Innovator Founder
Innovator Founder
What is the Innovator Founder route?
The Innovator Founder route replaces the Innovator and Start-up categories, enabling experienced entrepreneurs from outside the UK (including the EEA/Switzerland) to establish a business in the UK. The applicant must secure an endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body, verifying that their business is new, innovative, viable and scalable.
Key features
- Work: Innovator Founder migrants can set up businesses and work either as an employed director or in a self-employed capacity in the UK.
- Dependants: the spouses or partners and/or children of Innovator migrants are permitted to join or remain with the main applicant in the UK and undertake work and study (subject to certain restrictions).
- Switching: migrants will now be able to switch from within the UK into this route from most other UK immigration routes.
- Settlement: Innovator Founder migrants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) continuous residence in the UK.
How we can help
Our team’s in-depth knowledge of the predecessor Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Innovator and Start-up categories, as well as involvement in Home Office lobbying and policy direction, means we are well placed to advise on Innovator Founder applications. We manage the entire application process from obtaining the necessary endorsement through to advising on requirements for future applications to ensure clients remain compliant.
Our legal fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual Innovator Founder applications typically range between £10,000 – £15,000 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon whether the application is for initial leave, an extension or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK as well as on the specific issues, urgencies and complexities involved.
Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:
- Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
- Immigration Health Surcharge fees, if applicable;
- Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
- other ancillary disbursements such as UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) fees, biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Dependants
For dependant application fees, please refer to our Dependants section. Dependants typically incur the same disbursements as main applicants.
Graduate visa
Graduate visa
What is the Graduate route?
The Graduate route enables international graduates to stay and work in the UK for at least 2 years after completing their studies. Students must have completed a degree at undergraduate level (or above) at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance and must have completed the entirety of their course in the UK (with limited exceptions).
Key features
- Work: any work in the UK is permitted, apart from work as a professional sportsperson.
- Dependants: new dependants are not allowed, but a dependant already in the UK as a Student dependant may apply to become a Graduate dependant.
- Switching: individuals may switch to the Skilled Worker route if they meet the relevant requirements.
- Settlement: time spent under this route does not lead to settlement in the UK, but time spent under the category can count towards 10 years lawful residence in the UK for ILR purposes.
How we can help
We provide a full-service approach tailored to the specific needs of each client with at least two principal lawyers assigned to each matter to ensure that responsive, high-level service is maintained throughout the process.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual Graduate applications typically range between £3,750 – £4,750 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon the issues, urgencies and complexities involved.
Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:
- Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
- Immigration Health Surcharge fees, if applicable;
- Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
- other ancillary disbursements such as UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) fees, biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Dependants
For dependant application fees, please refer to our Dependants section. Dependants typically incur the same disbursements as main applicants.
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Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant Visas
We advise on all categories of nonimmigrant visas, with emphasis on intracompany transfers, investors and traders, speciality workers, artists, entertainers, athletes, media workers and visitors.
What is an A/G visa?
The A and G visas allow foreign government officials or representatives of international organisations, as well as their immediate (dependant) family members, to travel to the US to engage in official duties or activities on behalf of their national governments or designated international organisations.
How we can help
Our US team will assess the activities to be performed in the US to determine the appropriate visa category and assist with preparing the application, paying all applicable fees, scheduling the visa interview and preparing for the interview.
What is a B-1/B-2 visa?
The B visitor visa category allows individuals to enter the US to engage in appropriate business and tourist activities. In some cases, special subcategories of B visas allow an individual to perform productive work on a short-term basis.
How we can help
Our US team can assess the activities to be performed in the US to determine if a B visa is appropriate and guide clients through the application process.
What is a C/D visa?
The C nonimmigrant visa category, or transit visa, allows individuals to travel through the US to their country of destination. The D visa nonimmigrant category allows individuals working on board commercial sea vessels or international airlines to enter the US.
How we can help
Our US team will assist with preparing the visa application, paying all applicable fees, scheduling the visa interview and preparing for the interview.
What is an E-1/E-2 visa?
The E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor categories allow companies owned by nationals of qualifying treaty countries to establish a presence in the US provided they either engage in substantial trade between the US and the treaty county or have made a substantial investment in the US enterprise. Once a company has qualified as a treaty trader/investor enterprise, qualifying employees of the same nationality may apply for individual E-1/E-2 visas to allow them to work in the US.
How we can help
We will assess the client’s current US company structure and/or plan to establish a presence in the US and evaluate whether the criteria for the E-1/E-2 company registration and subsequent E-1/E-2 employee visas will be satisfied. We will guide clients through the complex documentary requirements to prepare and submit the registration application and will prepare subsequent visa applications for employees.
