Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce the latest Budget tomorrow, Wednesday 3 March 2021 and it is rumoured to contain big business immigration reforms. This will likely include amendments to the Global Talent, Start-up, Innovator and Skilled Worker visa routes as part of the UK’s new Points Based System. Our business immigration team prepare successful business immigration applications for a range of clients and are happy to arrange an initial consultation to discuss the requirements for a UK business visa with our immigration solicitors.
What Business Immigration Reforms may be mentioned in the March 2021 Budget?
The UK Government has repeated the same rhetoric that the country is open and welcoming to the brightest and best talent from around the world; especially since Brexit. Since 1 January 2021 EU and EEA nationals can apply for any of the business immigration visas under the Immigration Rules if they are not covered by the withdrawal agreement.
Ahead of the Budget the Chancellor has said:
“We’ve taken back control of our borders and are backing business with a skills-led approach to migration that works for the whole of the UK. These reforms will ensure we maintain our global status as world-leader in science and innovation welcoming those with unique expertise. Our immigration system will attract top talent to boost firms, drive economic growth and help us to build back better from the pandemic… This new fast-track scale up stream will make it easier for fintech firms to recruit innovators and job creators, who will help them grow.”
It is therefore speculated that the exciting announcements to the UK’s business immigration routes may include the following:
- Skilled migrants who have a job offer at a scale-up company may qualify for a fast-track visa to boost UK businesses international competitiveness to help attract the talent to innovate and grow the business further;
- The Skilled Worker sponsorship process may also be reformed in order to reduce bureaucracy and the burden on the UK businesses wanting to sponsor skilled migrant workers;
- The Global Talent visa route may allow recipients of international awards such as the Nobel Prize, to automatically qualify for a visa, as being a leader in their field;
- The UK’s ‘Global Entrepreneur Programme’ which recruits entrepreneurs from around the world (now including from the EU) and supports them to develop their business in the UK, may be expanded. The Government may also consider how to use its networks overseas to target potential individuals in talent hotspots and promote the UK as a top destination for careers in technology and science;
- The Innovator visa route which allows entrepreneurs and business people with existing skills and experience to set up an innovative business in the UK will also be reviewed so that it could be easier to secure an endorsement.
Nothing has been confirmed but if the above reforms go ahead, this will confirm that the UK is a business hotspot and give more opportunities coming to the UK for entrepreneurs and skilled workers from around the world.
Global Talent Visa for Exceptionally Talented Individuals
The Global Talent Visa route is for leaders or emerging leaders in the following fields who wish to live and work in the UK: science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design, and architecture). The Global Talent Visa route replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route on 20 February 2020. Global Talent Applicants must first secure an endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsing body in order to apply for the visa.
The endorsing bodies are:
- The Royal Society – for science and medicine
- The Royal Academy of Engineering – for engineering
- The British Academy – for humanities
- Tech Nation – for digital technology
- Arts Council England – for arts and culture
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) -for research
Start-up and Innovator Visas for Entrepreneurs
The Start-up and Innovator Visa applications were introduced last year to replace the Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa routes. The Start-up and Innovator Visas allow entrepreneurs to set up a business in the UK or take over an existing business. Similarly to the Global Talent Visa, Applicants must secure an endorsement from one of the Home Office endorsement bodies.
Start-up Visa Applicants are not required to invest into the business immediately, however they present a well-prepared business plan and pass the genuine entrepreneur test (as part of the endorsement stage). The Start-up visa is valid for a period of 2 years and there is no route to settlement. Applicants wishing to remain in the UK after this period can switch into the Innovator visa category if all of the requirements can be met.
The Innovator visa is for more experienced entrepreneurs and requires an investment of at least £50,000. To secure an endorsement, Applicants must meet the innovation, viability, and scalability requirements along with the maintenance and English language requirements. The Innovator Visa leads to settlement in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa for Sponsored Workers
The Skilled Worker route replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020. It is for highly skilled workers from around the world who wish to work in the UK. Applicants must be sponsored by a Home Office licenced employer who have issued the Applicant a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (“CoS”). Applicants must also be paid the appropriate salary and have the appropriate skill level. Unlike the former Tier 2 route, Applicants may be able to trade points in certain categories and our business immigration team can arrange a consultation to assess each individuals’ circumstances and whether they are eligible for the skilled worker visa. Applicants must also satisfy the maintenance and English language requirements and may be eligible to settle in the UK after 5 years on this route.
Using our Business Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a UK Visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a UK business visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a UK Visa application with our Business Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a business visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a UK business visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful business visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.