Angelov Solicitors

Under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, EU citizens who entered the United Kingdom before 31 December 2020 were eligible to apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Certain family members are also eligible to apply to join an eligible UK-based sponsor. Applicants are usually eligible to apply for Settled Status after five years of continuous residence in the UK. We can assist 

The Spouse / Partner Visa is available for married spouses, civil partners, or unmarried partners in a relationship akin to marriage with a qualifying sponsor. Applicants must meet financial, accommodation, and language requirements. Typically, a minimum annual salary of £29,000 is required, although Parliament has proposed further increases. Financial requirements may also be met through savings, provided the rules are adhered to. Successful applicants are granted a 2.5 year visa (33 months if applying from abroad). This visa pathway can lead to settlement in the UK after five years. In cases where certain requirements are not met, applicants may still qualify under exceptional circumstances, though these rules are complex and specific.

Typically, applicants can apply to naturalise as British citizens one year after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, those married to British citizens are eligible to naturalise immediately upon obtaining ILR. All applicants must meet certain additional requirements, including passing the Life in the UK test, meeting the English language requirement and meeting certain residence requirements, in order to qualify for naturalisation.

International students in the UK with a student visa may be eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa upon completing their studies. Bachelor’s and Master's degree holders are eligible for a two-year visa, while doctoral degree holders are eligible for a three-year visa. Graduate visa holders can seek employment, engage in self-employment or start their own businesses in the UK. This visa cannot be extended but it allows holders to switch to a work visa or other types of visas while in the UK.

This is a common type of work visa in the United Kingdom. Applicants must have a job offer from an employer who holds a sponsor licence and is willing to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The job must fall within certain categories eligible for this visa. Applicants are required to meet specified salary and skill level requirements, and to meet the English language requirement. A financial requirement must also be satisfied, which can be met if an A-rated sponsor certifies their willingness and ability to maintain and accommodate the applicant to at least £1,270, if necessary. Normally, applicants must be paid at least £38,700 (or the higher "going rate"), but they may qualify for a lower salary under certain conditions.

The Visitor Visa allows entry to the UK for up to six months per visit. While paid work is generally not permitted, limited exceptions exist for permitted paid engagements with the appropriate supporting documents. This includes musicians participating in performances, academics delivering paid lectures, and lawyers representing clients. Business representatives may engage in negotiations, and volunteers can undertake unpaid work for up to 30 days at designated charities. Additionally, the Marriage Visitor Visa specifically caters to couples planning to marry in the UK during their visit but who do not intend to live in the UK long-term.

Compliance is crucial when employing foreign-national workers, as businesses must ensure that all foreign employees have the legal right to work in the UK to avoid penalties. Under the current policy, businesses found in violation could face civil penalties up to £60,000 per worker (£45,000 for a first offence). Furthermore, in cases of severe violations, the Home Office may pursue criminal prosecution against the business. To avoid a civil penalty or prosecution, employers must undertake the correct right to work checks regularly.

Most types of work visas in the UK require businesses to obtain a Sponsor Licence to employ foreign-national workers. The process of preparing for a Sponsor Licence is intricate, and the Home Office has issued detailed guidance spanning nearly 200 pages, outlining the necessary supporting documents, duties, and responsibilities for businesses seeking to obtain such a licence. We are well-versed in this guidance and can assist businesses in navigating these requirements to secure their Sponsor Licence and ensure compliance with the necessary duties.

The Global Business Mobility Visa is a group of five types of sponsored visas that allow overseas businesses to establish and grow their presence in the UK. These visas enable non-UK organisations to temporarily assign their staff, such as Graduate Trainees, Senior or Specialist Workers, Expansion Workers, Service Suppliers, and Secondment Workers, to the UK to support business development. Each visa category has different salary requirements, and it is essential that employees have been part of their respective overseas businesses for a specified period before being deployed to the UK. 

A foreign national who has committed a serious criminal offence with a sentence of at least 12 months, is a persistent offender, or causes serious harm is subject to automatic deportation, unless specific exemptions or exceptions apply. EU citizens whose offences were committed before the Brexit transition period are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, which may provide certain protection. Our firm has extensive experience in handling complex deportation matters for both EU and non-EU citizens, offering strategic legal advice to challenge deportation orders.