The SmartMove2UK

For UK businesses seeking to sponsor foreign workers, a Sponsor Licence is essential. It allows them to tap into a global talent pool and navigate the immigration process. However, this privilege comes with responsibility – the Home Office expects strict adherence to their rules. If a company fails to comply, it may face consequences like a revoked licence or a refused application.

If you’re coming to the UK to work, you may need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. A Certificate of Sponsorship is an electronic certificate that confirms your job offer and your employer’s sponsor licence number.

In this episode, we'll explore the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa, and how it can lead you to permanent residency, through business ownership!

Starting on the journey towards the UK permanent residency and British citizenship is a significant step for individuals seeking to establish themselves in the UK. The Self-Sponsorship immigration route offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and experienced professionals to build their businesses and secure work visas, ultimately leading to a path of permanence.

With our comprehensive UK visa services and tailored solutions, The SmartMove2UK is your trusted partner in navigating this exciting journey. From initial consultation to visa application and beyond, we ensure a seamless Self-Sponsorship journey tailored to your unique circumstances.

For further information and assistance, feel free to contact our dedicated UK Business visa consultant, who have been assisting clients with their business expansion endeavors since 2009.

Beginning on March 4, 2024, Companies House will implement the first of several reforms to UK company law. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 has brought about a number of significant measures that will enhance GDP growth, combat economic crime, and promote transparency. What are the changes-

1. ‘Appropriate address’ must be used as the registered office.
2. The requirement to supply a working email address
3. New statement of lawful purposes
4. Introduction of filing annual accounts solely through software
5. Options for filing small companies have changed
6. Exemption from auditing
7. A new mandate for identity verification
8. Personal information is suppressed at Companies House
9. Corporate directors’ limitations
10. Revised Charges for Companies
11. Amendments to limited partnerships

It can be difficult to prove an unmarried partner relationship, particularly while applying for a UK visa where documentation is needed to prove your relationship. In this post, we will discuss about the documentation you might require to bring your unmarried partner to UK. Listen to the complete podcast to know How you can Prove Unmarried Partner Status for UK Visa

The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities and academic institutions in the world, and it has a long history of offering top-notch education. Access to a wide variety of academic programs, chances for research and innovation, and a lively student community are all possible when studying in the UK.

Self-sponsorship in the UK is not a visa category, but this is a pathway for business owners to enter UK to start or join their active UK businesses.

To start this process, your UK business must secure a Skilled Worker sponsor license before you proceed to apply for the self-sponsored Skilled Worker visa.

This pathway not only opens the door to settlement in the UK but also allows eligible applicants to bring along dependent partners and children. Dependent partners are also allowed to work full time*.

The requirements to be eligible to apply as self sponsored skilled worker you will need to provide evidence that:

• You are at least 18 years old;
• There is a UK company that is active;
• The UK company holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence;
• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from the company;
• The job offer is a genuine vacancy;
• Your role is at the appropriate skill level;
• The salary requirements are met;
• You meet the English language requirement i.e. at least CEFR Level B1 (~UKVI IELTS Band 4.0);

The specific criteria you must meet to self-sponsor for a Skilled Worker visa can vary based on your personal circumstances. We strongly advise applicants to check their eligibility to apply under this route or to evaluate suitable options.

Give it a listen!If you have any doubts or concerns about the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa, please

In recent developments, the Home Secretary has outlined a strategic plan aimed at significantly reducing migration levels and addressing the misuse of the immigration system. These measures mark the most substantial decrease in net migration to date, with approximately 300,000 individuals who arrived in the UK last year no longer eligible to enter.

Now, let's break down these key measures:

1. Ending Entry of Dependents: The strategy puts an end to the entry of dependants arriving in the UK.
2. Elevating Minimum Salaries: Minimum salaries for overseas workers and British or settled individuals sponsoring family members will see a significant increase.
3. Addressing Exploitation: The measures aim to address issues of exploitation within the immigration system.

