
UK Immigration Frequently Asked Questions
Explore clear and practical answers to common immigration queries, and contact our immigration lawyers for further guidance.

CATEGORIES
Sponsor Licence Application & Ongoing Management
What is a sponsor licence and why does my business need one?
A sponsor licence allows UK employers to hire non-UK nationals under sponsored routes. Without it, a business cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship or legally employ Skilled Workers.
Who is eligible to apply for a sponsor licence?
What documents are required for a sponsor licence application?
How long does the sponsor licence process take?
What is a Right to Work check?
What are Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)?
What are the main costs involved in sponsorship?
What ongoing duties must sponsors meet?
What happens during a Home Office compliance audit?
What happens if my sponsor licence is suspended?
Sponsor Licence Application & Ongoing Management
What is a sponsor licence and why does my business need one?
A sponsor licence allows UK employers to hire non-UK nationals under sponsored routes. Without it, a business cannot issue Certificates of Sponsorship or legally employ Skilled Workers.
Who is eligible to apply for a sponsor licence?
What documents are required for a sponsor licence application?
How long does the sponsor licence process take?
What is a Right to Work check?
What are Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)?
What are the main costs involved in sponsorship?
What ongoing duties must sponsors meet?
What happens during a Home Office compliance audit?
What happens if my sponsor licence is suspended?
Employee Immigration & Dependant Mobility
What are the main requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?
A valid CoS, eligible occupation code, compliant salary, English language evidence and supporting documentation.
How long does a Skilled Worker visa take?
What are common reasons for Skilled Worker visa refusals?
Can dependants join a sponsored worker?
What are Global Business Mobility routes used for?
Employee Immigration & Dependant Mobility
What are the main requirements for a Skilled Worker visa?
A valid CoS, eligible occupation code, compliant salary, English language evidence and supporting documentation.
How long does a Skilled Worker visa take?
What are common reasons for Skilled Worker visa refusals?
Can dependants join a sponsored worker?
What are Global Business Mobility routes used for?
Immigration Advisory
What is an immigration health check for HR teams?
A review of HR systems, onboarding processes, documentation and reporting readiness.
Why are Right to Work checks essential?
How do mergers and restructures affect sponsored workers?
What is immigration risk management?
How do employers plan long-term immigration needs?
Immigration Advisory
What is an immigration health check for HR teams?
A review of HR systems, onboarding processes, documentation and reporting readiness.
Why are Right to Work checks essential?
How do mergers and restructures affect sponsored workers?
What is immigration risk management?
How do employers plan long-term immigration needs?
UK Expansion & Founder Immigration Routes
What is the UK Expansion Worker route?
It enables an overseas business to send a senior employee to establish its first UK branch.
Who can apply for the Innovator Founder visa?
What is self-sponsorship?
Why is a business plan important for founder visas?
Can founders progress to settlement?
UK Expansion & Founder Immigration Routes
What is the UK Expansion Worker route?
It enables an overseas business to send a senior employee to establish its first UK branch.
Who can apply for the Innovator Founder visa?
What is self-sponsorship?
Why is a business plan important for founder visas?
Can founders progress to settlement?
ILR, Long Residence, Family Visas & Citizenship
When can someone apply for ILR?
Most routes require five years of continuous lawful residence with absences within the permitted thresholds, alongside English language and Life in the UK requirements. Given ongoing discussions about potential changes to settlement rules, applicants should seek up-to-date advice before preparing their ILR strategy.
What is the 10-year long residence route?
What is required for a Family Visa under Appendix FM?
What is required for British citizenship?
Who needs a Returning Resident visa?
ILR, Long Residence, Family Visas & Citizenship
When can someone apply for ILR?
Most routes require five years of continuous lawful residence with absences within the permitted thresholds, alongside English language and Life in the UK requirements. Given ongoing discussions about potential changes to settlement rules, applicants should seek up-to-date advice before preparing their ILR strategy.
What is the 10-year long residence route?
What is required for a Family Visa under Appendix FM?
What is required for British citizenship?
Who needs a Returning Resident visa?

Speak to a Senior Immigration Lawyer
Our team will review your circumstances and provide clear, practical direction.
Contact us now.

Speak to a Senior Immigration Lawyer
Our team will review your circumstances and provide clear, practical direction.
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