What is an F-1/M-1 visa?
The F-1 and M-1 visa categories allow international students to enter the US and engage in a course of study for a temporary period with an institution that has been approved by the US Department of Homeland Security to enrol F-1 and M-1 students.
How we can help
Our US team will assist the student with preparing the visa application, paying all applicable fees, scheduling the visa interview and preparing for the interview. We regularly assist with complex cases, including those where the student has been resident in the US under a different status or is only temporarily living in the country of residence.
What is an H-1B/E-3 visa?
H-1B visas and E-3 visas (for Australian citizens) provide a route for individuals to engage in employment in a speciality occupation. The position requires, at a minimum, that the applicant holds a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Both the H-1B and E-3 visas require the employer to prepare and submit a Labor Condition Application and maintain a Public Access File.
How we can help
We will work with our clients to prepare the Labor Condition Application and the associated regulatory documents. We will prepare the forms required to submit the petition/application for the visa and tailor our service to the exact needs of the client.
What is an I visa?
An I visa for foreign media workers and journalists allows individuals in the foreign press, radio, film, print or other information media to enter the US to engage in their profession.
How we can help
Using our substantial knowledge of the processing of I visas at consular posts throughout Europe and the rest of the world, our US team will assess each case (or event) and provide bespoke guidance on the best approach to securing an I visa for each applicant. The team will prepare the application, liaising with the necessary individuals within the organisations to obtain supporting evidence. They will schedule the interview, prepare the visa application and counsel the applicant on the process prior to the appointment.
What is a J-1 visa?
A J-1 Exchange Worker visa can be used to undertake a variety of activities in the US, ranging from summer camp counselors to interns to trainees.
How we can help
Our US team is skilled at working with employers who wish to bring individuals to the US for short-term training or internship programs. We will act as the liaison between the government-approved sponsor and the US company, and will guide the employer and the applicant through the process of obtaining the proper documentation and preparing the visa application.
What is a K-1/K-3 visa
The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé visa, allows an engaged partner of a US citizen to enter the US to get married within 90 days of arrival. The K-3 visa provides temporary legal status in the US for the foreign spouse of a US citizen while waiting to obtain permanent residence. The K-3 visa is temporary and does not grant permanent residence to the applicant.
How we can help
Our US team will assess each case and provide tailored advice on how best to proceed depending on the particular circumstances. We will guide applicants through the process of submitting the petition, preparing for the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, and completing the adjustment of status application following the marriage.
What is an L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa or intracompany transferee allows a US company to transfer a key foreign employee working for a related company abroad to the US for a temporary period. The employee must have worked for the overseas company for at least one year in either a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge capacity.
How we can help
Our experienced US team will work with employers to successfully transfer their foreign based employees to the US utilizing the L-1 visa category. We provide specific advice regarding the types of evidence required for approval, detailed direction through the process of preparing and submitting the petition and extensive guidance for the employee prior to their visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate abroad.
What is an O visa?
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa category is for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, the arts, education, business, athletics, film or television. Extraordinary ability is defined by sustained national or international acclaim. The O-2 visa category is for foreign nationals who seek to accompany O-1 visa holders in the arts, motion picture, television productions and athletics as essential support staff.
How can we help
Our US team has extensive experience in assisting with the merits analysis for O-1 extraordinary ability visas. We assist employers and applicants with the preliminary research, drafting of expert opinion letters and preparation of the O-1 and O-2 petitions, understanding that in certain circumstances petitions must be expedited to meet urgent business needs. We will also work with the applicant to schedule a convenient visa interview date and location at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
What is an P visa?
P visa categories, such as P-1, P-2, and P-3, are available to internationally recognised athletes, athletic teams, and entertainment companies who are temporarily coming to the US to participate in events or be a part of teams that have achieved significant international recognition in their specialty field, or for individuals or groups who are coming to the US to perform based on an exchange program or in a culturally unique program.
How can we help
Our experienced US team will help to gather the required documentation and prepare and submit the application forms.
What is an Q visa?
The Q nonimmigrant visa allows foreign nationals to participate in an international cultural exchange program for the purpose of providing practical training, employment and the sharing of history, culture and traditions.
How can we help
Our US team will assess each case and provide tailored advice on how to proceed with the petition. We will guide applicants through the process of submitting the application and preparing for the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
What is an R visa?
The R visa program is intended for religious workers seeking to temporarily work in the US in their field.
How can we help
Our US team will assist organisations through the R visa petition and application process.