According to the Home Office, in the year ending September 2023, a total of 101,000 Health and Care visas were issued to workers in the health and care sector, with an additional 120,000 visas granted to dependants.

Let's fast forward to the anticipated changes scheduled to take effect from April 2024

1. Increased Earning Threshold for Skilled Workers: The earning threshold for overseas skilled workers will rise from £26,200 to £38,700.
2. Higher Minimum Income for Family Members: British citizens and settled individuals wanting their family members to join them will see the minimum income requirement increase from £18,600 p.a. to £38,700.
3. Changes in Shortage Occupation List: The 20% going rate salary reduction for jobs in the shortage occupation list will come to an end.
4. Graduate Visa Route Review: The Graduate (post study work) visa route is under review.

These changes are expected to have a profound impact on net migration.

Notably, starting January 2024, student visa holders can no longer apply for dependents. This group constituted 153,000 visas granted for student dependents in September 2023.

A crucial reminder for UK visa applicants: the immigration health surcharge will see a substantial increase from £624 to £1,035 per year starting January 2024.

That wraps up our exploration of the significant changes in the UK visa landscape.

A Certificate of Sponsorship, is one such mandatory document, that permits an outsider business owner to enter the UK, and set up a branch of his existing business, under the UK Expansion Worker Visa route.

And, to apply for a UK Expansion Worker Visa, the business owner MUST possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship – also referred to as C o S.

As you listen to this podcast, you will precisely understand what the Certificate of Sponsorship is! how to apply for one, its process, and the importance of it, to qualify for a UK Expansion Worker Visa.

Having a UK visa application rejected, can be disappointing, and demoralising. 

Also, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide, what to do next?! 

But do not worry!! Our experienced UK Visa Refusal Appeal, or Reapply consultants in Bengaluru, can advise, and assist, with understanding your options, and dealing with the next steps. 

In this podcast, we'll explain, how our professional team can help you appeal a rejection, or submit a stronger application.

If you want assistance with a UK Visa Application, our team at The SmartMove2UK can help. Our UK Immigration Lawyer will make sure that your UK Visa gets approved and you can move to the UK. Contact today to get started!

Call on ⁠+91 98191 27002⁠ or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠info@smartmove2uk.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The SmartMove2UK is a renowned UK Immigration Law Firm located in Bengaluru, India. We have a strong track record of helping individuals and families navigate the complex UK immigration process. 

Our expert team provides comprehensive guidance on visas, work permits, and settlements, ensuring clients make informed decisions and comply with UK immigration laws. Whether you're planning to work, study or reunite with your family, The SmartMove2UK offers tailored solutions to make the UK immigration journey smoother and more accessible for people residing in Bengaluru (Previously Bangalore).

If you want assistance with a UK Visa Application, our team at The SmartMove2UK can help. Our UK Immigration Lawyer will make sure that your UK Visa gets approved and you can move to the UK. Contact today to get started!

Call on ⁠+91 98191 27002⁠ or email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠info@smartmove2uk.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Settlement is also known as,  UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).  ILR is the immigration status,  that allows non-UK nationals to live,  and work in the UK permanently without any restrictions.  Once you have been granted settlement in the UK,  you can apply for British citizenship,  which gives you the right to vote,  access to public funds,  and a British passport.

Listen to the complete the Podcast,  we will guide you through the pathways to settle in the UK, and also help you understand the requirements, and the process.

The UK Skilled Worker is one of the popular UK routes because there’s so much more to it than work. It also offers you the chance to settle in the UK

While fewer applicants are being turned down, more competent foreigners are receiving UK work visas regularly.

One of the keys to making a successful UK Skilled Worker Visa application is meeting the financial requirement, including the UK Skilled Worker Visa maintenance funds requirement.

