Family in the UK
Family in the UK
Our UK team has substantial experience assisting spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, parents and clients with dependant relatives navigate the complex immigration requirements to ensure each client’s long-term goals are met.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
Other work routes
Other work routes
There are a number of other immigration routes which enable overseas nationals to work in the UK. Our team has experience across the full range of these categories and is well placed to pinpoint the most suitable immigration strategy for each client’s specific circumstances.
UK Ancestry
The UK ancestry route enables Commonwealth citizens who have at least one grandparent born in the UK to come to work, study and settle in the UK.
Turkish Worker/Businessperson
The Turkish Businessperson visa enables Turkish nationals to come to the UK to either start a new enterprise or come help run an established business. The Turkish Worker visa allows Turkish nationals with at least one year of legal employment in the UK to switch into the route and extend their stay.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
UK Immigration
UK Immigration
We provide tailored assistance across all areas of UK immigration to both organisations and individuals.
Our business services include: sponsor licence and UK immigration applications in the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Student, Graduate and Temporary Work routes; sponsor licence management, compliance training and audit services; EU Settlement Scheme advice and applications.
For individuals and family members, we provide guidance across the full immigration journey from visa applications and extensions to settlement, British citizenship and UK passports.
We also have a dedicated Human Rights team which supports clients with human rights claims, appeals and other complex UK immigration issues.
Related Insights
2 June 2025
White Paper introduces tough immigration proposals – analysing the impact on the advanced manufacturing sector
Advanced manufacturing is a sector identified as being prioritised for growth in the UK.
23 May 2025
Zeena Luchowa writes for The Law Society Gazette
Following last week's release of the immigration white paper, Zeena Luchowa (Partner) has written an article published in the Law Society Gazette on…
23 May 2025
Home Office publishes UK immigration statistics for the year ending March 2025
Yesterday, the Home Office released immigration statistics for the year ending March 2025. The data spans the full range of immigration routes and…
Short-term work
Short-term work
Temporary Work provides a variety of excellent options for overseas nationals seeking to undertake short-term work in the UK. Whether the individual is a recent graduate, looking for a career change or seeking to benefit from the UK’s participation in the Youth Mobility Scheme, our UK Team can help navigate the full range of options available and help clients determine which route would best meet their specific needs.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
Work in the UK
Work in the UK
Whether relocating to the UK as an existing overseas employee or an initial hire, nationals from outside the UK (including from the European Economic Area (EEA)/Switzerland) can face significant challenges in obtaining the appropriate immigration permission. Our experienced team will ensure clients move through the application process as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Global Talent
Special provisions exist to enable individuals who are either recognised or emerging leaders in designated fields to come to the UK to live and work. Our lawyers assist these highly-skilled clients with everything from obtaining the necessary endorsement to completing the immigration application.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
Immigration Services
Long-term work
Long-term work
For clients seeking to take on skilled, long-term work assignments in the UK, there are a number of routes which provide a variety of opportunities for both new hires and existing employees from outside the UK (including from the European Economic Area (EEA)/Switzerland).
Related Insights
8 November 2019
LDI participates in Migration Advisory Committee consultation
LDI participated in the MAC consultation on Tier 2 salary thresholds and the Australian Points-Based System. Based on our experience and feedback…
24 September 2019
Immigration seminar – Brexit and beyond
Our expert team cut through the jargon to bring employers an essential guide to developments in immigration law,
13 September 2019
Statement of Changes: What to look out for from October 2019
A statement of changes to the immigration rules was published on 9 September. We look at some of the most notable changes which are expected to…
Child
Child
An overseas child of a person settled in the UK may apply for immigration permission to stay with that parent.
Key features
- Leave will be granted in line with the parent’s status.
- In most cases, financial requirements must be met.
- Settlement: leave under this category may lead to settlement.
How we can help
Ensuring our clients are able to live in the UK with their loved ones is of the utmost importance to Laura Devine Immigration. From the planning stage through to the arrival of their relatives in the UK, we help clients navigate the complex application process.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual parent of a person settled in the UK applications typically range between £4,500 – £9,000 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 National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) fees, biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
Parent
Parent
An overseas parent of a British child or a child settled in the UK may apply to join them in the UK. The child must be under 18 and the applicant must have sole or shared parental responsibility.
Key features
- Migrants eligible to apply as partners must apply via that route rather than as parents.
- Family members can receive leave for up to 2.5 years and may apply to extend their stay.
- Settlement: leave under this category may lead to settlement.
How we can help
Ensuring our clients are able to live in the UK with their loved ones is of the utmost importance to Laura Devine Immigration. From the planning stage through to the arrival of their relatives in the UK, we help clients navigate the complex application process.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual parent of a person settled in the UK applications typically range between £5,000 – £9,000 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 National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) fees, biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
Spouse, Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner
Spouse, Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner
The overseas spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of a British citizen or person settled in the UK may be able to apply to remain with or join them in the UK. Both the applicant and partner must be aged 18 or over and the applicant must demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of English and satisfy minimum income requirements.
Key features
- Work: migrants in this category may work and study in the UK.
- Successful applicants will receive leave for up to 2.5 years and may apply to extend their stay.
- Settlement: leave under this category may lead to settlement.
How we can help
Ensuring our clients are able to live in the UK with their loved ones is of the utmost importance to us. From the planning stage through to the arrival of their relatives in the UK, we help clients navigate the complex application process.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner applications typically range between £7,000 – £12,000 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 National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) fees, biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
International Sportsperson
International Sportsperson
What is the International Sportsperson route?
The International Sportsperson route enables licensed sports organisations to sponsor top tier athletes and coaches from overseas to work in the UK.
Key features
- Work: additional part-time employment, voluntary work and study is permitted subject to some restrictions.
- Dependants: the spouse or partner and/or children of International Sportsperson migrants may join or remain with them in UK as dependants. Generally, these individuals may work and study in the UK subject to certain restrictions and all applicable domestic laws and regulations.
- Switching: migrants will now be able to switch from within the UK into this route from most other UK immigration routes.
- Settlement: there is no longer an upper limit on how long individuals can stay in the UK under this category. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, individuals may qualify to apply for settlement.
How we can help
With an extensive knowledge about the complexities of International Sportsperson applications, our solicitors advise clients from the planning phase through to the athlete or coach’s arrival in the UK.
Our legal fees
Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual International Sportsperson applications typically range between £4,000 – £6,000 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.
Latest Insights
29 September 2025
Matthew Wills quoted in The Scottish Herald on Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain
Matthew Wills (Partner) has been quoted by The Scottish Herald in an article discussing the potential impacts of Reform UK's proposal to abolish…
29 September 2025
Natasha Chell quoted in Times Higher Education on proposed international student fee levy
Natasha Chell (Partner and Head of Risk and Compliance) has been quoted in Times Higher Education in an article discussing the Government's proposed…
26 September 2025
Trump administration grants enforcement power to USCIS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, effective October 6, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be…
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