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Visas for Work, Business & Investment

The immigration rules in relation to business immigration are constantly changing, now more than ever. It is therefore vitally important that you get up-to-date legal advice whenever you are considering business immigration issues so that you are aware of your responsibilities when employing talent from overseas.

SPONSOR LICENCE

In order to employ skilled workers from around the world, UK employers must first apply to UK Visas and Immigration for a sponsor licence. Workers must have a job offer from an employer that has made a successful sponsor licence application before they can apply to come to, or remain in, the UK for work.

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What are the main eligibility requirements for a Sponsor Licence?

 

To obtain a sponsor licence, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

  • Your company is a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK;

  • You are honest, dependable and reliable;

  • You are capable of carrying out your sponsor duties and evidencing your compliance in an appropriate timeframe and manner;

  • You can offer genuine employment that meets the appropriate skill level and appropriate rates of pay.

 

In order to establish that you are a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK, you will need to submit a number of company-related documents. The exact documents will depend upon the type of organisation that you are and the tiers that you wish to sponsor migrants under.

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UKVI will assess whether you are honest, dependable and reliable by looking at your history and background, as well as that of the key personnel named on your application and any people involved in the day to day running of your business.

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UKVI will examine your current human resources and recruitment practices in order to make sure that you are able to fulfil your sponsor duties.

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Under the genuineness test, UKVI will look at the role that you are seeking to recruit foreign nationals for, and the extent to which this role fits within your organisation as a whole.

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How our immigration experts can help

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Our business immigration experts assist UK employers to obtain the right sponsor licence, maintaining their licence at the highest rating and comply with their sponsor duties.

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Whether you require advice on the correct company-related documentation to provide in support of a sponsor licence application, assistance with drafting a compelling business case that will satisfy UKVI that you need a sponsor licence to fill a genuine role or guidance on running a compliant recruitment process, our immigration experts can manage the sponsor licence application process on your behalf.

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We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our business clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice directly to UK employers as part of a professional and friendly service.

INVESTOR VISA

This route is now closed to new applicants. Individuals who already have entry clearance or leave to enter or remain as a Tier 1 Investor Migrant may apply to extend their stay or for indefinite leave to remain. Applications for further leave to remain as a Tier 1 Investor can be made until 17 February 2026. Applications for indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 1 Investor can be made until 17 February 2028.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

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Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

TIER 5 TEMPORARY WORKER VISA

If you have a job offer from an official sponsor in the UK within the creative and sport, charity or religious sectors, an approved scheme or are covered by an agreement through international law you may be able to come to live and work in the UK on a temporary basis, even though you cannot meet the more strict criteria under the Tier 2 scheme.

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Tier 5 visas enable you to live and work in the UK. This category provides an opportunity for you to experience life in the UK on a temporary basis.

UK START-UP VISA

The UK Start-up visa is for nationals who are new entrepreneurs and want to establish a business in the UK for the first time. You do not need to be a graduate or have secured any initial funding. However, you will need to have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea that has been approved by an endorsing body.

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Start-up visas are one-off visas, valid for two years, and the category does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. However, UK Start-up visa holders may extend their stay in the Innovator visa category and qualify for ILR three years later. UK Start-up visa applicants can bring their partner and any children under the age of 18 to the UK.

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Who is the UK Start-up visa suitable for?

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The UK Start-up visa category is suitable for early-stage but high potential entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK for the first time.

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Generally, UK Start-up visa applicants will not already have started setting up their business in the UK. However, where they have, the new business should not yet have started trading. The only exceptions are if the applicant has already been granted leave under the Start-up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) categories or the Tier 4 doctorate extension scheme.

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If you are an experienced businessperson seeking to establish a business in the UK, the Innovator visa may be more appropriate. If you wish to join an already trading company, the Skilled Worker visa may be more appropriate. If you wish to invest in an already trading business, then you may wish to consider the Tier 1 Investor visa route. Finally, if you are a senior employee of an overseas business looking to establish a commercial presence in the UK, you may consider the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa.