To meet the maintenance funds requirement, you must be financially capable of paying the application fee. The Skilled Worker Visa application fee varies as per your visa validity, the fee amount can be between £625, and £1,423. And you will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is generally £624. I H S has to be paid for each year, that has been granted to you on your Skilled Worker Visa.

Listen to the complete podcast to get the complete details

To stay updated on the latest UK immigration rules and policies connect with us on the below,

UK Skilled Worker Visa is an immigration route in order to qualify to work in the UK

The UK Immigration Rules identify and enlist the specific requirements and criteria to be met under the Appendix Skilled Worker

The route is established to help people to be recruited to work in a specific job with an employer in the UK

It has to be noted that for several special cases the UK Skilled Worker Visa Salary Requirements are slightly different and those details are panned out meticulously in the Immigration Appendix of the UK.

To stay updated on the latest UK immigration rules and policies connect with us on the below,

The UK government has recently implemented changes to the UK Student Visa route, aiming to reduce net migration and address concerns surrounding the increasing number of international students bringing their families to the UK. These changes aim to create a more sustainable UK immigration system and ensure that student visas are primarily utilized for educational purposes. Changes to the UK Student Visa Route

• Family sponsorships will be restricted to postgraduate students enrolled in courses that are longer than a year. Previously, students enrolled in courses that were longer than 9 months could bring their spouse, civil partner, or children under the age of 18 to the UK. However, the revised policy now limits family sponsorships only to postgraduate students enrolled in courses that are longer than a year.
• To prevent the misuse of the visa system, international students will no longer be able to switch from the student visa route to work routes until they have completed their studies. This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the immigration system and discourage individuals from using student visas as a backdoor route to work in the UK.

The changes will affect new UK student visa applications. The changes will not affect students who have already been granted a student visa or who are currently in the UK on a student visa.

To stay updated on the latest UK immigration rules and policies connect with us on the below,

The Immigration health surcharge is set to increase by 66%, from £ 624 to £ 1,035. UK Prime Minister; Rishi Sunak announced that this increase is going to help fund the big rise in the public sector.

Immigration Health Surcharge for students, will also increase from £470, to £776, and, will also be accompanied, with an increase in the visa fees.

The people moving to the UK, from outside of the Common Travel Area, for longer than six months, are now required to pay a health surcharge, as part of their immigration application.

For applicants applying online, Immigration Health Surcharge is paid, as part of the application, or when you book an appointment.

For postal applications the surcharge is paid online before you send your application. Applicants need to include the IHS reference number on the application form.

The Home Office is expected to provide details of the categories of visas that will face the hikes and when the new higher rates will come into force. 

If you want more information, or updates on the latest changes in the IHS, you can contact our UK Immigration Expert

We are aware that applicants spend numerous hours meticulously preparing their UK visa applications. As soon as you complete and submit the application, the level of anticipation builds. As the days go by, the uncertainty grows intolerable.

According to the category of visa and your country of residency, processing times for UK visa applications often vary. Visit the official UK government website or get in touch with appropriate Visa and Immigration consultants to learn the average processing time for your particular circumstance.

In the UK, one of the categories you can consider to bring your partner to the UK is a UK Fiancé Visa.

The UK Fiancé Visa is for couples who want to bring their husband-to-be or wife-to-be to the UK and bridge the long distance between them.

If you are looking to apply for a UK Fiancé Visa, whether for yourself or your partner, don’t worry! We’ve put together a quick and useful guide on what you need to know to get a successful UK Fiancé Visa.

Before you rush to get started with your UK Fiancé Visa application, it is always a good idea to make sure you know what the Fiancé Visa UK requirements are. You will have to meet the UK Fiancé Visa requirements before you submit a visa application. If you want assistance with UK Fiancé Visa Application, the team at The SmartMove2UK can help. Our Immigration Lawyer makes sure that your UK Fiancé Visa gets approved and you can move to the UK. Call today to get started!

