Services

The T2 Minister of Religion route enables employers to sponsor overseas nationals to undertake religious work within faith communities 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 T2 Minister of Religion 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: in most cases, T2 Minister of Religion migrants may stay for up to a total of six years. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, individuals in this sub-route may qualify to apply for settlement.
• A 12-month exclusion period applies in most instances before applicants may reapply for leave under this route.

Our team has worked with a variety of faith organisations on the successful transfer of religious workers to the UK. We will guide employers through the steps necessary to sponsor the prospective migrant hire and work to ensure that the application process runs as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Fixed fees

We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual T2 Minister of Religion applications typically range between £3,750 – £5,000 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.

The Intra-Company routes enable multinational businesses to transfer non-UK (including from the European Economic Area (EEA)/Switzerland) employees from overseas to a UK branch in order to fill a specific vacancy or undertake training. There are two Intra-Company Routes: the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Route and the Graduate Trainee route.

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 ICT and Graduate Trainee 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.
• Switching: migrants will now be able to switch from within the UK into the ICT and Graduate Trainee routes from most other UK immigration routes.
• Remain: leave to remain in the ICT route may be extended to either five years (in any six year period) or nine years (in any ten year period) depending on salary level. Time spent as an ICT or Graduate Trainee migrant does not lead to settlement.

We work with businesses of all sizes to ensure a smooth transition of overseas employees to positions in the UK. From working with the employer to assign the necessary Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to managing the employee’s application process, we provide high-level service to ensure the best possible outcome.

Fixed fees

We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual ICT applications typically range between £3,200 – £3,800 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.

The Skilled Worker route enables licensed employers to sponsor non-UK nationals (including from the European Economic Area (EEA)/Switzerland) to take up skilled positions that cannot be filled from within the resident labour workforce.

Key features

• Work: additional part-time employment, voluntary work and study is permitted with restrictions.
• Dependants: the spouse or partner and/or children of Skilled Worker 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.
• Switching: individuals will now be able to switch from within the UK into the Skilled Worker route from most other UK immigration routes.
• Settle: individuals in this route may extend their stay in the UK indefinitely. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, Skilled Worker migrants may qualify to apply for settlement.

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.

Fixed fees

We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual Skilled Worker applications typically range between £4,500 – £5,000+ plus VAT and disbursements depending upon the issues, urgencies and complexities involved. In most cases, these service charges involve assisting the sponsor with the assignment of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), including acting as a Level 1 User on the sponsorship management system (SMS) and advising on the preparation and evidencing of the sponsor’s compliance with their record keeping and reporting duties. Additionally, we will manage the immigration permission application process from beginning to end.

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.

The Temporary Work route includes the following sub-routes:

• Charity Worker;
• Creative Worker;
• Government Authorised Exchange;
• Service Supplier;
• Religious Worker;
• Seasonal Worker; and
• Youth Mobility Scheme.

Key features

• Work: Temporary Work migrants must be sponsored by a licensed Temporary Work employer.
• Settlement: time spent under these sub-routes does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but this time can count towards ten years lawful residence in the UK for ILR purposes.

Our diverse experience in this route ranges from assisting interns with obtaining sponsorship to guiding creative workers and athletes through the application process from start to finish.

Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual Temporary Work applications typically range between £3,500 – £5,500+ plus VAT and disbursements, depending on the sub-route as well as 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.

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is one of the main sub-routes for the Temporary Work route. This sub-route enables migrants from specific countries aged between 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

Key features

• Work: with certain limitations, YMS migrants may be employed, self-employed or study in the UK.
• Dependants: individuals in this route may not bring dependants.
• Settlement: the scheme does not lead to settlement in the UK, but time spent under the sub-route can count towards ten years lawful residence in the UK for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) purposes.

Our UK Team is experienced at handling a wide spectrum of YMS matters ranging from straightforward cases to those with issues relating to previous refusals and unspent criminal convictions. We carefully guide clients through the application process to ensure as smooth and expeditious an experience as possible.

Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual YMS applications typically range between £4,500 – £5,000 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.

Overseas nationals may apply for immigration permission to enter the UK as an employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation in order to undertake a long-term assignment in the UK.

The Sole Representative option has been replaced by the UK Expansion Worker route; individuals currently holding permission as a Sole Representative can apply to extend their permission on this route.

Key features

• Work: representatives of overseas businesses are permitted to work in the UK for their overseas employer for an initial period of three years, with an option of extending their leave in two-year increments thereafter.
• Dependants: spouses or partner and/or children may join or remain in the UK as dependants of main applicants. Subject to some restrictions, dependants may work and study in the UK.
• Settlement: After five years’ continuous residence in the UK in this route, applicants and their dependants may apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

It is important that employees of overseas media organisations be able to work in the UK for longer than just short-term assignments. Our team has substantial experience and broad knowledge of the complex rules regarding representatives of an overseas business and we are well placed to assist clients from the planning phase through to the onboarding the employee in the UK.

Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual representative of an overseas business 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);
• 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.

Global Talent provides a route for highly talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, medicine, humanities, culture and the arts to live and work in the UK subject to few restrictions.

This route replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category – however, individuals who hold Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) status can still make applications for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK in this route.

Key features

• Work: with limited exceptions, Global Talent migrants may undertake almost any type of employment or self-employment in the UK.
• Dependants: the spouse or partner and/or children of Global Talent 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: individuals may apply for settlement after three or five years’ continuous residence in the UK (the applicable period of residence will depend on the type of application made).

Our team has substantial experience assisting recognised and emerging leaders in their fields come to the UK to live and work. With a considerable track record of working with the Designated Competent Bodies and navigating the complexities of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category, our team is very well placed to guide clients through the Global Talent endorsement and application processes.

Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for Global Talent applications and Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) ILR applications typically range between £7,500 – £18,000 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.

The Innovator route replaces Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), 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 innovative, viable and scalable. A minimum investment of £50,000 is required in most cases.

Key features

• Work: Innovator 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 migrants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) continuous residence in the UK.

Our team’s in-depth knowledge of the predecessor Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category, as well as involvement in Home Office lobbying and policy direction, means we are well placed to advise on Innovator applications. We manage the entire application process from obtaining the necessary endorsement through to advising on requirements for future applications in order to ensure clients remain compliant.

We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual Innovator 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.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) enabled nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to establish, join or take over a business in the UK.

This route is now closed to new entrants.

The category will remain active for the following migrants:

• Dependants: may still join main applicants who previously obtained Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) permission;
• Existing Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs) may apply for extension applications until 5 April 2023 and indefinite leave to remain(ILR) applications until 5 April 2025; and
• Switching: Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneurs) will be permitted to switch into Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) until 5 July 2021, and these individuals will have until 5 July 2025 to apply for extensions, and 5 July 2027 to apply for ILR.

While Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applications face high refusal rates, our firm has substantial experience overcoming the significant challenges in complex cases where some of the criteria may not have been satisfied or where an applicant was previously refused.

Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applications typically range between £14,000 – £22,000 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon whether the application is for an extension or ILR 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.