Skilled Worker salary thresholds: what counts towards £41,700?

By Anna Tsereteli

Understanding what counts towards the Skilled Worker salary threshold is crucial for both employers and sponsored workers. Many applications under the Skilled Worker route fail because of confusion about which elements of remuneration count and which do not. What counts? Only your guaranteed gross basic salary counts towards the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled … Continued

Global Talent vs Skilled Worker visa in 2026: which route makes more sense now?

By Anna Tsereteli

In 2026, the Global Talent visa and the Skilled Worker visa remain two of the most popular pathways for skilled professionals coming to the UK. However, recent policy shifts, higher eligibility thresholds and evolving labour market dynamics mean that selecting the most appropriate route is not as straightforward as it once was. This article offers … Continued

Preparing for a Home Office sponsor licence compliance visit

By Anna Tsereteli

Contents Why sponsor licence compliance visits matter What is a sponsor licence compliance visit? What triggers a Home Office compliance visit? Types of sponsor licence compliance visits What happens during a compliance visit Documents and information the Home Office will review Staff interviews: what employers should expect Common mistakes employers make during visits How to … Continued

Why UK immigration compliance is now a board-level risk

By Anna Tsereteli

UK immigration compliance is an area of reputational risk that is often overlooked. We are seeing increased Home Office scrutiny and enforcement action against organisations with civil and criminal penalties for breaches of immigration duties. All UK employers are required by law to comply with the prevention of illegal working regulations, while organisations holding sponsor … Continued

The complete guide to UK sponsor licence compliance

By Anna Tsereteli

Contents Why sponsor licence compliance matters Sponsor licence compliance: what the Home Office expects Core sponsor licence duties explained Record-keeping Reporting Monitoring and tracking Common sponsor licence compliance failures Home Office sponsor licence audits and compliance visits Consequences of sponsor licence non-compliance Staying compliant in practice When should employers seek legal advice? Frequently asked questions … Continued

UK immigration FAQs for business owners

By Anna Tsereteli

1. Can a business owner move to the UK to start or run a business? Yes, but only with appropriate immigration permission. The UK does not offer a general ‘business owner’ visa route. Prospective business owners must qualify under existing routes such as the Innovator Founder visa, Skilled Worker visa or one of the Global … Continued

Immigration compliance in 2026: what UK employers should be doing now

By Anna Tsereteli

With major UK immigration changes expected in 2026, employers should be reviewing sponsor licence compliance, reporting duties and workforce planning now. UK employers with sponsor licences have faced heightened scrutiny from the Home Office in recent years. The consequences of non-compliance have increased considerably, ranging from civil penalties to licence revocation. Recent Government policy announcements … Continued

UK visa processing times in 2026: what applicants and sponsors need to know

By Anna Tsereteli

An up-to-date overview of UK visa processing times in 2026, including UKVI service standards, priority options and what applicants can do if decisions are delayed. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) routinely publish and update the processing times for all visa applications. Applicants often mistakenly assume that the processing timeframe begins once the application form has … Continued

Summary of UK immigration rule updates in 2025 and upcoming changes in 2026

By Anna Tsereteli

The UK immigration landscape underwent significant transformation in 2025. As a mix of policy reform, rule tightening, digital modernisation and evolving economic priorities took effect, individuals and employers alike navigated a shifting environment throughout the year. With 2026 now underway, a fresh set of changes is poised to reshape routes, compliance frameworks and settlement pathways … Continued

Nursing recruitment: a stark warning by Lisa Uttley

By Anna Tsereteli

This article explores the growing challenges facing nursing recruitment in the UK following a significant drop in internationally trained nurses entering the workforce. It highlights the risks this decline poses to the NHS and the wider care sector, particularly at a time of ongoing staff shortages and rising demand. The piece examines how tighter immigration … Continued

The ultimate guide to UK immigration law

By Anna Tsereteli

A comprehensive guide for individuals and businesses navigating the UK immigration system In this immigration guide, you will learn about: How UK immigration law works in practice, including the Immigration Rules and how the Home Office make decisions. The main visa routes for individuals and businesses, and the requirements that most often determine success or … Continued

New restrictions on access to public funds: what employers and Family visa holders need to know

By Anna Tsereteli

The Government has announced a bombshell consultation that — if implemented — could significantly reshape how migrants settle in the UK. On 20 November 2025, proposals were published that would fundamentally change the path to permanent residence. The big changes Settlement is set to become more difficult. The familiar five-year route to Indefinite Leave to … Continued