“Can A UK Spouse Visa Be Denied?” is the most frequently asked question to our UK Visa Expert from clients globally
Chances of Spouse visa refusal UK and awaiting a response from the UK Home Office after the application process; are two of the most concerning parts for UK Spouse visa applicants.

Our UK visa experts delve into the intricate world of immigration scams, dissecting the methods employed by fraudsters, and equipping listeners with valuable knowledge to safeguard their immigration journeys.

Tune in for in-depth discussions on telephonic scams, local business scams, dot com immigration scams, phishing schemes, and other technical intricacies of UK visa scams. Stay informed, protect yourself, and learn some tricks to identify scams and secure a legitimate path towards your UK visa.

In this podcast, we discuss how to verify the authenticity of a UK sponsorship certificate. We explain what a sponsorship certificate is and why it is necessary for foreign nationals who want to work in the UK. 

And we have also provided some tips for avoiding scams and ensuring that you receive a genuine sponsorship certificate.

Here are some of the key points that we discuss in the podcast:

• A sponsorship certificate is a document that is issued by a UK employer to a foreign national who is applying for a UK work visa.

• The sponsorship certificate confirms that the employer has met the requirements of the UK government to sponsor a foreign national to work in the UK.

• To verify the authenticity of a sponsorship certificate, you can check the Home Office website, contact the sponsor directly, or use a third-party verification service.

• There are a number of scams that involve fake sponsorship certificates. It is important to be aware of these scams and to take steps to avoid them.

Most applicants find the UK immigration law to be complex and find it challenging to keep track of the frequent changes

You may choose to have your application prepared by professionals to ensure it has the best possible chance of success, avoid delays or losing government fees if your application is refused

If you would like to make a UK Spouse Visa application, UK Unmarried Partner Visa or UK Civil Partner Visa application to live with your spouse in the UK

Contact us on ⁠+91 98191 27002⁠ or email us at ⁠info@smartmove2uk.com⁠

You can also Read the Top 10 Tips for UK Spouse Visa Application on the below link...

A Certificate of sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record generated on the Sponsor Management System (SMS). Each certificate has its own number which an applicant can use to apply for a visa. If you are a UK employer and want to apply for a UK Sponsor Licence to be able to issue a Certificate Of Sponsorship for skilled overseas workers, get in touch with our UK Visa Experts

You can also read more about it on the below link

As per the UK Visas and Immigration guidelines, most of their visa categories permit bringing your family to the UK, i.e., the main applicant can be joined by their family members. 

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In this podcast, we have broadly discussed the UK Graduate Visa – popularly known as the UK Post-Study Work Visa. And certain rules and requirements must be followed and met in order to bring family members to the UK on Graduate Visa UK.

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The UK is one of the popular destinations for migration and it is the holiday season again, making it a very good time to go over the 9 Most Common UK Tourist Visa Rejection Reasons in 2023. If you are looking to visit the UK for tourism/holiday purposes, you will need to apply for a UK Visit Visa. The reasons mentioned in this podcast are common grounds for the refusal of any UK visa. 

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However, we have gone over each reason and made amends to it so that it specifically tackles the UK Visit visa application. Taking care of these issues will guarantee that a UK Visit Visa or UK Tourist Visa Rejection is avoidable for you.

The Health and Care Worker Visa for UK Care industry is for medical professionals to travel to or remain in the UK to work in adult social Care, the National Health Surcharge (NHS), or one of its suppliers.

In this Podcast you will get an understanding of the below:

1. Understand this Visa category

2. How you can apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

3. Eligibility Criteria to apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

4. Documents required to apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

5. UK Health and Care Worker Visa Fees

6. How Long you can stay in the UK on a UK Health and Care Worker Visa

For more information you can visit the below blog for more information:

This Podcast explains the process to switch from a UK Tier 4 to UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2023.

Once you finish your studies in the UK, you can apply for switching from UK Tier 4 to Skilled Worker Visa UK in 2023.

A UK Tier 4 to Skilled Worker Visa means – switching from UK Student Visa to a UK Skilled Worker Visa.