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Immigrant Visas
Immigrant Visas
We provide detailed advice on all US immigrant categories, with a focus on family-based green cards, employer-sponsored multinational managers and applicants with extraordinary ability in business, the arts and entertainment.
What is an EB-1 Immigrant Petition?
The EB-1 category covers petitions for multinational managers, individuals with extraordinary ability and outstanding researchers and professors.
How we can help
Our experienced US team will assess each case and provide tailored advice on how to proceed with the petition. We will guide applicants and employers through the process of submitting the immigrant petition and completing the adjustment of status or immigrant visa application.
What is an EB-2/3 Immigrant Petition?
The EB-2 category allows members of professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent, as well as foreign nationals who have exceptional ability, to permanently work in the US. The EB-3 category permits skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers to enter the US for permanent employment.
How we can help
Our US team is skilled at working with employers who wish to hire individuals in the US for permanent employment. We assist the employers and the applicants with obtaining the proper documentation, navigating the permanent labor certification (PERM) process, moving through the complex stages of the EB-2 and/or EB-3 petitions and completing the adjustment of status or immigrant visa application processes.
What is an EB-5 Immigrant Petition?
The EB-5 (employment-based, fifth preference) visa allows investors to apply for permanent residence if they make an investment in a commercial enterprise in the US and plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for US workers.
How we can help
Our US team has the experience to assist investors through the all the steps of the EB-5 immigrant petition process from documenting the source of the investment funds to submitting the adjustment of status or immigrant visa petition process.
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US Citizen Services
US Citizen Services
Our US team has a broad range of experience helping to navigate the complex requirements of US citizen services applications to ensure that each client’s individual needs are met.
US passport applications may be submitted within the US or to a US embassy or Consulate abroad. As this process can be challenging, especially where applicants have urgent travel needs with narrow turnaround times, our lawyers are here to help.
How we can help
Our experienced attorneys will work with the client to provide a tailored service aimed at easing the process of applying for a first-time, second, or renewed passport. Additionally, in instances where the process requires an assessment of whether the individual is a US citizen, our knowledgeable US team will work with the client to prepare all necessary materials to complete the application.
What is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)?
A CRBA application is submitted following the birth of a US citizen outside the US. This is typically done simultaneously with the applications for a child’s first passport application and social security number.
How we can help
We will assess each case to ascertain whether US citizenship was transmitted at the time of the child’s birth and prepare the application materials to be submitted in connection with the registration application.
What is Renunciation of US Citizenship?
A US citizen who no longer wishes to hold US citizenship must appear before a diplomatic or consular officer abroad and sign an oath of renunciation.
How we can help
Whether US citizenship was obtained by birth or through naturalisation, our US team will advise on the steps necessary to renounce citizenship. Our attorneys will review the facts of the case to highlight any concerns regarding future admissibility, and will provide thorough advice to the client regarding the process.
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Alternative Services
Alternative Services
We assess each applicant to determine if they are admissible to the US and provide bespoke advice and guidance on the process of obtaining waivers of inadmissibility. We also assist legal permanent residents with applications for naturalisation, re-entry permits and abandonment of their permanent residency.
What is a Waiver of Inadmissibility?
In some instances, individuals who apply for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa will be denied entry to the US for reasons of inadmissibility (for example, previous immigration violations, criminal history or communicable diseases). In nonimmigrant cases, consular officers have the discretionary power to recommend a waiver of inadmissibility provided that certain salient facts are demonstrated in the application. Immigrant applicants, by contrast, must submit a formal application to USCIS and obtain an approved waiver before completing the immigrant visa process.
How we can help
Using our extensive legal knowledge and familiarity with various consular posts (where applicable), our US team will prepare a comprehensive waiver application addressing all points related to the admissibility issue.
What is a Re-entry Permit?
A re-entry permit is issued by USCIS to US permanent residents so that they may leave the US for a temporary period of up to two years without risking loss of their permanent resident status. These permits are typically used in situations where a permanent resident is temporarily working or studying outside the US or has planned extensive travel.
How we can help
Our US team will prepare the re-entry permit application and advise the client on the best strategy to apply. Because the application requires the applicant to be physically present in the US at the time of filing, and then again for the biometrics appointment, we will assist the client in planning the steps so that they are able to travel without restriction.
What is Abandonment of Permanent Residency?
A US permanent resident who departs the US with no intention of returning to resume permanent residency may formally abandon their residency.
How we can help
Our US team will first review the facts of each case, including how the permanent resident status was obtained, to assess any risks in abandoning permanent residency. We will then prepare the application and guide the applicant through the submission process.
