Taking on the right employees is a vital part of your business success. When these workers come from outside of the UK, they will need a new points-based visa before they can start work. This applies to both EU and non-EU citizens.
Expert legal advice and representation
At Halliday Reeves, our expert immigration lawyers will work with you to understand your business’s needs and provide the advice and guidance needed to ensure your immigration applications are successful.
We help businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across a range of sectors and have a good understanding of the workings of the UK Visas and Immigration department of the Home Office. Our firm specialises in immigration and nothing else, meaning we have leading expertise in the area.
We are friendly and approachable and our advice is always clear and practical. Immigration law is complex and rapidly changing. We will ensure that you understand the process and we will help you put together the requisite documentation so that your application is correct and stands the best chance of being accepted.
Our team have an excellent track record of success in working with businesses on immigration issues. We will make sure we keep you updated as to progress and that we are available to speak to you when needed to answer any questions you may have.
Navigating the immigration rules is not always straightforward, particularly as the new rules come into effect. If you are an overseas worker or you are thinking of taking on workers from outside of the UK and you would like to discuss your options with an expert immigration lawyer, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will be happy to give you an initial free 15-minute consultation.
Obtaining a sponsorship licence
The immigration system is overseen by the UK Border Agency and comprises five different categories of visa application. Businesses can take on skilled workers under the skilled worker visa (previously known as Tier 2) and temporary workers under Tier 5.
In taking on overseas workers, a business will need to have a licence giving it authorisation to issue a number of sponsorship certificates. This could be either for long-term workers or for temporary workers.
The first step in taking on workers from overseas is obtaining a sponsorship licence. Unfortunately, whilst necessary to recruit from overseas, it is never a straightforward procedure and will also involve ongoing responsibilities as you manage and monitor workers. The right infrastructure will need to be in place from the start when the application for the licence is made.
Our immigration lawyers have extensive experience across all aspects of the immigration system and we can assist you with all of your documentation, advise you as to the correct procedure to be followed and ensure that you meet the government’s legal requirements in respect of applications.
We will also give you the necessary guidance so you can set up internal systems so that you are compliant with the rules and restrictions during your time as an employer of overseas workers.
For more information, see our page on skilled worker sponsor licence.
Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2)
The skilled worker visa is the main visa for skilled workers who have received a UK job offer from an employer with a sponsorship licence. There is a minimum salary requirement, although there are exemptions allowing some workers to come to the UK even if their salary is below the usual minimum.
At least 70 points are needed by a worker to apply for a skilled worker visa.
Tier 5 visa
Tier 5 visas cover temporary workers in a range of areas, to include charity, creative, sporting, exchange, international agreement workers and religious workers. As an employer, you will need to provide a certificate of sponsorship, which we can help you with.
A tier 5 visa has no minimum English language requirement (unless applying for settlement through an international agreement route). Workers will need to be able to show that they have maintenance funds or as their employer you can certify that you will provide these funds.
Tier 5 visas used to be based on the points-based system but this is no longer the case. These worker visas now have their own appendices in the immigration rules outside of the point-based system.
(Skilled worker routes still consist of points scoring whereas tier 5 does not) Successful applications are now based on meeting suitability and eligibility requirements. Contact us for help with tier 5 visas.
A general overview of the points-based system
Points are awarded for a variety of reasons, for example:
English language requirement – 10 points
For a skilled worker visa application, it is essential to meet a certain standard in English. This can be established either by taking and passing an Approved English Language Test, having English as a first language or having a degree that was taught in English.
Qualifications – 30 – 50 points
Points are awarded for degrees, with a bachelor degree worth 30 points, a masters degree worth 35 points and a PHD worth 50 points. Other vocational qualifications may also be worth points.
Make An Enquiry
At Halliday Reeves, we can advise you on the process of obtaining a UK visa or taking on overseas workers and support you through the application procedure.
Our firm specialises solely in immigration, meaning we are genuine experts with the in-depth knowledge and experience to help our clients with all of their immigration needs. We are commercially focused and understand the importance for a business of being able to take on the right talent.
We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your requirements and advise you on the best course of action in your circumstances.
We have offices in Middlesbrough, Gateshead, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or complete an Online Enquiry.
