Business Immigration

Expert Business Immigration Solicitors in London

Our specialist business immigration team assists corporate clients, entrepreneurs, and investors worldwide with UK visa applications, sponsor licences, and immigration compliance. We navigate the complex UK immigration system to bring talent to your business efficiently. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is Business Immigration Law?

Business immigration law encompasses the legal framework for bringing international talent to the UK, establishing businesses, and ensuring immigration compliance. Our comprehensive services cover everything from sponsor licence applications to global talent visas, helping businesses access the skilled workers they need while maintaining full legal compliance.

When Do You Need Business Immigration Support?

You need our expertise when:

Hiring international talent for UK positions
Establishing or expanding UK business operations
Transferring employees from overseas offices
Applying for or maintaining sponsor licences
Ensuring immigration compliance across your workforce
Managing visa applications and extensions

Our Business Immigration Services

Sponsor Licence Services

New sponsor licence applications
Licence renewal and maintenance
Compliance audits and systems
UKVI reporting obligations
Licence suspension and revocation issues
HR best practice training

Corporate Immigration Solutions

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
Intra-company transfers
Senior or Specialist Worker routes
Graduate visa transitions
Right to work compliance
Post-merger immigration issues

Business Establishment Routes

Innovator Founder visa
UK expansion worker
Sole representative visa
Turkish business person (ECAA)
Start-up visa options
Investment visa planning

Work Visa Categories

Skilled Worker Route

The main route for international talent:

Job offer from licensed sponsor required
Minimum skill and salary thresholds
English language requirements
Path to settlement after 5 years
Family members can accompany

Global Business Mobility

For international business needs:

Senior or Specialist Workers
Graduate Trainees
UK Expansion Workers
Service Suppliers
Secondment Workers

Innovation and Investment

For entrepreneurs and investors:

Innovator Founder visa
High Potential Individual route
Investor visa options
Scale-up visa program
Global Talent visa

Compliance and Risk Management

Right to Work Checks

Document verification systems
Online checking services
Ongoing monitoring requirements
Record keeping obligations
Penalty avoidance strategies

Immigration Audits

Workforce compliance reviews
Sponsor duties assessment
Process improvement recommendations
Risk identification and mitigation
UKVI visit preparation

Specialist Visa Routes

Temporary Worker Visas

Creative and sporting workers
Charity workers
Religious workers
Government authorized exchange
International agreements
Youth mobility scheme

Sector-Specific Routes

Ministers of religion
International sportspersons
Creative industry professionals
Seasonal workers
Healthcare professionals

Post-Brexit Immigration

New System Features

Points-based assessment
Salary threshold requirements
English language standards
Simplified application processes
Digital status documents

EU National Provisions

Settled status applications
Frontier worker permits
Family member applications
Late applications support

Why Choose Connaught Law

Experienced business immigration specialists
Full sponsor licence expertise
Rapid response times
Cost-effective solutions
Comprehensive compliance support

Our Service Approach

Strategic immigration planning
Proactive compliance management
Clear fee structures
Regular legal updates
Dedicated account management

Client Support Services

24/7 emergency assistance
Multi-lingual support
Global mobility consulting
Relocation assistance
Family visa coordination

Next Steps

Navigate UK business immigration with confidence. Our expert team ensures your organization can access global talent while maintaining full compliance with immigration law. From sponsor licences to individual visa applications, we provide end-to-end support. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for specialist business immigration advice.

Skilled Worker & Sponsor Licences

Expert guidance on the UK's main skilled worker immigration route. From sponsor licence applications to visa sponsorship, we ensure compliant hiring of international talent for your business needs.

Skilled Worker & Sponsor Licences

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s primary route for bringing international talent to fill skilled positions. Businesses must hold a valid sponsor licence to hire foreign workers, making licence acquisition and compliance crucial for accessing global talent pools.

Sponsor Licence Services

Essential licensing requirements:

New sponsor licence applications
Licence renewal every 4 years
Compliance rating improvements
Key personnel appointments
SMS user management
UKVI audit preparation

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

Job Offer: From licensed sponsor at appropriate skill level (RQF3 or above)
Salary Threshold: Minimum £26,200 or going rate for occupation
English Language: B1 level minimum (speaking, reading, writing, listening)
Financial Requirement: £1,270 maintenance funds (unless sponsored)
Criminal Record Check: For certain occupations

Certificate of Sponsorship Process

Defined or undefined CoS allocation
Job role classification
Salary and hours confirmation
SOC code assignment
Genuine vacancy test
Restricted CoS applications

Intra-Company Transfer Routes

For multinational organizations:

Senior or Specialist Worker: £45,800 minimum salary
Graduate Trainee: Structured training programs
UK Expansion Worker: Establishing UK branch
Service Supplier: Contractual service provision
Secondment Worker: High-value contracts