US permanent resident who satisfies the physical residence and continuous residence requirements may be eligible to naturalise as a US citizen.
How we can help
We will assess each case to determine eligibility and, upon confirming a client meets the requirements, we will work with them to prepare the naturalisation application. Our experienced team is well-placed to advise on naturalisation cases with even the most challenging facts and circumstances.
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Turkish Worker/Businessperson
Turkish Worker/Businessperson
What is the Turkish Worker/Businessperson route?
The Turkish Worker route enables Turkish nationals who have lawfully worked in the UK for at least 12 months to switch into this route and continue working in the UK. The Turkish Businessperson route enables Turkish nationals to either start a new enterprise in the UK or come to the UK to help run an established business.
Both routes are available based upon provisions of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA). Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and since 1 January 2021, new applications under both these categories are no longer accepted and individuals must instead meet the requirements of the post-Brexit immigration system. Extension and settlement applications under the Turkish Worker and Turkish Businessperson categories, however, continue to be accepted.
Key features
- Work: individuals under the Turkish Worker route may undertake employment without the requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship (subject to meeting certain conditions). Turkish Businesspersons can start a new business or join an existing business in the UK with an active role in running the business.
- Settlement: Turkish Worker/Businessperson migrants may apply for settlement after five years’ continuous residence in the UK.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for Turkish Worker/Businessperson applications typically range between £8,500 – £12,500 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon the issues, urgencies and complexities involved.
Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:
- Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
- Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
- other ancillary disbursements such as biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Dependants
For dependant application fees, please refer to our Dependants section. Dependants typically incur the same disbursements as main applicants.
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Domestic Worker in a Private Household
Domestic Worker in a Private Household
What is the Domestic Worker in a Private Household route?
The Domestic Worker in a Private Household route enables individuals to apply for permission to visit the UK with their employers so they may continue working in their domestic capacity. Domestic workers can include cleaners, cooks, chauffeurs, personal caregivers and nannies.
Key features
- Work: overseas domestic workers are permitted to visit the UK with their employer for up to six months at a time, but must leave at the end of the six months or when their employer returns home, whichever is sooner.
- Dependants: individuals under this route are not permitted to bring dependant relatives with them to the UK, and they may not effectively live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent, repeated visits.
- Settlement: with limited exceptions for legacy applicants, this route does not lead to settlement in the UK.
How we can help
With in-depth knowledge of the rules relating to the Domestic Worker in a Private Household route, our team is well placed to assist clients with obtaining immigration permission in order to be able to continue working in their role whilst their employer is in the UK.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual applications typically range between £4,500 – £5,500 plus VAT and disbursements, depending upon the exact type of application, complexities and urgencies involved.
Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:
- Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
- Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
- other ancillary disbursements such as biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
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UK Ancestry
UK Ancestry
What is the UK Ancestry route?
The UK Ancestry route enables Commonwealth citizens who have at least one grandparent born in the UK to come to work, study and eventually settle in the UK.
Key features
- Work: UK Ancestry migrants can undertake employment, self-employment and study in the UK.
- Dependants: spouses or partners and/or children may join or remain in the UK with the main UK Ancestry applicant as dependants.
- Settlement: individuals under this route may apply for settlement following five years’ continuous residence in the UK.
How we can help
With significant experience in UK Ancestry applications, we assist clients with obtaining and organising the required records, paying the correct fees, and managing the entire application process from beginning to end.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual UK Ancestry applications typically range between £4,500 – £6,500 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon the issues, urgencies and complexities involved.
Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:
- Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
- Immigration Health Surcharge fees, if applicable;
- Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
- other ancillary disbursements such as biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Dependants
For dependant application fees, please refer to our Dependants section. Dependants typically incur the same disbursements as main applicants.
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Corporate immigration services
Corporate immigration services
Known as ‘‘truly the best in the business when it comes to business immigration law”, our lawyers help organisations navigate the immigration aspects of employing migrant workers and provide a range of services, including:
- sponsor licence applications;
- sponsor licence management;
- challenging sponsor licence suspension/revocation;
- challenging employer civil penalties;
- compliance advice and guidance, including in-house training;
- contingency planning (eg Brexit, COVID-19); and
- advice, preparation and submission of applications for staff and their families.
Our lawyers are considered thought-leaders in business immigration and we act for many of the world’s highest profile businesses and individuals in a range of sectors, from financial, legal and professional services, to fashion, entertainment and the arts.
For a bespoke quote on our corporate immigration services, please contact us.