UK work visa types

Blake Morgan provides a comprehensive range of immigration services designed to support individuals, families, and organisations navigating the UK’s complex and fast moving immigration system.

Our specialist lawyers advise on all aspects of business and personal immigration, offering strategic guidance to help clients plan confidently and meet their objectives. Whether you are a multinational corporation managing global mobility, a growing SME seeking to recruit international talent, or a public sector organisation with specialist workforce needs, our team delivers tailored, practical solutions aligned to your priorities.

We assist with a range of visa applications including sponsorship and compliance, settlement and citizenship routes, and more complex matters requiring detailed analysis or representation.

At every stage, we focus on clarity, efficiency, and reducing the administrative burden on our clients. With a commitment to high quality service and a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, we provide clear guidance and dedicated support throughout the immigration entire process.

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Main areas of practice

Navigating UK work routes can be complex, and the right visa depends on your role, experience, and long term plans. We provide clear, practical guidance across all major work visa categories to help you identify the most suitable route for your circumstances.

Skilled Worker visa

A Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK for an approved employer, provided they have a job offer in an eligible skilled occupation. As the primary route for skilled international talent, it requires applicants to meet specific skill levels, salary thresholds, and English language proficiency, with a specialised subcategory for eligible healthcare professionals.

Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker visa

This allows international businesses to transfer their overseas employees to their UK branch/subsidiary to undertake work assignments

Temporary Worker visa

To qualify as an Expansion Worker, you must be a senior manager or specialist employed by an overseas business, hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, meet skill and salary thresholds, and be assigned to establish the UK branch before trading begins.

Global Talent visa

This category enables talented professionals who are leaders or potential leaders in their specified field to work in the UK. This visa category requires an endorsement from a relevant endorsing body

Innovator Founder visa

This visa category allows those who have an innovative business concept that isn’t available in the UK market to set up and develop their business idea in the UK. This visa category requires an endorsement from a relevant endorsing body

Youth Mobility Scheme visa

This visa allows young adults (typically aged 18-30, or 35 for specific countries) from eligible nations to live and work in the UK for up to 24–36 months. It is designed for cultural exchange, offering flexibility to work in most jobs, study, or travel without requiring an employer sponsor.

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.

"Kawther (and the Team at Blake Morgan) has an exceptional understanding of our business and the complexities we navigate. She is meticulous, highly knowledgeable and quick and thorough in her responses. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her & Blake Morgan."
- Sarah Puleston, Head of People & Culture, K&Z Holdings Ltd


“We recently worked with Blake Morgan LLP in relation to a Skilled Worker matter, and I was very pleased with the overall service provided. Inderpal and the wider team were professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the process. Communication was clear and timely, and we felt well-informed at each stage of the matter. The team demonstrated a strong understanding of the requirements and ensured everything was handled efficiently. The matter was concluded smoothly, and the level of service provided gave us confidence throughout. I would not hesitate to work with Blake Morgan again and would recommend them to others seeking reliable legal support.”
- Abs Latif, The Beeches


Frequently asked questions

Yes, we can assist from the outset and advise on both the endorsement process and the visa application.

This visa category is split into several sub-categories which were formerly known as Tier 5 and they are as follows and they all have their own restrictions to be adhered to:

  1. Youth Mobility Scheme
  2. Seasonal Worker Visa
  3. Creative Worker Visa
  4. Government Authorised Exchange
  5. Religious Worker Visa
  6. Charity Worker Visa
  7. International Agreement Visa

No, you can be self-employed by your business if you are a member of the business partnership.

If you are granted the standard 24 months on this visa and you are from Australia, Canada or New Zealand, you can extend your visa by one year at the end of the initial 24 month period.

Choosing the right level of support is essential for a smooth and successful UK immigration journey. At Blake Morgan, we offer a flexible range of services designed to meet your needs – whether you require initial guidance, strategic advice on a complex matter, or full end‑to‑end application support.

Initial 20‑minute consultation call

We offer a short 20‑minute introductory call to understand your circumstances, discuss your objectives and identify the most suitable immigration route for you. This call helps you determine the next steps and ensures you receive the right level of support from the outset.

One‑off detailed immigration consultation

For clients with more complex immigration matters, a one‑off in‑depth consultation may be more appropriate. During this session, our specialists provide tailored advice on your immigration strategy, available options and potential challenges. You will receive clear, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

End‑to‑end application service

Our comprehensive application service covers every stage of the process, from preparing your documentation to submitting your application and liaising with the Home Office where appropriate. We manage the details so you can move forward with confidence, knowing your case is handled with precision and care.

Document checking service

If you prefer to prepare your own application but want reassurance before submitting it, we offer a document checking service. Our team will review your application and supporting evidence to identify any gaps, risks or improvements. This service helps strengthen your submission and supports the best possible outcome.

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

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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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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Tatiana
Young
Immigration Caseworker

London

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Jane
Biddlecombe
Partner

Southampton

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