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Requirements for a UK Start-up visa

 

In order to qualify for a UK Start-up visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

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  • You are at least 18 years old;

  • You have not previously established a business in the UK (unless you previously held leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur);

  • You have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body that has assessed your business idea for innovation, viability and scalability and is satisfied that you will spend the majority of your working time in the UK on developing your business venture;

  • Your endorsement letter was issued not more than three months before the date of your Start-up visa application;

  • You genuinely intend to undertake, and are capable of undertaking, any work or business activity in the UK stated in your application;

  • You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);

  • You have at least £945 available to support yourself (and £630 for each dependant) without relying on public funds.

 

The exact requirements that you will need to satisfy may vary depending on the circumstances of your case.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in the immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

SKILLED WORKER VISA

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is open to individuals of all nationalities (except British and Irish) who have an offer of an eligible skilled job in the UK from a Home Office-approved sponsor. The route can lead to settlement and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.

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In order to secure a UK Skilled Worker Visa you will need to be sponsored to do a specific job, which meets certain skill and salary requirements, by an employer that has been licensed by the Home Office.

There is no cap on the number of people who can enter the UK on the UK Skilled Worker route.

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Requirements for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

 

In order to qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

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  • You are aged 18 or over;

  • You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you are planning to do;

  • Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;

  • Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;

  • Your job is at an appropriate skill level;

  • You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);

  • You will be paid a salary that equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the occupation;

  • You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;

  • You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and

  • You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

 

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. 

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in the immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

ECAA ANKARA AGREEMENT VISA

The ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa is for Turkish nationals over the age of 18 who either want to start a new business in the UK or come to the UK to help run an established business.

 

Requirements for an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa

 

In order to qualify for an ECAA Ankara Agreement Turkish Businessperson visa under the Turkish EC Association Agreement (‘ECAA’ or ‘Ankara Agreement’), you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that you are a Turkish national and:

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  • You have a genuine intention to set up a viable business;

  • You will devote sufficient funds or assets of your own to establish your business;

  • You will be able to pay your share of the costs of running the business;

  • Your part in the business will not amount to disguised employment;

  • Your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your family without you needing to have another job or rely on public funds;

  • You have not remained in the UK in breach of UK immigration laws

 

If you want to join an existing partnership or company you will also need to show that:

  • You will have an active part in running the business;

  • There is a genuine need for your services and investment.

 

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. 

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven, and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

UK GLOBAL BUSINESS MOBILITY VISA: SENIOR OR SPECIALIST WORKER

The UK Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is for senior managers and specialist employees who wish to undertake a temporary work assignment in the UK. The overseas worker must be assigned to a UK business linked to their employer overseas (also known as an intra-company transfer).  The UK Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker route will open on 11 April 2022.

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The UK Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker Visa does not lead directly to settlement in the UK.  However, you may be able to switch to another immigration route which does lead to settlement.  Applicants may be joined or accompanied by a partner and dependent children.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

​

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven, and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

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ARTISTS AND ENTERTAINERS

The UK is a world-leading hub for the creative industries. Whether you are an actor, musician, dancer or other performing artist, our immigration experts are well versed in the full range of UK visas available to artists and entertainers who wish to visit or work in the UK. 

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UK Visas & Immigration Routes for Artists and Entertainers

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To undertake activities as an artist or entertainer in the UK, you will normally need to obtain a visa under one of the tiers of the points-based system. The points-based system has special categories and rules for those in the creative and entertainment industries. In most categories, you will need to be sponsored by an employer. However, if you are going to be in the UK briefly, or for a single event or activity, one of the visitor visa categories may be more appropriate. 

