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Business Immigration

Employment law and business immigration matters are closely entwined. Hiring the best talent and moving people around the world to gain a competitive advantage requires strategic and practical considerations. Boardside provides expert business immigration services for companies, individuals and their families – helping everyone to navigate the complex legal and regulatory issues associated with global mobility.

UK Immigration law is an evolving field, and it is more important than ever for businesses and migrant workers to receive timely and accurate legal advice to avoid penalty fees and legal action. For many businesses, the process can be off putting. By working closely with HR teams, the Board, and in-house legal teams, we strive to make things as straight forward as possible.
We will help you to navigate the notoriously complex and wide-ranging immigration rules, precedent cases and the variety of legislation to help ensure that you get the right people, working in the right place, at a cost that is right for the business. Our trusted legal advisors work in a focused and commercial way to understand what needs to be achieved and provide a bespoke workable solution for both the short and long term.

Business Immigration Services

Immigration Laws and Brexit

Brexit, and the implications for immigration and employment law in the UK, has been a hot topic of debate since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, bringing an end to the free movement of EU nationals between the UK and other EU countries on 31st December 2020. From this date, people from the EU countries will no longer have an automatic right to work in the UK.

From 1st January 2021, the new system for work visas is based on points and treats EU and non-EU citizens equally. Points are awarded based on a number of criteria, including qualifications, a job offer, speaking English and salary.

Our team can advise and assist with the application process.

Employers seeking to sponsor migrant workers

As well as applying for sponsorship licences or certificates of sponsorship, we can also advise on what to do with sponsorship licences that may have been refused, suspended, or revoked. We assist with Tier 2 and 5 sponsorship licences, which allow UK businesses to employ and recruit talented overseas nationals. The UK Home Office regularly reviews and revises immigration laws, which means our solicitors are committed to keeping abreast of the latest developments to ensure statutory and regulatory compliance.

Business Visitors

There are strict limits on what activities business visitors are permitted to undertake during their stay in the UK. It is important to be aware of these restrictions and to take legal advice if you are unsure. Business visitors can be refused entry to the UK if they are in breach of the immigration rules and this can have a negative impact on the reputation of your business. Our team can help with any queries you may have in relation to this.

Audit of Immigration Systems

We will undertake a thorough review of your firm’s immigration and HR systems to ensure that you are legally compliant. Our team will resolve any issues to avoid future problems, bringing you peace of mind and confidence when making important business decisions.

Long-term Immigration Planning

Should individuals and their families wish to remain living and working in the UK for longer periods, our lawyers can assist with applications for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and/or naturalisation as a British citizen.

New Business Start-up and Investment

We advise both overseas companies and individuals looking to invest in the UK to ensure compliance with the requirements under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs) and Tier 1 (investor) categories of the immigration points-based system.

Immigration Law Breaches

Due to the complex nature of immigration laws, it can be relatively easy to fall foul of the strict rules that govern foreign workers in the UK and those that will apply from 1 January 2021 . All employers have a duty to prevent illegal working and accordingly they must carry out the requisite checks and record keeping in order to prevent potential breaches and fines.
Should you require advice and representation in relation to immigration law breaches, our team of experts are on hand to help.