In this Podcast we have covered these important points

• When can you apply to switch from a UK Tier 4 to Skilled Worker Visa UK?
• Who can apply to switch from UK Tier 4 to Skilled Worker Visa UK?
• How to switch from UK Tier 4 to Skilled Worker Visa UK?
• What are the documents required to switch from UK Tier 4 to Skilled Worker Visa UK?

For more information you can visit the below blog for more information:

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme is a cultural exchange platform that allows individuals aged between 18 years and 30 years, from participating countries and territories, to experience life in the UK for up to 2 years. The UK Youth Mobility Visa is not a route to settlement in the country.

In this podcast, we will be talking about

• The Documents Required to apply
• The Cost to apply for a UK Youth Mobility Visa
• The Application process of UK Youth Mobility Visa
• Countries eligible to apply for a UK Youth Mobility Visa,
• and so on.

Thank you for listening to this podcast.

The UK Ancestry Visa is a path to obtaining UK Permanent Residence that is Indefinite Leave to Remain. This visa is granted to people who have a particular family connection to the UK.

You can apply for a UK Ancestry Visa if you’re one of the following:

• A Commonwealth citizen, OR
• A British overseas citizen, OR
• A British overseas territories citizen, OR
• A British national (overseas), OR
• A citizen of Zimbabwe

In this podcast, we will be discussing about the UK Ancestry Visa.

1. The Eligibility Criteria
2. The Documents
3. The Application Process
4. The Visa Fees
5. The Extension

Thank you for listening to this podcast.

As a non-UK resident, looking to open a business in the UK, you must be aware of certain key factors that surround UK immigration.

The UK market is also known for its strong consumer purchasing power and stable economy. Moreover, the UK has a well-developed infrastructure with excellent transport links and a high level of technological advancement, which can help businesses operate more efficiently.

By expanding into the UK market, businesses can also benefit from the UK’s global reputation as a hub of innovation and creativity.

The UK Government offers different routes for businesses & entrepreneurs to enter into the market which attract several benefits, some of which also include permanent settlement in the UK.

These include-

1. UK Expansion Worker visa
2. UK Innovator Visa
3. UK Start-up Visa
4. And Other routes

Thank you for listening to this podcast.

In this podcast, we are talking about the UK Young Professionals Visa Scheme for Indians.

Make sure you listen till the very end to gain a complete understanding of the eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, and cost of the UK Young Professionals Visa Scheme.

In this podcast, you will get to know everything about how you can start a business in the UK as a foreign national, including the various types of company structures, taxation, administration, and the various visas you can apply for.

There are several business types in the UK, and you must choose the one that best fits your company's structure and also different types of UK Business Visas, you must consult a UK Business Visa Solicitor or Lawyer to understand which UK Business Visa suits you the best.

Listen to the very end of this podcast to get the complete knowledge of how you can start a business as a foreigner...!!

In this podcast, you will get a complete overview of different UK Work Visas, for non-UK residents.

UK work visas are granted for a specific duration. However, many of these visas can be extended for additional months or years, depending upon your visa category.

If you want to enter the UK, work there, and get paid, you will require a valid UK Work Visa, that will allow you to work, a full-time or part-time job.

To apply for a UK work visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria, and requirements, and submit accurate documentation.

Make sure you listen till the very end to gain a complete understanding of various UK work visa routes.

If our podcast was useful; make sure you give it a thumbs up & share it with your friends/family.

Introduction of The UK Sponsor Licence

A UK Sponsor Licence is essentially needed for UK-based business owners who are looking to hire overseas professionals for their business.

It is mandatory for a UK company to possess a valid Sponsor Licence, which enables them to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee they want to hire.

From the immigration point of view, the employee MUST have a Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for most of the work visas to come and work in the UK.

By the end of this podcast, you will get an overview of the UK Sponsor Licence, understand its essentials, and also the benefits of a Sponsor Licence for UK-based companies.

