{"id":147602,"date":"2026-09-07T10:35:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T10:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=147602"},"modified":"2026-09-07T11:16:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T11:16:58","slug":"united-kingdom-corporate-immigration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/united-kingdom-corporate-immigration\/","title":{"rendered":"United Kingdom: Corporate Immigration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-147602","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-corporate-immigration","jurisdictions-united-kingdom"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Deloitte<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2021\/01\/Deloitte-Logo-2.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Deloitte<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2021\/01\/Deloitte-Logo-2.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Corporate Immigration laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the relevant government entities relating to immigration in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Home Office, specifically UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the options available for sponsor-based employment in your jurisdiction and timelines involved in securing a work permit?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The main route for sponsored employment is the Skilled Worker visa. Timelines vary but can take 8 weeks or longer depending on the individual circumstances and whether the applicant uses the priority service.<\/p>\n<p>Other sponsored routes include the Global Business Mobility routes for Senior or Specialist Workers, Graduate Trainees, UK Expansion Workers, Service Suppliers and Secondments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the primary options available for unsponsored work and investment in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The main options for unsponsored work are the Global Talent visa, the Innovator visa, and the Start-up visa. The main investment route is the Innovator visa. Other routes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>High Potential Individual<\/li>\n<li>Start-up route<\/li>\n<li>Graduate route<\/li>\n<li>Frontier worker permit<\/li>\n<li>Ancestry Visa<\/li>\n<li>Youth Mobility Visa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the requirements for becoming a sponsor of employment-based migrants and what are the role and reporting duties of sponsors?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Sponsors must meet certain eligibility requirements (listed below). They have various duties, including record-keeping, monitoring workers, reporting changes to UKVI, and ensuring compliance with immigration rules.<\/p>\n<p>To be eligible for a licence as an employer, you cannot have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or certain other crimes, such as fraud or money laundering<\/li>\n<li>had a sponsor licence revoke in the last 12 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Employers must:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>check that their foreign workers have the necessary skills, qualifications, or professional accreditations to do their jobs, and keep copies of documents showing this<\/li>\n<li>only assign certificates of sponsorship to workers when the job is suitable for sponsorship<\/li>\n<li>tell UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if their sponsored workers are not complying with the conditions of their visa<\/li>\n<li>comply with UK employment law for jobs they are offering<\/li>\n<li>meet any specific requirements for workers under 18, scale-up workers or offshore workers<\/li>\n<li>have appropriate systems in place to monitor sponsored workers and personnel to manage sponsorship in their business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are applications filed electronically, or paper base? Is a physical visa\/work permit document issued or is an electronic approval issued?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Most applications are filed electronically. An electronic approval is issued, linked to the applicant&#8217;s passport in the form of an eVisa<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is an in-person attendance\/interview required as part of the visa\/work permit application process? Is an individual required to enrol their biometrics (digital photo, fingerprint scan) as part of the visa\/work permit process?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In-person interviews are not generally required for UK work visa applications, although the Home Office may request an interview on a discretionary basis.<\/p>\n<p>Most applicants must provide biometric information, including a facial image and, where required, fingerprints, as part of the application process. Biometric enrolment is usually completed through a Visa Application Centre, UKVCAS appointment or an approved digital process, depending on the applicant&#8217;s circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What persons qualify as dependants? Can dependants work based on their dependant visa status? Are there any restrictions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK visa authorities consider dependants as legal spouses, partners, and children under 18, for the purposes of a visa application.<\/p>\n<p>Dependent Partners or Child(ren) can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>work, except as a sportsperson or coach<\/li>\n<li>study<\/li>\n<li>travel abroad and return to the UK<\/li>\n<li>apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as Settlement or \u201cIndefinite Leave to Remain\u201d or \u201cILR\u201d) if they\u2019ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements. (This timeframe could change to 10 years under proposals included within the Government\u2019s Immigration White Paper published in May 2025).<\/li>\n<li>They cannot apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the general time frame and processes for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship for sponsored and unsponsored business-related immigration?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For sponsored routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, individuals are generally eligible to apply for Settlement (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)) after five years of continuous residence in the UK, provided they meet the relevant immigration requirements. Certain non-sponsored routes, including the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas, may offer accelerated pathways to Settlement, with eligibility arising after as little as three years in some circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Individuals who have obtained Settlement may generally become eligible to apply for British citizenship after holding Settled Status for a further 12 months, subject to meeting the applicable naturalisation requirements.<\/p>\n<p>However, the UK Government&#8217;s Immigration White Paper published in May 2025 proposed significant reforms to the Settlement framework, including extending the qualifying period for Settlement from the current five years to a potential 10-year standard route, with some individuals potentially qualifying sooner or later depending on their circumstances. These proposals are currently under consultation and have not yet been implemented<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What productive type activities can a business visitor undertake and for how long?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Business visitors can undertake permitted activities such as attending meetings, carry out site visits and receive training.