WORKING IN THE UK

WORKING IN THE UK

The UK offers a variety of immigration routes for individuals seeking to work here, whether on a temporary basis or with a view to settling long-term. Understanding the relevant visa categories – and the associated requirements – is essential to avoiding any issues in your new career journey.

KEY WORK VISA CATEGORIES

1. Skilled Worker Visa – for those who have a confirmed offer of permanent employment from an existing licensed trading UK business.
2. Global Business Mobility Visas – encompassing a range of temporary work categories, including expansion workers who will be setting up a branch of an overseas business in the UK, senior specialist workers who are being seconded to a UK office and graduate trainees.
3. Global Talent Visa – designed for leaders, or emerging leaders, in academia and research, arts and culture or digital technology who are committed to contributing to the development of their field in the UK and beyond.
4. Innovator Founder Visa – designed for entrepreneurs looking to establish and operate a scalable UK-based business that introduces something new to the UK market and/or enhances an existing market offering.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

• Sponsorship: Many work routes require a licensed UK employer to act as your sponsor. Employers must ensure that they have correctly analysed your job description against prescribed job role and salary lists to avoid refusal of a certificate of sponsorship and/or visa rejection. If your prospective employer is not currently licensed to sponsor you, we may be able to assist them with obtaining a Sponsor Licence.
• English language: For non-temporary work routes, you will be expected to have intermediate to advanced proficiency in English. Last minute test taking or failing to book your test with an approved provider are stumbling blocks that can be easily avoided with proper planning.
• Employer obligations: Sponsored work visas can be vulnerable to cancellation where your UK employer has their licence revoked or downgraded. Our services include sponsor compliance training and audits for UK businesses, as well as support on initial licence applications and challenging licence revocations.
• Settlement: Certain professions require frequent business travel. If your ultimate goal is to secure permanent residence in the UK, you will need to understand the applicable residence requirements and how to correctly evidence essential business travel from the outset.

HOW GHERSON CAN HELP

At Gherson, our specialist immigration solicitors provide tailored advice on the most appropriate work visa route for your circumstances. We can assist with:

• Assessing visa eligibility and application requirements on behalf of you and your UK employer.
• Guiding employers through the sponsor licence application process and compliance obligations.
• Preparing and submitting visa applications, including gathering the necessary supporting evidence.
• Advising on extension applications and eventual pathways to settlement.

For more information or to discuss your particular circumstances, please contact us today. Our team is ready to help you navigate every step of the UK work visa process, ensuring you remain compliant with all relevant immigration rules.