Sponsor Compliance Duties

Ongoing obligations include:

Record keeping requirements
Reporting duties to UKVI
Monitoring employee attendance
Salary change notifications
Prevention of illegal working
Annual compliance reviews

Common Sponsorship Issues

Risk areas to manage:

Licence suspension risks
Rating downgrades
Reporting failures
Document retention gaps
Change of circumstances
Merger and acquisition impacts

Immigration Skills Charge

Large sponsors: £1,000 per year
Small sponsors: £364 per year
Exemptions for certain roles
Upfront payment required
Refund provisions

Route to Settlement

Skilled Worker pathway offers:

5-year route to indefinite leave
Time outside UK allowances
Salary progression requirements
Life in the UK test
English language progression
Dependent family inclusion

Business Establishment Visas

Establish or expand your business in the UK with specialized visa routes. From innovative startups to established companies, we guide entrepreneurs and businesses through UK expansion requirements and applications.

Business Establishment Visas

The UK offers multiple visa routes for entrepreneurs, business owners, and companies looking to establish or expand operations. These visas cater to different business stages and investment levels, from innovative startups to established international corporations setting up UK branches.

Innovator Founder Visa

For innovative business ventures:

Endorsement Required: From approved endorsing body
Innovation Criteria: New, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea
Investment Funds: No set minimum amount but must be sufficient
English Language: B2 level requirement
Fast Settlement: 3-year route to indefinite leave
Business Involvement: Active day-to-day management required

Start-up Visa

Entry-level entrepreneur route:

No investment funds required
Endorsement from approved body
Innovative business idea necessary
2-year initial visa (non-extendable)
Switch to Innovator route possible
Cannot lead to direct settlement

UK Expansion Worker

For overseas businesses:

Parent Company: Must be trading overseas
UK Footprint: No existing UK trading presence
Senior Role: Applicant must be senior employee
Business Plan: Credible expansion strategy required
Maximum Stay: 2 years total (1+1 year)
No Settlement: Cannot lead to permanent residence

Sole Representative Visa

Traditional expansion route:

Full-time employment with overseas company
Senior position with decision-making authority
Establishing first UK branch/subsidiary
No majority ownership allowed
5-year settlement route available
Family members can accompany

Turkish Businessperson Visa (ECAA)

Special agreement benefits:

Turkish Nationals Only: Based on Ankara Agreement
Business Establishment: Self-employment or business setup
Capital Requirement: Sufficient funds to establish business
No English Requirement: Language skills not mandatory
Settlement Route: 5 years to indefinite leave
Family Benefits: Dependents can work freely

Business Plan Requirements

Essential components include:

Executive summary
Market research and analysis
Financial projections (3-5 years)
Marketing strategy
Operations plan
Management structure

Endorsement Bodies

Approved organizations include:

Tech Nation (technology sector)
The King’s Awards (various sectors)
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme
UK higher education institutions
Business incubators and accelerators
Government-backed schemes

Investment Sources

Acceptable funding includes:

Personal savings
Third-party investors
Venture capital funding
Government grants
Crowdfunding (with restrictions)
Business loans (conditional)

Common Application Challenges

Key areas to address:

Proving innovation and scalability
Demonstrating market need
Establishing credible financials
Meeting endorsement criteria
Showing genuine entrepreneur test
Avoiding credibility issues

Post-Visa Compliance

Ongoing requirements:

Business progress reporting
Endorsing body check-ins
Financial milestone achievement
Employment creation targets
Change of business notifications
Settlement preparation

Global Talent & Innovation Routes

Elite visa routes for exceptional talent in science, technology, arts, and business. Fast-track UK immigration for globally recognized leaders, promising entrepreneurs, and high-potential individuals.

Global Talent & Innovation Routes

The UK’s Global Talent visa represents the premier route for world leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, and digital technology. These prestigious visas offer accelerated settlement paths and greater flexibility for exceptional individuals contributing to the UK’s knowledge economy.

Global Talent Visa Categories

Specialized routes for exceptional talent:

Science & Research: Academia, research, and innovation
Digital Technology: Tech leadership and technical expertise
Arts & Culture: Film, fashion, architecture, and performing arts
Academia: Professors and senior researchers
Business: Exceptional business talent (limited)

Endorsement Requirements

Approved endorsing bodies include:

Tech Nation – Digital technology sector
The Royal Society – Science and medicine
The British Academy – Humanities and social sciences
The Royal Academy of Engineering – Engineering
Arts Council England – Arts and culture
UK Research and Innovation – Research leaders

Scale-up Visa

For high-growth businesses:

