Immigration Law
Immigration laws and policies in the United Kingdom aim to balance control over borders while supporting the labour market and upholding international commitments. The Immigration Rules are divided into sections, updated regularly, and are integral to the UK’s complex immigration law system.
Because the immigration law landscape changes so frequently, keeping up with the rules, processes and policies affecting the different visa types and requirements to enter the UK can be difficult. An experienced immigration solicitor can provide valuable assistance with your visa application. We can help you navigate the complexities of immigration law, whether you are:
- seeking temporary or permanent residency in the UK
- requiring assistance with a visa extension
- wishing to bring family members to the UK
- an employer who wants to sponsor overseas workers
- appealing a visa application that has been refused
- seeking citizenship
Types of visas
There are numerous visa types available that allow people to visit, study, work or join family in the UK. Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and, if granted, will usually have conditions attached which must not be breached by a visa holder. If you or somebody you know wants to enter the UK, we can help determine eligibility, select and apply for the right visa, and explain the applicable conditions.
Some popular types of visas include:
- Skilled Worker Visa – if you have been offered a job by a licensed sponsor and wish to work in the UK
- Health and Care Work Visa – allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to engage in an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care
- Student Visa – for those looking to pursue their studies in a UK educational institution
- Graduate Visa – for those who have completed an eligible course in the UK and wish to extend their stay
- Family Visas – for family members of UK residents or citizens wanting to join or stay with them in the UK
- Visitor Visas – for those wishing to visit the UK for a short period for tourism, business, or to see family
- Business Visa – for non-UK citizens wishing to start a business in the UK
Employer sponsors
In most cases, if you are an employer wishing to hire workers from outside the UK, you will need a sponsor licence. To apply for a sponsor licence, you must be an eligible business and will need to implement the right systems to sponsor and monitor workers. The type of job offered must meet specific criteria and comply with the UK minimum wage and working time regulations.
Seeking guidance and advice from an experienced immigration solicitor from the start of the immigration journey can help streamline the process and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you are a business wanting to sponsor a worker or wish to enter the UK for work, study or family reasons, we can help identify the most appropriate pathway and strategies towards achieving your immigration goals.
If you need help, contact [email protected] or call 020 3565 0074.