Business Migration

On 22 July 2025, changes to the UK’s immigration system came into effect, reshaping access to the Skilled Worker route and tightening employer sponsorship rules. These changes were announced earlier this year in the Government’s Immigration White Paper. They mark a shift in access to work and sponsorship in the UK. This new immigration policy direction prioritises headline […]

Seraphus has been working with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to develop practical resources for GP practices so they can sponsor international medical graduates (IMGs). This work is part of our role as a delivery partner for Scotland’s Migration Service. Established by Scottish Government, the service supports individuals and Scottish employers so Scotland can continue to […]

For businesses looking to hire skilled workers from outside the UK, holding a valid sponsor licence is crucial. However, many employers find their applications refused or, worse, their licences revoked due to compliance failures. With recent updates to Home Office guidance taking effect from 31 December 2024, it remains important to stay on top of […]

To employ a non-UK national who is not already with a type of status in the UK, employers need a sponsor licence. There are two types of sponsor licences, depending on the type of work you need covering, the temporary worker licence and the workers licence.  The temporary worker licence covers the following:  The workers […]

Immigration continues to be a crucial issue for UK employers impacting the recruitment and retainment of international staff, especially in light of recent changes in immigration policy and a ongoing focus of government on reducing net migration. In addition, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has begun the digital transformation by replacing manual processes with […]

What is a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Audit? When you as a UK employer, are issued a sponsor licence, it is granted by the Home Office on the condition that you can meet a number of compliance duties at the time of issuance and continue to do so throughout the duration of the licence. […]

A changing landscape 2024 has already seen many immigration measures which impact employers recruiting and retaining international staff. From the 65% increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge fee, to the 47% increase of the minimum salary threshold, we have seen the previous UK government implement steep measures to reduce net migration, which have negative impacts […]

In a previous piece we discussed the 4 April 2024 changes to the skilled worker route. In it, we briefly discussed the skilled worker discount for new entrants. In this article, we will delve deeper into this discount, who it can apply to and how you as an employer can take advantage of the discount. 

On 4 April 2024, the immigration rules changed to introduce higher salary requirements for skilled workers. In addition, these changes stopped care workers bringing dependents, and removed jobs from the shortage occupation list (now confusingly named the immigration salary list). This piece will provide an insight into the salary requirement changes, how they may impact […]

Jane Taylor breaks down the latest updates to the Immigration Rules, which allow certain exceptions for those on visitor visas to take part in some work-related activities. If you would like a broad overview of the different types of visitor visas, such as business visitor visas, you can have a look at our UK visitor […]

To live and work in the UK, everyone needs a work permit and an employment visa, unless they are a permanent resident, an Irish national or a British national. There are many types of work visas, depending on the length of your stay and the type of work you want to do. Some visas, such […]

On Monday, the Home Office announced the launch of a new visa that is meant to fix the (huge) labour gap caused by the compounded upheavals of Brexit and COVID: the much-anticipated High Potential Individual visa. As part of the New Plan for Migration, Home Secretary Priti Patel has long boasted that the UK will […]

Whether you are an EU citizen or another non-UK national (except for Irish), the same rules now apply for everyone who wants to come work in the UK from abroad. The main route for those wanting to work in the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa, which is open to individuals of all nationalities holding […]