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Business Immigration

Home » Immigration » Business Immigration

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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.

UK BUSINESS VISA CATEGORIES

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
We’re here to help.
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