Residence permits, work permits, EU Blue Cards, citizenship applications and visa advice for foreigners.
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Some countries offer residence permits linked to property investment (Golden Visa). An immigration lawyer can advise on thresholds and eligibility.
Processing times vary by country — typically 1–6 months. Your lawyer can track the application and respond to any requests for additional documentation.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across United Kingdom's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsUK immigration is governed by the Immigration Act 1971, the Immigration Rules (HC 395) as regularly amended by Statements of Changes, and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. The points-based immigration system introduced from 1 January 2021 (following Brexit) replaced the Tier 1–5 structure. All EU/EEA/Swiss nationals now require a visa (except Irish citizens) unless they obtained settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) before 30 June 2021.
| Route | Salary Threshold | Visa Fee (3yr, main applicant) | IHS /yr | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (Standard) | £38,700 (Apr 2024, up from £26,200) | £719 (≤3yr) / £1,420 (3yr+) | £1,035 | Sponsor licence; RQF3+ role; English B1 |
| Skilled Worker (Health & Care) | £29,000 (NHS/social care) | £284 | Exempt | CQC-registered sponsor |
| Global Talent | None | £716 (endorsement) + £259 (visa 2yr) | £1,035 | Endorsement: UKRI / AHRC / Tech Nation successor / Royal Academy etc. |
| Innovator Founder | £50,000 investment (not salary) | £1,191 (3yr) | £1,035 | Endorsing body approval; innovative, viable, scalable |
| Graduate | None | £700 (2yr) / £822 (3yr PhD) | £776 | UK degree holder; UKVI-approved HEI |
| UK Ancestry | £2,500/mth (must maintain self) | £637 (5yr) | £1,035 | Commonwealth citizen; UK-born grandparent; intends to work |
| International Sportsperson | Governing body assessed | £719 | £1,035 | Governing body endorsement; world-class standard |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year per adult from 6 February 2024 (up from £624). Students: £776/year. IHS is payable at time of application for full visa duration. Dependants pay the same rate.
To employ a Skilled Worker, employers must hold a sponsor licence (Home Office; £536 for small/charitable, £1,476 for medium/large). Sponsors must: assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for each worker (£239 per CoS); maintain records; report changes within 10 working days; comply with reporting duties under the Immigration Rules. Failure can result in licence suspension or revocation, making existing visa holders unlawful.
| Route | Qualifying Residence | Absence Allowance | ILR Fee (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker → ILR | 5 years | Max 180 days in any 12 months | £2,885 |
| Global Talent → ILR | 3 years (Exceptional Promise) or 5 years | Max 180 days in any 12 months | £2,885 |
| UK Ancestry → ILR | 5 years | Max 180 days in any 12 months | £2,885 |
| Spouse/Partner of British → ILR | 5 years (partner route) | Max 180 days in any 12 months | £2,885 |
| Long Residence | 10 years continuous lawful residence | Max 540 days total / max 90 in final year | £2,885 |
British citizenship by naturalisation requires: ILR + 12 months settled + Life in the UK test (£50) + English B1 + good character. Fee: £1,500 (adults). Children: £1,214.
Priya was offered a senior developer role at a London fintech for £72,000. Employer held a valid sponsor licence. Steps: employer assigned CoS (239); Priya applied online from India (visa fee £1,420 for 3yr + £3,105 IHS for 3yr = £4,525 total paid upfront). Decision: 15 working days (standard); 5 working days (priority, +£500). Granted 3 years. After 5 years on Skilled Worker route, ILR fee: £2,885. Naturalisation after 1 further year: £1,500. Total immigration cost over 6 years: approximately £10,250 (including IHS for dependant spouse: additional £3,105).
