entrepreneurs and investors
- Keep up-to-date on any changes to immigration law and how to implement them in your business.
How can we help?
Visas
Business immigration law is complex and no two issues are the same. Our expert team can advise you on which visa is the right one for your business. We can also make sure you’re complying with the legal requirements.
We can help you:
- Make sure you comply with immigration law by auditing your business processes
- Fix any problems we find from our audit and help you avoid them in future
- Apply for sponsorship licences or certificates of sponsorship
- Deal with sponsorship licences that are refused, suspended or revoked
- Train HR teams on how to manage and stay compliant with sponsorship licences and employee visas
- Create policies for sponsors, entrepreneurs and investors
- Keep up-to-date on any changes to immigration law and how to implement them in your business.
Visas