Job Offer: From qualifying scale-up sponsor
Salary Level: £34,600 minimum or going rate
Company Criteria: 20% annual growth for 3 years
Flexibility: Can change jobs after 6 months
Settlement: 5-year route available
Growth Focus: Supports UK economic expansion

High Potential Individual (HPI)

Recent graduate route:

Top global university graduates
Graduated within last 5 years
No job offer required
2-3 year visa depending on qualification
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD eligible
Switch to other routes permitted

Tech Nation Pathway

Digital technology endorsement:

Technical Expertise: Proven tech leadership
Business Skills: Commercial technology application
Exceptional Talent: Industry recognition evidence
Exceptional Promise: Future leader potential
Evidence Requirements: 10 pieces maximum
Fast Track: 3-year settlement route

Research & Academic Excellence

Scientific endorsement criteria:

Peer-reviewed publications
Research grants and funding
International collaborations
Conference presentations
Patents and innovations
Industry partnerships

Arts & Culture Standards

Creative sector requirements:

International performances/exhibitions
Critical acclaim and reviews
Industry awards and recognition
Media coverage and profiles
Professional memberships
Commercial success evidence

Fast Settlement Benefits

Accelerated paths to indefinite leave:

3 years for exceptional talent
5 years for exceptional promise
Continuous residence flexibility
No salary requirements
Self-employment permitted
Job change freedom

Application Evidence

Required documentation includes:

Letters of recommendation (3 required)
Evidence portfolio (up to 10 pieces)
CV and career history
Media coverage and profiles
Awards and recognitions
Financial impact evidence

Strategic Advantages

Benefits over other routes:

No sponsor requirement (Global Talent)
Greater employment flexibility
Faster settlement timeline
Higher success rates for qualified candidates
Dependents can work freely
Prestigious visa status

Temporary Worker Categories

Short-term specialist visas for creative, sporting, charitable, and religious work. Navigate temporary visa requirements for international workers, cultural exchanges, and youth mobility programs.

Temporary Worker Categories

The UK’s Temporary Worker visa routes (formerly Tier 5) provide short-term immigration options for specific activities including creative projects, sporting events, charity work, and cultural exchanges. These visas typically last 12-24 months and cater to diverse sectors with unique immigration needs.

Creative and Sporting Worker

For arts, entertainment, and sports:

Certificate of Sponsorship: Required from licensed sponsor
Maximum Stay: Up to 12 months (24 for unique roles)
Eligible Activities: Performers, artists, film crew, athletes
Maintenance Funds: £1,270 for 28 days
Multiple Engagements: Permitted with sponsor approval
Extensions: Possible within maximum period

Charity Worker Visa

Voluntary sector opportunities:

Unpaid voluntary work only
12-month maximum duration
Registered charity sponsor required
Maintenance and accommodation provided
No public funds access
Cannot lead to settlement

Religious Worker Visa

Faith-based roles include:

Religious Duties: Preaching, pastoral care, non-pastoral work
Maximum Stay: Up to 24 months
Sponsor Requirement: Registered religious organization
Maintenance: £1,270 or sponsor support
Key Posts: Can lead to Minister of Religion visa
Multiple Locations: Work at various sites permitted

Government Authorised Exchange

Approved schemes include:

Research programs and fellowships
Training and work experience
Overseas government programs
12-24 month durations
Scheme operator sponsorship
Professional development focus

Youth Mobility Scheme

Working holiday program:

Age Limit: 18-30 years (35 for some countries)
Duration: 2 years maximum
Eligible Countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, others
Work Flexibility: Most employment permitted
No Sponsor: Direct application route
Ballot System: Some countries require selection

International Agreement Worker

Treaty-based employment:

Employees of overseas governments
International organization staff
Private household workers
Contract service suppliers
Maximum 2-year stay typically
Specific agreement requirements

Seasonal Worker Visa

Agricultural and horticultural roles:

6-month maximum stay
Scheme operator sponsorship
Farm work and food processing
No settlement route
Annual quotas apply
Specific sector limitations

General Requirements

Common criteria across routes:

Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
Tuberculosis testing (if required)
Criminal record checks (some routes)
Return travel evidence
Accommodation arrangements
Healthcare surcharge payment

Sponsorship Obligations

Employer responsibilities include:

Genuine temporary vacancy
Appropriate salary levels
Record keeping duties
Reporting requirements
Compliance monitoring
Exit confirmation

Switching Restrictions

Important limitations:

Cannot switch to most other visas
No path to settlement
Time limits strictly enforced
Cooling-off periods may apply
Family member restrictions
Public funds prohibition

Compliance & Right to Work

Ensure immigration compliance across your workforce with comprehensive right to work checks and audit systems. Protect your business from illegal working penalties while maintaining efficient hiring processes.

