Business Migration

In July 2026 the Global Talent visa route was expanded to include those recognised with exceptional talent or promise working in the design industry. Previously the route was more limited only allowing those working in specific sectors of the design industry. The change means the route has opened to designers in a variety of industries […]

For many employers, the right to work check is a core compliance duty. Changes have now been announced that will affect both the scope of these checks and who is responsible for carrying them out. Employers need to understand the impact of these changes before they take effect on 1 October 2026. With clear internal […]

Employers with a sponsor licence can recruit international workers by assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship(CoS), which allows a worker to apply for a visa. A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical document, but an electronic record issued through the Sponsor Management System. A defined Certificate of Sponsorship contains details of a specific role and worker.  In […]

Holding a sponsor licence allows UK employers to recruit international workers, but it also comes with ongoing oversight from the UK Home Office. One of the main ways this is carried out is through sponsor licence audits. Employers can stay prepared for audits by keeping on top of their compliance duties.  What is a sponsor licence […]

In July 2025, important and consequential changes to the UK’s immigration system came into effect with direct implications for international workers on UK work visas and the organisations that employ them.  For NHS bodies, social care providers and independent health and care services, these changes have fundamentally altered how workforce planning, recruitment and retention must be approached. At […]

If you’re planning to work in the UK, you’ll likely need a visa before you start. The UK immigration system can feel complex, but this step-by-step guide will explain the general process clearly. Whether you’ve already received a job offer or you’re just getting started, here’s what you need to know. Please note: the rules […]

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.