<\/p>\n<p>The maximum stay is usually 6 months. More specifically a business visitor can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>attend interviews, meetings, conferences, and seminars<\/li>\n<li>negotiate and sign deals and contracts<\/li>\n<li>attend trade fairs to promote business (selling is not permitted)<\/li>\n<li>get work-related training if they are employed overseas and the training is not available in their home country<\/li>\n<li>give a one-off or short series of talks as long as they\u2019re not for profit or a commercial event \u2013 payment is only permitted for speaking at certain engagements or events (a \u2018permitted paid engagement\u2019)<\/li>\n<li>carry out site visits and inspections<\/li>\n<li>oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to an overseas company or organisation<\/li>\n<li>deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company the Visitor works for overseas<\/li>\n<li>install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if the overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can remote work be carried out from your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, you can generally work remotely in the UK.\u00a0The UK&#8217;s immigration rules allow visitors to work remotely whilst in the UK, provided the main reason of their trip is for another permitted purpose, and they do not engage with the local market or directly provide goods\/services to the public.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any productive work \/ revenue generating activities that can be carried out as a visitor and without the need for a work permit? If so, what activities and for how long?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The short answer is generally no. A business visitor cannot undertake productive work that amounts to employment, filling a role in the UK labour market, or delivering services directly to a UK client or organisation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a remote work or nomad visa category in your jurisdiction? If not, how likely is it that this will be implemented in future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, there are no nomad visa categories in the UK. It is not likely that this will be implemented soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How easy is it to switch visa categories\/jobs\/employer from within country? And\/or if made redundant, can the individual regularise their stay in another capacity and what is the timeframe allowable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Switching visa categories is possible from within the UK, subject to meeting the requirements of the new visa category. Individuals made redundant may have a short period to find alternative employment or switch to a different visa category.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What common issues or concerns may arise for employers under business immigration in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Common issues include ensuring compliance with sponsor duties, navigating the complex immigration rules with increasing changes and higher thresholds of skills and salary requirements, and managing the visa application process, which includes high visa costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a fast track process \/ certification that business can obtain to expedite visa \/ permit processing?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no dedicated fast-track certification scheme for UK businesses. While UKVI previously offered certain priority services for sponsors, expedited processing is now generally limited to priority and super priority services available for individual visa applications, subject to availability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the recent trends, both political and social that have impacted (or are anticipated to impact) your jurisdiction with regard to immigration policy and law?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Immigration policy has become increasingly shaped by the Government&#8217;s objective of reducing net migration while addressing skills shortages in key sectors of the economy. Following the election of the Labour Government in 2024, there has been a renewed focus on linking migration policy more closely to domestic workforce development, training and skills investment. This has resulted in tighter eligibility criteria for certain immigration routes, greater scrutiny of sponsorship arrangements and an increased emphasis on employer compliance obligations.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, skills shortages in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, construction, technology and the green economy continue to generate demand for overseas talent. This has created an ongoing tension between efforts to reduce migration and the need to support economic growth and labour market demands.<\/p>\n<p>A significant recent development has been the publication of the Government&#8217;s Immigration White Paper in May 2025, which proposed a range of reforms including extending the pathway to Settlement, increasing skills thresholds for sponsored work routes, revising shortage occupation arrangements and strengthening compliance measures. Although many of these proposals have not yet been implemented, they are expected to shape UK immigration policy and legislation over the coming years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any new and \/ or anticipated changes impacting immigration law and \/ or policy in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In May 2025, the Government published its Immigration White Paper, setting out proposals to reduce reliance on overseas labour, increase investment in domestic skills and training, and strengthen compliance requirements for employers and sponsors.<\/p>\n<p>Key proposals include extending the qualifying period for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from the current five-year model to a longer pathway, increasing skills requirements for sponsored workers, reforming shortage occupation arrangements through a new Temporary Shortage List, and enhancing English language requirements across a number of immigration routes.<\/p>\n<p>The Government has also signalled a continued focus on sponsor compliance, enforcement activity and workforce planning, with immigration policy increasingly linked to broader labour market and economic objectives. In parallel, the immigration system continues to become more digital through the rollout of eVisas and other online services.<\/p>\n<p>Many of these reforms remain proposals and are subject to consultation and legislative implementation. However, they are expected to shape the direction of UK immigration law and policy over the coming years and employers should continue to monitor developments closely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How do you see technology developing and evolving to support immigration process in the future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Technology is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the administration and enforcement of immigration systems. This trend is already evident through the rollout of eVisas, digital immigration status records and online right to work verification systems, reflecting a broader move away from paper-based processes and physical immigration documents.<\/p>\n<p>Artificial intelligence and data analytics are also expected to play a growing role in application processing, compliance monitoring and risk assessment. However, the use of such technologies will need to be balanced against considerations relating to privacy, transparency and procedural fairness.<\/p>\n<p>For employers, continued technological developments are likely to simplify sponsorship compliance through enhanced digital record-keeping, automated right to work checks and more integrated reporting systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the Right to Work requirements in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>If you\u2019re not a British or Irish citizen, you can prove your right to work in the UK with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a share code, if you have an eVisa &#8211; you can get a share code online<\/li>\n<li>your eligible immigration documents, if you do not have a digital status<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\"><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the types of civil and criminal penalties employers may face for non-compliance with immigration rules i.e. employing an individual who does not have the Right to Work?