Compliance & Right to Work

Immigration compliance is crucial for UK businesses to avoid severe penalties and reputational damage. The right to work regime requires employers to verify every employee’s immigration status, maintain proper records, and implement ongoing monitoring systems to prevent illegal working.

Right to Work Checks

Mandatory verification requirements:

Before Employment: Checks must be completed before first day of work
Document Inspection: Original documents in presence of holder
Online Checks: Home Office online service for eligible individuals
Follow-up Checks: Required for time-limited permissions
Record Retention: Two years after employment ends
Statutory Excuse: Protection from civil penalties when done correctly

Acceptable Documents

List A – Permanent right to work:

British or Irish passport
Settled/Pre-settled status (EU citizens)
Indefinite leave to remain/enter
British birth certificate with NI number
Certificate of registration (British citizen)

List B – Temporary right to work:

Current passport with valid visa
Biometric residence permit
Digital immigration status
Application Registration Card
Positive verification notice

Digital Right to Work Checks

Online verification process:

Share codes from immigrants
Online service verification
Real-time status checks
Digital evidence storage
Automatic expiry alerts
Integration with HR systems

Civil Penalties

For employing illegal workers:

First Offense: Up to £20,000 per worker
Repeat Offenses: Increased penalties
No Statutory Excuse: Full penalty applied
Mitigation Factors: Cooperation, systems in place
Payment Terms: 28 days or installments
Appeals Process: Objection and appeal rights

Criminal Sanctions

Serious breach consequences:

Unlimited fines possible
5-year prison sentences
Director disqualification
Proceeds of crime action
Business closure orders
Reputational damage

Sponsor Compliance Duties

For licence holders:

Report migrant employees’ changes
Monitor attendance patterns
Keep sponsorship records
Cooperate with UKVI visits
Maintain HR systems
Annual compliance review

Immigration Audits

Best practice includes:

Regular workforce reviews
Document expiry tracking
Training for HR staff
Clear procedures documentation
Escalation protocols
External audit options

UKVI Enforcement Visits

Preparation essentials:

Current employee records
Right to work evidence
Visitor management systems
Key personnel availability
Legal representation
Post-visit actions

Compliance Systems

Effective frameworks include:

Centralized record keeping
Automated expiry alerts
Regular training programs
Clear accountability chains
Audit trails maintenance
Technology solutions

Common Compliance Failures

Risk areas to address:

Expired document acceptance
Inadequate follow-up checks
Poor record keeping
Untrained staff conducting checks
Inconsistent procedures
Contractor/agency worker gaps

Brexit Impact

EU citizen considerations:

Settled status verification
Grace period expiry
Frontier worker permits
Family member rights
Late applications
Status confirmation

Business Immigration

Expert Business Immigration Solicitors in London

What Is Business Immigration Law?

When Do You Need Business Immigration Support?

Our Business Immigration Services

Sponsor Licence Services

Corporate Immigration Solutions

Business Establishment Routes

Work Visa Categories

Skilled Worker Route

Global Business Mobility

Innovation and Investment

Compliance and Risk Management

Right to Work Checks

Immigration Audits

Specialist Visa Routes

Temporary Worker Visas

Sector-Specific Routes

Post-Brexit Immigration

New System Features

EU National Provisions

Why Choose Connaught Law

Our Service Approach

Client Support Services

Next Steps

UK BUSINESS VISA CATEGORIES

Skilled Worker & Sponsor Licences

Sponsor Licence Services

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements

Certificate of Sponsorship Process

Intra-Company Transfer Routes

Sponsor Compliance Duties

Common Sponsorship Issues

Immigration Skills Charge

Route to Settlement

Business Establishment Visas

Innovator Founder Visa

Start-up Visa

UK Expansion Worker

Sole Representative Visa

Turkish Businessperson Visa (ECAA)

Business Plan Requirements

Endorsement Bodies

Investment Sources

Common Application Challenges

Post-Visa Compliance

Global Talent & Innovation Routes

Global Talent Visa Categories

Endorsement Requirements

Scale-up Visa

High Potential Individual (HPI)

Tech Nation Pathway

Research & Academic Excellence

Arts & Culture Standards

Fast Settlement Benefits

Application Evidence

Strategic Advantages

Temporary Worker Categories

Creative and Sporting Worker

Charity Worker Visa

Religious Worker Visa

Government Authorised Exchange

Youth Mobility Scheme

International Agreement Worker

Seasonal Worker Visa

General Requirements

Sponsorship Obligations

Switching Restrictions

Compliance & Right to Work

Right to Work Checks

Acceptable Documents

Digital Right to Work Checks

Civil Penalties

Criminal Sanctions

Sponsor Compliance Duties

Immigration Audits

UKVI Enforcement Visits

Compliance Systems

Common Compliance Failures

Brexit Impact