An immigration paralegal since 2003, and UK immigration lawyer since 2007, I have in-depth knowledge of immigration law and policy as it applies to business and commercial clients. I can help you to ensure that your company is compliant with UK immigration law and can hire the people you need to grow your business.
Tier 1 Start Up Visa
- Are you a non-EU citizen?
- Do you want to set up a business in the UK for the first time?
- Do you want to undertake entrepreneurial activity in the UK for the first time?
There is now an expanded version of the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category called the Tier 1 Start Up Visa.
The Start Up Visa is appropriate for you if you’re starting a new business for the first time in the UK.
You don’t need to be a University graduate to apply, and you don’t need to have secured any initial funding.
- If you’re successful, you’ll be able to get two years’ Leave to Remain. After this time, you’ll have the opportunity to progress into the Innovator (link to Innovator Visa) category so you can continue to develop your business.
- If you’re already in the UK, you need to make sure that your visa category will allow you to switch to this visa. There are additional restrictions if you are switching from a Tier 4 general visa.
- If you’re applying for entry clearance or Leave to Remain you need to have been endorsed in this category by a body listed on the gov.uk website. You will need to provide an endorsement letter issued by the body which features all the information as specified under UK immigration rules.
- If you’ve investigated this before, you will know that the Graduate Entrepreneur route will be closed to new applicants from 6 July 2019, but you can still make a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) application until 5 July 2019.
With good planning and preparation, you have an increased chance of getting the visa you want. So, if you’re thinking of making an application under this category, please contact me to arrange a consultation.
Tier 1 Innovator Visa
- Are you an experienced businessperson wanting to establish a business in the UK?
- Do you have the skills and knowledge to start and run a business?
- Is your business idea innovative, viable and scalable, and supported by a Home Office approved endorsing body?
This category replaces the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. You will be required to have funding of at least £50,000 to invest in your business. If you are successful in getting this visa, it may lead to permanent residence in the UK or settlement if you meet all the relevant requirements.
This visa application is challenging to complete. If you are thinking of making an application under this category or have questions to ask before you act on this, please contact me to arrange a consultation.
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
This category is now closed to new applicants. If you have entry clearance or Leave to Remain under this category you will be able to extend your stay until 5 April 2023 and then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain until 5 April 2025.
If you already have Leave to Remain under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route, and you want to apply for further Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain, please contact me to arrange a consultation.
Tier 1 Investor Visa
- Are you a non-EU citizen?
- Do you have at least £2 million to invest in the UK?
- Can you prove where your funds come from?
This visa category is designed for high-net-worth individuals who wish to settle in the UK with their families. If you are able to offer higher levels of investment (£5 million or over, or £10 million or over) you will have an accelerated route to gaining permanent residence in the UK or Indefinite Leave to Remain.
There have been significant changes to this category of the immigration rules.
If you made your initial application under this category on or after 29 March 2019 you will have to invest at least £2 million in the UK in the form of UK share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. Investment in Government Bonds is no longer permitted, and you will have to prove where your funds come from.
If you made your initial application under this category before 29 March 2019 your application for a Tier 1 Investor visa will remain in place until 5 April 2023 for extension applications and 5 April 2025 for settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain applications.
If you would like to apply for a Tier 1 Investor Visa, or have questions about this route, please contact me to arrange a consultation.
Sponsor Licence for Employers
- Are you a UK-based business?
- Do you want your business to grow?
- Do you wish to hire staff from outside the EU?
If you’re a UK-based business wishing to hire staff from outside the UK, your prospective employees may need permission to work in the UK.
It’s important that you’re able to grow your business by recruiting staff of the right calibre, at the right time and within your HR budget. I’d therefore recommend getting legal advice before you submit your application to make sure this process is as smooth as possible.
You can apply for a Sponsor Licence from the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department of the Home Office.
They will assess your application based on:
- information contained in your online application form
- supporting documents provided with your application
- the outcome of any audit inspections conducted at your business premises
Your Sponsor Licence Application will succeed if the decision-maker is satisfied that your business has the systems in place to monitor Tier 2 sponsored staff, and that your business is able to offer genuine employment opportunities which meet the Tier 2 requirements.
I have experience of working with employers in the education, health, fashion and IT industry to obtain Sponsor Licences. I am also able to provide ongoing support on Tier 2 sponsorship casework once the licence has been granted, and to undertake mock Sponsor Licence inspections in preparation for a Home Office audit.
If you would like to apply for a Sponsor Licence for a prospective employee, or have questions about this route, please contact me to arrange a consultation.
Tier 2 Visa
If you have been offered a job in the UK you might be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa. You will have to check whether your prospective employer has a Sponsor Licence, and whether the job that they have offered is one which qualifies for Sponsorship under the latest UK immigration rules.
If you are already in the UK on different type of visa such asa student visa, or a family visa you might be able to submit your application while you are in the UK. You will not be able to do so if you are in the UK on a visitor visa. You would have to return to your home country and submit your application from there.
If you would like to apply for a Skilled Worker visa or have questions about this route, please contact me to arrange a consultation.
