Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa allows UK employers with a sponsorship licence to hire foreign workers for eligible roles when they cannot find suitable candidates locally.

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by the Home Office confirms the employer’s right to bring in the worker.

With a valid CoS, the worker can apply for a Skilled Worker visa, live and work in the UK, and later use their employment to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) and citizenship.

Requirements for Applicants

• Must have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

• Meet minimum salary thresholds for the role.

• English language, health, and security requirements must be met.

In short: The Skilled Worker visa is the UK’s main employer-driven pathway for foreign professionals. Without a CoS from a licensed sponsor, workers cannot apply.

Global Business Mobility (GBM)

The Global Business Mobility routes allow overseas companies to send employees to the UK for work assignments, expansions, or specialist roles. This includes categories like Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, and UK Expansion Worker.

An approved sponsorship from a UK-licensed business confirms that the worker can enter the UK under this route.

With approval, the worker can live and work in the UK temporarily and, in some GBM categories, later transition to a long-term visa such as the Skilled Worker route.

Requirements for Applicants

• Must be employed by or linked to an overseas business expanding or operating in the UK.

• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK sponsor.

• Meet salary, skill, and admissibility requirements.

In short: GBM visas are designed for overseas employees of global companies. Without UK sponsorship, workers cannot use this route.

The Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. The idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body.

An endorsement confirms that the business plan is innovative, viable, and scalable.

With endorsement, the applicant can apply for the visa, establish their business, and later qualify for settlement and citizenship if the business succeeds.

Requirements for Applicants

• Must present a business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable.

• Endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body.

• Meet English language, health, and security requirements.

In short: The Innovator Founder visa is the UK’s pathway for entrepreneurs. Without endorsement, applicants cannot apply under this route.

Innovator Founder Visa

Investor Visa (Tier 1 – Historical)

The UK previously offered an Investor visa (Tier 1) for high-net-worth individuals investing in the UK. While this route has now closed to new applicants, many clients ask about it as it used to allow investors to secure residency and eventual citizenship through substantial investment.

In short: The Investor visa is no longer open, but alternative business and entrepreneur routes (such as the Innovator Founder visa) are available for those looking to relocate through business activities.

Get in touch

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