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The main immigration routes available to artists and entertainers are:

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•    Standard Visitor

•    Permitted Paid Engagement

•    Global Talent

•    Skilled Worker

•    Temporary Work – Creative Worker

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Employers and event organisers: if you are a UK organisation and are looking to employ an individual to work in the UK, you may need to sponsor them, unless they are only coming for a short period or they are eligible to come to the UK on a different basis which provides them with permission to work. To sponsor an employee, you will need to obtain a sponsor licence. If the individual will not actually be working for you then they may be eligible for a Standard Visitor visa or a Permitted Paid Engagement visa. 

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Festivals and Cultural Events: if you organise a festival or cultural event, it will be much easier and cheaper for your performers to enter the UK if your event is on the Home Office’s list of permit-free festivals. If your event is on the list then your performers will be able to enter the UK with a Standard Visitor visa and you will not be required to sponsor them under the points-based system. They will also be able to be paid. To be included on the list, your event must have been established for at least 3 years, have had an audience of at least 15,000 at each of the last 3 festivals and expect to have an audience of at least 15,000 during the course of the next event.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

​

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven, and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

CERTIFICATES OF SPONSORSHIP

Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) are electronic records that must be assigned for each migrant worker you employ. Each CoS will have a unique reference number which enables an applicant worker to apply for a visa.

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What are the main requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship?

 

In order to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from the Home Office, a sponsoring employer will need to complete a CoS form. The CoS form will ask for information such as the job role and whether it is a Shortage Occupation.

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There are two types of CoS, Unrestricted and Restricted. It is the sponsoring employer’s responsibility to determine the type of CoS that is needed for the migrant worker.

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Unrestricted Certificates of Sponsorship are available to individuals who are seeking to switch into the Tier 2 category from within the UK or extend their stay in the UK as a Tier 2 migrant, except those in the UK as the dependant of a Tier 4 Migrant. They are also available to those intending to fill a vacancy with a salary of at least £159,600.

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Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship are for Tier 2 (General) skilled workers who are currently abroad and who will be paid less than £159,600 per year (and are not in an inward investment post), as well as family members of Tier 4 migrants who are switching to a Tier 2 visa.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR VISA

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur category is now closed to new entrants. Those holding existing Tier 1 Entrepreneur status can continue to apply for extensions and indefinite leave to remain subject to meeting the necessary requirements.

SWITCH INTO TIER 1 ENTREPRENEUR

If you are a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur migrant or you previously held leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur and have since switched into the Startup category (or you were in one of these categories in the last 12 months) you can switch into the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category until 5 July 2021. You will be able to apply to extend your stay as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur until 5 July 2025 and apply to settle in the UK as a Tier 1 Entrepreneur until 5 July 2027.

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Requirements to switch into the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category from a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or Start-up visa

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To switch into the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category from a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or Start-up visa (having previously held leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur migrant), you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

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  • You have access to £50,000;

  • You have a business plan demonstrating how your business will succeed;

  • You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking);

  • You have enough additional money to support yourself without relying on public funds.

 

Historically, all applicants applying to enter the Tier 1 Entrepreneur category (including those switching from Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur) had to satisfy the Home Office that they genuinely intended and were able to be actively involved in the running of a UK business and that they had a viable and credible business plan.

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While the requirement to provide a business plan remains in the Immigration Rules, the rules relevant to the assessment of whether or not an Entrepreneur applicant is genuine, credible and if their business is viable have been removed for those looking to switch from the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or Start-up categories.

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If applying from overseas, you and any adult dependants will need to provide an overseas criminal record certificate for any country that you have lived in for at least 12 months in the last 10 years.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in the immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

REPRESENTATIVE OF AN OVERSEAS BUSINESS VISA

The representative of an Overseas Business visa category is for businesses that wish to send a senior employee to the UK to establish a commercial presence for the company in the UK. 

 

What is a Representative of an Overseas Business visa?

 

The representative of an Overseas Business visa allows a senior employee of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up and run a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of the overseas parent company. Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) can be achieved after five years in the representative of an Overseas Business visa category.

