United Kingdom

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Whether your company is sending employees to the United Kingdom or expanding outside of the UK to destinations around the world—Fragomen is here to help. Our experienced United Kingdom immigration professionals partner with you to develop immigration strategies that help you meet inbound immigration needs and manage your regional or global immigration programme.

The immigration system of the United Kingdom provides various solutions to help employers of foreign nationals. Requirements, processing times, employment eligibility, and benefits for accompanying family members vary by visa classification. Key elements are a points-based system to determine fulfillment of visa conditions and employer sponsorship via sponsorship licenses.

Business visitors to the United Kingdom require a Business Visitor Visa prior to entry, unless they are visa exempt based on their nationality. While business visits are legally possible for up to six cumulative months in a 12-month period, any trip over six consecutive weeks requires review by an immigration professional. All business visitors must respect the allowable activities under business visitor status, and are advised to carry a support letter confirming the nature and duration of stay.

The main work authorization categories are the Tier 2 ICT – Long Term Staff category, available for intracompany transfers; and the Tier 2 (General) category, suitable for skilled foreign national employees where the position cannot be filled locally. Other work authorization options include the Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 5 (Temporary Workers). Dependents may accompany the foreign national under these categories.

Note that since immigration rules have changed significantly over the past five years, the foreign national’s immigration history in the United Kingdom may impact application options for certain immigration categories.

Detailed Immigration Snapshots, Document Lists and Process Guides are available to clients on request.

Fragomen in the United Kingdom is Fragomen LLP. Fragomen LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (the "SRA") in the United Kingdom. The SRA Handbook can be found on its website at http://www.sra.org.uk. The Value Added Tax Number of Fragomen LLP: GB 815 394 716. The providers of the compulsory professional indemnity insurance for the UK Practice are Marsh Ltd, Tower Place, London EC3R 5BU.