UK Skilled Worker visa lawyers

Comprehensive legal support for skilled worker visa applications and sponsorship compliance for UK businesses

Blake Morgan’s skilled worker visa lawyers are dedicated to supporting businesses and organisations in navigating the complexities of the UK’s skilled worker visa system. Our specialist team understands the challenges employers face when recruiting international talent and securing the necessary permissions to work in the UK. As a leading skilled worker visa law firm, we provide clear, practical advice to help clients meet Home Office requirements, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a smooth application process.

Whether you are a multinational corporation, a growing SME, or a public sector organisation, our lawyers tailor their approach to your specific needs. We guide you through every stage, from initial eligibility assessments and sponsor licence applications to ongoing compliance and renewal support. Our solicitors are committed to delivering a responsive, accessible service, keeping you informed of regulatory changes and helping you adapt to evolving immigration rules.

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Main areas of practice

Our experienced Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors deliver expert guidance across all aspects of the application process. This visa category allows non-UK national professionals to work in the UK for an approved employer who holds a valid sponsor licence in a qualifying role that meets salary and skill requirements.

Key requirements for a Skilled Worker visa application

Our team of specialist Skilled Worker Visa solicitors assess whether the key requirements are met for each application, and if so, provide advice on the documents which are required to ensure that applications are submitted accurately, minimising delays and maximising a successful outcome.

Certificates of Sponsorship - Defined and Undefined

Our lawyers provide tailored guidance on the appropriate type of certificate of sponsorship required for each worker. We assist with preparing detailed representations to request the Certificate of Sponsorship, responding to any Home Office queries or requests for further information, and drafting and assigning the Certificates.

Application submission - In Country and Out of Country

We support applicants in the preparation, drafting and submission of their respective applications, whether they are in country or out of country. Following submissions, our team assists in scheduling, finalising and uploading supporting documents for biometric enrolment appointments.

Processing times

Applications submitted in the UK under standard processing times can take u p to 8 weeks but if submitted outside the UK, it can take up to 3 weeks. If an application is submitted under priority processing (additional £500 per applicant), it can take up to 5 working days. If an application is submitted under super priority processing (additional £1,000 per applicant), it can take up to 24 hours starting the next working day.

Digital decision

From 01 January 2025, the Home Office had replaced physical visa documents with electronic visas.

Industries

Our team has extensive experience supporting employers across a wide range of sectors. We understand the distinct regulatory, operational and workforce needs that arise in industries such as healthcare, finance, fintech, construction, banking, aviation and hospitality. Drawing on this cross sector expertise, we provide tailored advice on sponsorship obligations, role eligibility, compliance risks and best practice processes. This enables organisations of all sizes to navigate the Skilled Worker Visa route confidently and efficiently, regardless of the complexity or specialist nature of their sector.

Our clients

Our immigration team supports a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, global financial institutions, high‑growth scale‑ups, SMEs, leading professional services firms, public sector bodies, as well as high‑net‑worth and private individuals. We work across all sectors where international talent is essential, advising HR teams, in‑house legal functions and business leaders on navigating complex immigration requirements with clarity and confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you may be able to apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you are already in the UK on a different visa type. However, you cannot apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you are in the UK on the following:

  • Visit visa;
  • Short-term student visa;
  • Parent of a Child Student visa;
  • Seasonal worker visa;
  • Domestic worker in a private household visa;
  • Immigration bail; or
  • Because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules (e.g. on compassionate grounds).

If one of the above apply to you, you must leave the UK and apply for a Skilled Worker visa from abroad.

Upon extending your Skilled Worker visa, your partner or child’s dependant visa will not automatically update. If they do not apply for an extension, their visa(s) will be valid until its original end date. Your dependant(s) can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa(s) expire.

Depending on the extent of changes to job duties, this impacts what is required from the employer and employee.

Minor changes: If the change to job duties are minor, and as a result the SoC Code is to remain the same, the employer is required to report the exact changes via the SMS system and no new certificate of sponsorship and visa application is required.

Major changes: If the changes to job duties are major, such as a drastic change of job title or occupation, the new role could potentially fall under a new SoC Code. If so, the employer is required to assign a new certificate of sponsorship, and the individual concerned must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa.

Yes, but under strict conditions.

You can work up to 20 hours a week in another job or potentially for your own business, provided that you are still doing the job you’re being sponsored for. Furthermore, the additional work must meet one of the following conditions:

  • It has an eligible occupation code listed as ‘higher skilled;
  • It is on the immigration salary list;
  • It is in the same sector and at the same level as your main job

You can do additional work in a job listed as ‘medium skilled’, under an eligible occupation code, if both of the following apply:

  • You obtained your first Certificate of Sponsorship before 22 July 2025; and
  • You have continually held one or more Skilled Worker visas since then.

 

Highlights

Assisting a multinational company, registered Tier 2 Sponsor, whose licence had become invalidated following the company acquisition – our immigration lawyers advised regarding the compliance issues and the position of the existing sponsored employees. The assistance covered managing risks involving the breach of the sponsor duties due to failure to report as well as advising and managing the application for the new sponsor licence simultaneously.


Assisting an EU national with a permanent residence card application (going forward falling within the scope of the EU Settlement Scheme) – this included advising on the break in residence continuity. The application was successful as the issue was fully addressed in the application submitted to the Home Office.


Advising an EU National who had been resident in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain status for over 30 years on a successful application for naturalisation as a British citizen to include advice on evidencing UK residence.


Awards, accolades and accreditations

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Our experts

Dipesh
Shah
Partner

London

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Yasmeen
Hamza
Legal Director

London

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Nisha
Patel
Legal Director

London

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Jane
Biddlecombe
Partner

Southampton

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Kawther
Al-Aaraji
Senior Associate

London

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Lisa
Parsons
Senior Associate

London

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Inderpal
Singh Kallah
Associate

London

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David Maximilian
Barra
Solicitor

London

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