Business and Corporate Immigration Services

If your business or organisation requires skilled employees and professionals from abroad, our business immigration lawyers can support you. We can also advise on all types of visa applications for people seeking to work in the UK.

We can help with all aspects of sponsorship licence applications, management and compliance, as well as advising on applications for a wide range of visas.

1 Step Ahead is your trusted partner for fast, comprehensive, business immigration support.

Navigating the Immigration System

Navigating the UK’s immigration system for your business and workforce can be complex. At 1 Step Ahead Immigration Services, we understand that attracting and retaining the right talent is crucial for your success. We’re here to simplify the process, guiding you through the various visa options available.

How 1 Step Ahead Immigration Services Can Help Your Business

We understand the intricacies of UK business immigration law and are dedicated to providing expert support to businesses of all sizes.

Here’s how we can assist you:

Comprehensive Consultation: We’ll take the time to understand your business needs and advise on the most suitable visa routes for your employees and your growth plans.

Sponsor Licence Application Support: We’ll guide you through the process of applying for a sponsor licence, ensuring you meet all the requirements and helping you select key personnel.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Management: We’ll assist you in assigning and managing CoS effectively, ensuring compliance with UKVI guidelines.

Individual Visa Application Assistance: We’ll provide tailored guidance to your employees throughout their visa application process, ensuring all required documentation is correctly prepared and submitted. This includes helping them understand the document checklist.

Compliance and Ongoing Support: We’ll help you understand your ongoing sponsor duties and responsibilities and provide support to ensure your business remains compliant with immigration regulations.

Right to Work Checks Guidance: We’ll help you establish and maintain robust right to work check procedures to prevent illegal working.

Addressing Complex Issues: Whether you’re dealing with switching visa categories, extensions of stay, or other complex immigration matters, our experienced team is here to provide solutions.

Keeping You Informed: Immigration rules and guidance are frequently updated. We’ll keep you informed of the latest changes and how they may affect your business.

Types of Visas

Skilled Worker Visa

This is a popular route for businesses looking to recruit individuals for jobs that meet a required skill level (RQF level 3 or above)

Key Requirements Typically Include:

• A genuine job vacancy.
• Sponsorship by a UK employer holding a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
• The role must meet the minimum salary requirements, which vary depending on factors like the nature of the job and whether the individual is a new entrant.
• The applicant needs to meet English language requirements and certain financial requirements.

Global Business Mobility (GBM) Routes

These routes are designed for businesses with an overseas presence looking to establish or expand in the UK or transfer specific employees.

Key Global Business Mobility Routes Include:

• Senior or Specialist Worker: For senior managers and specialist employees undertaking temporary assignments in a UK business linked to their overseas employer. 
• Graduate Trainee: For workers on a graduate training course leading to a senior management or specialist position who need a work placement in the UK.
• UK Expansion Worker: For senior managers and specialist employees coming to the UK to undertake work related to expanding their overseas business where there is no current trading presence in the UK.
• Service Supplier: For contractual service suppliers coming to the UK to undertake temporary work assignments under a UK international trade agreement.
• Secondment Worker: For migrants coming to the UK under the terms of a high-value contract or investment by their employer.

Common Requirements for GBM

• Sponsorship by a UK employer with a relevant GBM sponsor licence.
• Assignment of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Meeting minimum salary requirements which vary by route.
• The job being at the required skill level (often RQF level 6).
• Meeting financial requirements.

The Scale-Up Route

This route is for businesses demonstrating high growth looking to hire highly skilled individuals.

• Your business must meet specific growth criteria.
• You need to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) initially.
• The job must be at graduate level (RQF level 6) and meet minimum salary requirements.
• The applicant needs to meet English language requirements (at least B1 CEFR).
• The applicant needs to meet financial requirements.
• After an initial period, individuals on this route may be able to apply for unsponsored extension and potentially settlement.

Temporary Worker Visas

These are for specific types of temporary work. Requirements Vary Significantly by Category.

Examples Include:

• Creative Worker: For individuals in the creative industries.
• Government Authorised Exchange: For sponsored temporary work, research, or training.
• Youth Mobility Scheme: For young people from participating countries wishing to live and work in the UK for a limited time.

Business Visas

Individuals can visit the UK for certain business activities without needing a full work visa.

Permitted activities generally include:

• Attending meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Negotiating and signing deals and contracts.
• Undertaking certain activities related to a contract with a UK company, provided the majority of work is done overseas.
• Remote working is permitted, but cannot be the primary purpose of the visit.

Key Restrictions:

• Cannot undertake work that amounts to employment or filling a role in a UK organisation.
• Cannot receive payment from a UK source (with limited exceptions for expenses, etc.).

Looking to Work or Set Up a Business?

The UK offers routes for individuals to come and work or establish a business in their own right.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: For graduates from top global universities to come and work in the UK without a job offer. There are specific eligibility criteria regarding the university and the timing of graduation.

Global Talent Visa: For exceptionally talented and promising individuals in fields like science, engineering, arts, and digital technology. This often requires endorsement from a recognised body.

UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK who are able and planning to work.

Innovator Founder Visa: For individuals looking to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK, with endorsement from an approved body.

Why Choose 1 Step Ahead’s Business Immigration Services?

• Expertise and Experience: Our team of immigration law specialists has a deep understanding of the UK immigration system and a proven track record of success.
• Personalised Service: We provide tailored support to meet the specific needs of your business. We take the time to understand your objectives and provide clear, practical advice.
• Efficiency and Accuracy: We streamline the immigration process, helping you to navigate complex requirements efficiently and minimise the risk of errors or delays.
• Peace of Mind: By entrusting your immigration matters to us, you can focus on running your business, knowing that your visa applications are in expert hands.
• Commitment to Compliance: We are dedicated to ensuring that your business remains compliant with all relevant immigration laws and regulations.