Related Blogs Links:-

The UK’s top-notch education, diversity, and vibrant student cities make it an excellent place to study abroad.

But to make a successful move to the UK for studies, you need to make sure your immigration process is smooth and doesn't interrupt the beginning of your course.

The UK has also made additional announcements recently to attract international students, including adjustments to visa requirements and softer immigration regulations.

Here’s what our UK Student visa consultants in India have to say about making a successful application.

Give it a listen!

Subscribe now for more updates!

Our experts based in India - Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore have helped many clients in making The SmartMove2UK and we can help you too!

You asked, and we delivered! Our much-awaited podcast is here!

Our clients have sent in so many queries regarding the UK Innovator Visa and UK Start-up Visa. Right from what it means to who can apply and what is required in order to be qualified for these 2 business routes.

On this podcast, we have our UK-qualified solicitor & Director of The SmartMove2UK, Ms. Falguni Y. Parekh, and John Courtney, CEO of a UK-authorised endorsing body, Boardroom Advisors.

At the end of this podcast, you are sure to get some good insights into what are the specific differences between a UK Innovator Visa and UK Start-up Visa.

Our podcast extensively covers information regarding the UK Innovator Visa and UK Start-up Visa, that you won’t find on the website anywhere. This is exclusively recorded and publicised for our podcast channel.

Related Links:

Our UK-qualified solicitor Ms. Falguni Parekh has answered the Frequently Asked Questions by our clients regarding the UK’s popular business migration route - The UK Expansion Worker Visa.

The UK Expansion Worker Visa comes under the Global Business Mobility Routes and has replaced the old UK Sole Representative Visa in April 2022.

The new Expansion Worker Visa permits outsider business owners to enter the UK and set up a subsidiary firm or branch of their current business.

With this visa, you can set up an international presence of your existing business and open new horizons for success!

Give it a listen!

Related Links:

Partners of those in the UK on a points-based system immigration route like the UK Skilled Worker visa, UK Health and Care Worker visa, can join their partner in the UK and bring their children along. You not only get to live with your family but dependent partners can also work while in the UK.

Here’s a complete guide on PBS Dependent partner visa and the process.

Give it a listen!

Related Links:

The UK Expansion Worker visa! A visa route to expand your business horizons!

Answering some burning questions with our UK-qualified immigration solicitor - Ms. Falguni Y. Parekh!

After the UK Sole Rep visa shut down, the UK recently announced the UK Expansion Worker visa that helps individuals expand their businesses to the UK. Our expert here talks about how this visa route can help you gain an international presence.

The SmartMove2UK’s qualified immigration solicitors from the UK, have been advising clients for 16 glorious years. We have helped many companies from India to expand, start and also help HNI clients to invest in the UK.

Contact our UK immigration lawyers and make the first step of expanding your business to the UK

Related Links:

The Cost not only includes the application fee but other charges too like health surcharge and proving you can meet other requirements.

Here’s an overall guide by our UK Expansion Worker visa experts for applicants and dependents that talks about:

• The application fee
• Health Surcharge
• Funds needed to support yourself in the UK
• Sponsor requirements
• The application process
• And more…

The SmartMove2UK has more blogs on the different areas of UK Expansion Worker visa like requirements, eligibility, application process and more on the link below.

Related Links:

If you’re in the UK on a visa route and decide to represent a foreign business in expanding to the UK, you will need to switch to the UK Expansion Worker visa.

This Podcast Covers:

• What is the UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Switching to a UK Expansion Worker visa
• How you can prove your identity to switch to a UK Expansion Worker visa
• How long does it take to get a decision?
• And more..

Except for the UK Visit visa, you can switch to the UK Expansion Worker visa from any route. For example, if a student is in the UK on a UK Student visa and a family-owned business owned by their father and they are looking to expand; you are eligible to apply as an expansion worker for their company.

Give it a listen!

Related Links: