Priority Service for Naturalisation as a British Citizen applications

By Anna Tsereteli

The Home Office has recently released a new Priority Service for British citizenship applications. Learn how this new Priority Service works and how it can speed up your application. The standard processing time for a British citizenship application used to be 6 months. From 6 July 2026 , applications to Naturalise as a British Citizen … Continued

Right-to-work changes from October 2026: What employers need to know

By Anna Tsereteli

If your business engages workers in the UK, whether directly employed, agency-supplied, subcontracted, or hired through a platform, a major change to right-to-work compliance is coming on 1 October 2026. This is one of the most significant shifts in this area of immigration law in recent years, and its reach extends far beyond the traditional … Continued

Can I upgrade my visa application to Priority processing?

By Gherson Immigration

Reading time: 6 minutes UK visa delays continue to be a concern for many applicants in 2026, making priority processing an increasingly sought-after option. Understanding who can access these services, how they work, and what to watch out for can make a real difference to your application experience. Why delays happen and why they matter … Continued

Employer’s Guide to Right to Work Checks

By Gherson Solicitors

Do UK employers need to carry out right-to-work checks on contractors and consultants? On 20 May 2026, the Home Office issued a U-turn, removing right-to-work check requirements for employers, confirming that unsponsored, non-employed workers they ‘directly engage’, i.e. contractors and gig workers, is not required. Previously, this requirement was set in the guidance published in … Continued

The unspoken visa route: unlocking the Scale Up visa

By Anna Tsereteli

The unspoken visa route: unlocking the Scale‑Up visa,  the reimbursement scheme and the fast-track route that has been launched by the Government The Scale-up Worker route remains one of the UK’s more flexible sponsored work visa options for high-growth businesses, however, it is a route that has been placed under the radar and not usually often spoken of. It was designed for companies … Continued

British citizenship planning for international families

By Anna Tsereteli

For international families, British citizenship can provide long-term security, stability and a permanent connection to the United Kingdom. However, the route to citizenship requires careful planning, particularly where family members have different immigration histories, absences from the UK, overseas-born children or dual nationality considerations. Gherson’s specialist nationality and immigration lawyers help families assess eligibility, prepare … Continued

Why immigration compliance is no longer simply an HR responsibility

By Anna Tsereteli

Immigration compliance is no longer simply an HR responsibility. Increasing regulatory scrutiny, evolving sponsor licence obligations and stricter enforcement activity mean that businesses must now view immigration compliance as a core governance and risk management issue. Lisa Uttley, Partner and Head of Immigration at Gherson Solicitors LLP, was featured in New Business magazine with an article exploring … Continued

UK Government circulates proposals for a new “invite-only” investor visa for wealthy individuals

By Anna Tsereteli

Overview Recent reports suggest that the UK Government is considering a new invite-only investor visa for high-net-worth individuals. We consider what this could mean for investors, businesses and the future of UK investment migration. Gherson is particularly well placed to comment on these developments. Before the closure of the previous Tier 1 Investor route in … Continued

Higher English language requirements for UK Work visas: what has changed

By Anna Tsereteli

The UK has raised the English language requirement for several key work-related immigration routes. From 8 January 2026, new applicants under the Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual routes must demonstrate English language ability at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B2, rather than the previous B1 standard. This is a material … Continued

Relocating a tech business to the UK: immigration routes for founders and teams

By Anna Tsereteli

London remains a leading destination for international tech businesses. Discover the UK immigration routes available for founders, senior hires and expanding teams. With London Tech Week taking place from 8 – 12 June 2026, the UK’s digital technology sector is back in the limelight. The UK continues to position itself as an attractive location for … Continued

UKVI priority service update for sponsors

By Anna Tsereteli

The Home Office has increased the daily allocation of post-licence priority change of circumstances slots by 20%. The previous cap of 100 daily slots has been raised to 120, with the stated aim of reducing existing backlogs. This update explains how the Worker and Temporary Worker priority change of circumstances service operates in practice, what … Continued

UK Expansion Worker visa explained: requirements, process and key considerations

By Anna Tsereteli

UK Expansion Worker visa explained: requirements, process and key considerations The UK Expansion Worker visa is a key route for overseas businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK. It allows companies to send senior employees to the UK to set up a branch or subsidiary, making it a critical first step in international … Continued