 

Requirements for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa

 

To qualify for a Sole Representative of an Overseas Business visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that your overseas company:

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  • It is an active and trading overseas business;

  • Has its headquarters and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom;

  • Has no other active branch, subsidiary or representative in the UK;

  • Intends to establish a registered branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK that will actively trade in the same business activity as the overseas business;

  • The overseas business will not be established or the sole representative appointed mainly to facilitate the entry or stay of the exclusive representative;

  • It intends to maintain the centre of its operations overseas.

 

You will also need to demonstrate that you:

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  • Are a genuine Representative of an Overseas Business;

  • Are an existing senior employee of the overseas business;

  • Have been recruited and taken on as an employee of the overseas business outside of the UK;

  • Have the skills, experience and knowledge of the business necessary to undertake the role of sole representative of the overseas business in the UK;

  • Have full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business;

  • Intend to work full-time as a representative of the overseas business;

  • Do not intend to engage in business of your own or work for any other business;

  • Do not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, a majority of the overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement;

  • Can show English language ability to at least CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening);

  • Can show you can adequately maintain and accommodate yourself and your dependents in the UK without recourse to public funds.

 

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa 

The UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa is for employees of multinational employers who need to be transferred to a UK branch of their employer to do a skilled role in the UK.

You will need to have worked for your employer overseas for at least 12 months unless you will earn £73,900 or more in the UK.

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Requirements for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa 

 

In order to qualify for a UK Intra-Company Transfer Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

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  • You are aged 18 or over;

  • You are currently employed by an organisation that has been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor;

  • You have worked for your sponsor, or a business linked to your sponsor by ownership, outside the UK, for at least 12 months, unless you will earn £73,900 or more in the UK;

  • You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsor for the job you are planning to do;

  • The job you are planning to do is genuine;

  • The job you are planning to do is at an appropriate skill level;

  • You will be paid at least £41,500 or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher;

  • Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;

  • You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;

  • You have provided a valid TB certificate if required.

 

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.

​

How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven, and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

UK GLOBAL TALENT VISA: GENERAL

The UK Global Talent visa is for talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture wishing to work in the UK.  The Global Talent visa category replaces the former Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category.

 

Who is the UK Global Talent visa suitable for?

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The Global Talent immigration category is open to talented and promising applicants within the science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) sectors.

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‘Talent’ applicants will already be leaders in their respective field, while ‘promise’ applicants will be able to show the potential to become leaders in their field.  The Global Talent category is not subject to a cap on the number of applicants, does not require a job offer and can lead to settlement in the UK.

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UK Global Talent visa requirements

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In order to apply for a Global Talent visa, you will first need to receive an endorsement from an appropriate endorsing body. You can be endorsed in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, the arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture).  

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The relevant Home Office approved endorsing bodies are:

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Each endorsing body has its own set of criteria, but in each case, you will need a substantial body of work and support from experts in your field. Once you have been endorsed, you will be able to apply for a Global Talent visa.

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How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are a highly driven, dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL VISA

The High Potential Individual Visa is available to recent graduates of top global universities who wish to work or look for work, in the UK.  The High Potential Individual route will open on 30 May 2022.

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The High Potential Individual route does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. However, before your leave expires, you may be able to apply from within the UK to switch to another immigration route which does lead to settlement. Applicants may be joined or accompanied by a partner and dependent children.

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Requirements for a High Potential Individual Visa

In order to qualify for a High Potential Individual Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

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  • You are aged 18 or over;

  • You have, in the last 5 years, been awarded an overseas degree-level academic qualification from an institution which appears on the Global Universities List;

  • You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);

  • You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;

  • You have not previously been granted permission under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme, as a Graduate or as a High Potential Individual;

  • You have provided a valid TB certificate if required.

 

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances.

​

How Our Immigration Experts Can Help 

​

Noush & Co. are experts in immigration options and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.

​

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive in understanding and meeting our clients’ needs. We are highly driven, and dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to clients as part of a professional and friendly service.

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