We advise and assist a wide range of business clients and individuals on all aspects of the Points Based System. Immigration is an area of law that is constantly changing and we help you stay ahead by navigating the immigration maze.
If you are a Company looking to recruit from a global pool of talent or an individual looking to renew a Visa, we have a range of competitively priced services for immigration applications in Tiers 1, 2 and 4 of the Points Based System. Our advice is straightforward, practical and always up to date in an area which is constantly changing. As members of the Immigration Law Practitioner's Association, we receive up to the minute information and participate in policy groups that help inform the new Guidance.
We service employers wanting to recruit from overseas or have flexibility to move its overseas staff in and out of the UK, to private colleges who need an immigration Sponsor Licence to teach international students. We understand the importance to your organisation of being able to move quickly and appreciate this advice is often needed urgently. We respond swiftly and effectively to your business, executive and education immigration needs.
In November 2008 the Points Based System introduced five Tiers or immigration categories, through which people who are not citizens of the European Economic Area can enter the UK to work or study. Tier 1 is for highly skilled individuals, entrepreneurs and investors. Under Tier 1, the individual applies themselves and their work permit allows them to work for an employer.
Tier 2 is a system of sponsor licencing. it requires employers who want to hire someone from overseas to have a Sponsor Licence. Once they have a Licence, subject to other conditions being met, the employer is then able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (work visa) to their desired recruit. That person is then tied to the employer who issued them with their visa. Tier 4 is the parallel immigration route for students. All Universities, private colleges and independent schools who want to teach international students must have a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence. This enables them - again subject to various conditions being met - to issue a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (student visa) to an overseas student.
Tier 3 is closed and Tier 5 is for non-economic activities.