immigration helping to make the most of your new opportunities
Did you know? • In 2014, the UK attracted the highest number of foreign direct investment projects in Europe 1
• 1 in 7 (14%) of all UK companies were founded or co-founded by migrant entrepreneurs 2
• A Tier 1 (Investor) may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (i.e. permanent residence) at a much earlier stage than otherwise expected, depending on the level of investment made in the UK.
Data sources 1 www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukti-inwardinvestment-report-2014-to-2015/ukti-inwardinvestment-report-2014-to-2015-online-viewing 2 www.creatingourjobs.org
“ The UK Immigration Rules change on a frequent basis, creating what Lord Justice Jackson has referred to as ‘a degree of complexity which even the Byzantine Emperors would have envied’. It is therefore crucial that advice is sought early on in the process, in order to avoid disappointment at a later stage.” Antonia Torr, Head of Immigration Services Howard Kennedy
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Expert guidance to settling in the UK Whether you are setting up a branch of your business in the UK, starting up a completely new business, or just making the UK your home, having the legal right to live and work in the UK is an essential first step in making those plans a reality. New businesses and inward investment can make a tangible positive impact on the UK’s economy. Yet immigration law is one of the most complex and fast-moving areas of UK law. There are several types of visa on offer and the application process is often complex and time consuming, with a high rate of refusal. What’s more, applicants whose applications are turned down have to leave the UK, which can be devastating if you are setting up a business or already have family living here. Howard Kennedy can help. Our knowledgeable immigration law experts provide clear and actionable advice to help you get the result you need. As one of the most approachable firms in the industry, you can rely on us to focus on your unique situation and guide you every step of the way. We will explore the options available and help you navigate the intricacies of the application process. Once approved we can continue to advise you, helping to keep you and your business compliant as it grows, by completing immigration audits as well as training on the very latest developments in the rules and regulations.
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Our services Howard Kennedy’s expert team offers the full range of immigration law services to help you make the most of your stay in the UK. We cover all types of Points Based System and non-Points Based System applications for a diverse range of clients, from entrepreneurs and investors, to high net worth individuals, artists, entertainers and sportspeople. Our legal know-how and commitment to keeping abreast of the latest changes in legislation enables us to offer rock-solid advice on the advantages of different visa types – Investor, Entrepreneur or Exceptional Talent – and help select which is best for your circumstances.
Howard Kennedy continues to support clients even after the initial visa application has been approved. We help our clients maintain compliance with on-site audits and ‘Right to Work’ checks, as well as assisting those who need to defend themselves from civil penalty notices. As well as this essential advice, Howard Kennedy’s wide-ranging expertise means that we can advise on almost any commercial issue involved in the setting up of businesses including advice on tax, loan arrangements, company structures and property related matters in addition to assisting individuals through our private client department.
We also work with corporations and businesses, helping sole representatives establish themselves, or helping companies develop their business by bringing in specialists with skills not usually found in the UK, via Sponsor Licences.
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Market insight “The Tier 1 (Investor) Route is an important example of the UK Government’s desire to encourage foreign investment in UK based companies and government bonds. A potential investor can not only grow their own investment but also the UK economy, by injecting capital into well-established UK trading companies. As seen in recent cases the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa is an extremely tricky visa to obtain which, since its introduction, has seen more applications refused than actually granted. Since the removal of appeal rights in April 2015, it is very important, now more than ever, that thorough and meticulous advice is obtained on the requirements and specified documents that are involved in such a complex application and so as to not put future investments at risk.” Antonia Torr, Head of Immigration Services Howard Kennedy
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Key contact
Recent work • Successfully obtaining a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence for a multi-million pound franchise
• Representing individuals before the First tier and Upper tier Tribunals
• Assisting a Tier 1 (Investor) in securing entry clearance and settlement in the UK
• Advising a large construction company on how best to comply with ‘right to work’ checks and thereby avoid a Civil Penalty Notice
• Advising a number of Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs) and Sole Representatives so as to secure their initial visas and extension applications • Acting for a number of private clients with a view to obtaining settlement and nationality
Antonia Torr Head of Immigration Services antonia.torr@howardkennedy.com +44 (0)20 3755 5835
• Successfully negotiating with the Home Office to reduce the level of a Civil Penalty Notice from £40,000 to £15,000 for an international manufacturing business.
• Regularly advising international businesses on the best method of ensuring employment mobility within their labour force across the globe
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No.1 London Bridge London SE1 9BG DX 144370 Southwark 4 Tel: +44 (0)20 3755 6000 Fax: +44 (0)20 3650 7000 www.howardkennedy.com