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Employers who employ individuals without the right to work may face civil penalties of up to \u00a345,000 for a first breach and up to \u00a360,000 for a repeat breach per illegal worker.<\/p>\n<p>Where an employer knowingly employs an illegal worker or has reasonable cause to believe they do not have permission to work, criminal sanctions including an unlimited fine and up to five years&#8217; imprisonment may apply. Sponsor licence holders may also face licence suspension, revocation and reputational damage.<\/p>\n<p>From 1 October 2026, the UK&#8217;s illegal working regime is expected to be expanded to cover a wider range of working arrangements, increasing compliance obligations for businesses engaging workers through certain contractor and labour supply models<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there labour market testing requirements in your jurisdiction and if so, what do they involve?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Resident Labour Market Testing (RLMT) used to exist but was removed January 1, 2021.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there quota requirements, restrictions or a cap on the numbers of foreign nationals hired per company in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, not in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any exit procedures in your jurisdiction, if an individual is departing permanently?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are no formal exit procedures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any requirements for medical certificates or vaccinations for your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK visa TB test is a mandatory requirement for individuals applying for a UK visa, for 6 months or longer from certain countries where tuberculosis is prevalent. The test is part of the UK&#8217;s measures to protect public health and prevent the spread of TB.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any language requirements for your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, many UK visa applications require applicants to demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency. This requirement can be met through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or by providing evidence of other English language qualifications. The specific English language requirements vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the government costs associated with a typical employment based visa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Fees vary depending on visa type. For a Skilled Worker visa, the standard fee depends on whether the individual will be in the UK for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>up to 3 years &#8211; \u00a3819 per person<\/li>\n<li>more than 3 years &#8211; \u00a31,618 per person<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Applicants must have at least \u00a31,270 in their bank account to show they can support themselves in the UK. They will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.<\/p>\n<p>Applicants usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>they\u2019ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months<\/li>\n<li>their employer can cover the applicant\u2019s costs during their first month in the UK, up to \u00a31,270<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In addition to the visa application cost for a Skilled Worker visa, there are fees payable for a Certificate of Sponsorship (\u00a3525) as well as the Immigration Health Surcharge (\u00a31,035 per year of application) and an Immigration Skills Charge (\u00a31,320 per year of application).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is a local contract of employment required in order to obtain a work based visa or work permit? Are there salary or other thresholds to be met by the migrant?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A local contract of employment is not required for sponsored work visas. There are minimum salary requirements for sponsored workers.<\/p>\n<p>The standard salary threshold for a Skilled Worker visa is \u00a341,700 per year for new applications.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the salary, there are also skills levels which need to be met for a role to be eligible for sponsorship. Currently the skills level has been set to Level 6 of the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF), which is equivalent to a bachelor\u2019s degree level, or above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the maximum periods of stay for individuals on an employment based visa \/ work permit?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The maximum period of stay depends on the immigration route. For the UK&#8217;s main sponsored work route, the Skilled Worker visa, permission is typically granted for up to five years at a time and can be extended, provided the relevant requirements continue to be met. Eligible individuals may apply for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years&#8217; continuous residence.<\/p>\n<p>It should be noted that the UK Government has proposed reforms to the Settlement framework, including extending the qualifying period for Settlement. However, these proposals have not yet been implemented.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction allow dual nationality?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the most positive aspects of your immigration system compared to the rest of the world?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The principal strengths of the UK immigration system are its diverse range of visa routes, increasingly digital and user-friendly processes, and the availability of a clear pathway to Settlement and British citizenship for many migrants. The system also offers relatively efficient processing times compared with many other jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are you facing any challenges resulting from a shortage of skills. If yes, which skills?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK is facing significant challenges resulting from shortages of various skills across numerous sectors. These shortages impact economic growth, productivity, and the country&#8217;s ability to compete globally. The skills gaps are complex and multifaceted, influenced by factors such as technological advancements, demographic changes, and educational mismatches.<\/p>\n<p>Key skills areas experiencing shortages include, STEM, healthcare, construction and engineering, green economy and digital skills.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any plans in place to address green skills and\/or to support transition to green economies?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UK Government has introduced a number of initiatives to support the transition to a green economy and address emerging green skills shortages across sectors such as renewable energy, engineering, technology, construction and infrastructure. These initiatives include investment in skills and workforce development, alongside industrial and net-zero strategies designed to support the growth of green industries.<\/p>\n<p>While there is currently no dedicated &#8216;green skills&#8217; visa route, employers can utilise existing immigration pathways, including the Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes, to recruit individuals with specialist expertise needed to support the UK&#8217;s net-zero and sustainability objectives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">3112<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/147602","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=147602"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}