Keeping up to date with immigration rules can be time-consuming. After all, not every business can afford to have a full-time employee dedicated to immigration compliance.
A business can find itself dealing with any number of immigration issues such as:
Verifying an employee's right to work in the UK
This applies to both your current and prospective employees. Being aware of any limitations will ensure you avoid potential fines and legal complications.
Right-to-work processes
If one of your employees doesn’t have their visa in order, your business could incur a Home Office fine of up to £20,000. That’s why your right-to-work processes must be water-tight, and your staff trained in line with them.
Hiring international graduates from UK universities or recruiting from abroad
This requires a Skilled Worker license. The application process and rules can be complex, but securing this license will help you access a global talent pool.
Maintaining compliance and accurate records
Once your business holds a Skilled Worker or Intra Company Transfer Sponsor Licence, compliance is essential. By fulfilling these duties to the Home Office and keeping accurate records, you avoid losing valued staff.
Complying with Home Office audit requests
These can apply to businesses with Sponsor Licences and those without licences and often occur without warning. If one of your staff is unprepared, they may not understand what’s expected of them and this can cause unnecessary stress and panic
Dealing with allegations
When faced with claims of improper procedure, or the risk of Sponsor Licence suspension or revocation, you must respond quickly and accurately. Failure to comply can lead to Home Office interventions, including audits and sanctions.
The team worked empathetically and practically through a number of challenges over a lengthy period. The options and actions were clarified in order that a non-legal person could understand. A fee package was agreed in advance with all inclusions and exclusions.
Legal 500
For Morton Fraser MacRoberts no question is off limits. It is a great support and explains everything fantastically to both myself and the new employees going through the visa application.
Chambers and Partners
The lawyers are experienced, reliable and professional. They are a great partner for any company with UK visa/immigration requirements to have.
Chambers and Partners
Prompt response, always willing to assist with any issues, and provide very clear and concise information. They always make us feel that we are their priority client.
Legal 500
All of the team members are great and are always on hand to assist and willing to go the extra mile. Stuart McWilliams is always on hand to provide support, which is always detailed and clear so we can support our clients.
Legal 500
The firm always provides clear and concise information.
Chambers and Partners
For this firm no question is off limits. It is a great support and explains everything fantastically to both myself and the new employees going through the visa application.
Chambers and Partners
I so wish we had found you sooner. The professionalism, competence, fair fees and excellent customer care you give greatly surpasses what we previously experienced with other major legal firms.
Client feedback
The clarity and quality of advice given was rated as excellent. The firm's service and response time was excellent and we would recommend them. We were kept informed throughout the visa process including all changes that occurred. I do not think we could have navigated the application process on our own. With guidance we were able to apply and I have recently received my approved visa.
Client feedback
We would not hesitate to recommend Morton Fraser MacRoberts whom we have used for immigration and tax matters. Very professional, prompt and pleasant service. One feels well supported throughout right through to a positive outcome.
Client feedback
Highly competent and responsive, whether by phone, e-mail or Skype, the Morton Fraser MacRoberts team has consistently handled my enquiries in a friendly and efficient manner, seamlessly transitioning between their various units where necessary.
Client feedback
We were very pleased with the advice and expert knowledge from our solicitor. We will definitely use their services again in the future if needed.
Client feedback
I have been working with the firm since 2017 using a couple of different departments within the company. Everyone I have dealt with over the years have acted in the most professional manner and have made conversations and interactions very clear with a level of advice second to none.
Client feedback
Positive reputation, excellent advice and guidance in navigating the UK immigration policies and paperwork.
Client feedback
Thank you so much for the consultation and advice you provided. You were the only lawyer willing to see me at such short notice and gave the necessary information to make the second attempt a success. I am so thankful for your expertise and the manner in which you handled my questions.
Client feedback
Just an excellent service. Very knowledgeable and helpful at all stages. Would recommend very highly.
Client feedback
Well done, we were successful in our visa application; your work was a critical factor. Everything was handled in a timely and professional manner.
Client feedback
The clarity and quality of advice given was rated as excellent. The firm's service and response time was excellent and we would recommend them. We were kept informed throughout the visa process including all changes that occurred. I do not think we could have navigated the application process on our own. With guidance we were able to apply and I have recently received my approved visa.
Client feedback
Overall knowledge of the law to the matter in question. The quality of advice and the amount of work provided. The presentation to the authorities was very professional and for sure had an impact on the final decision.
Client feedback
The team are on hand always to deliver an effective service. They have excellent communication and there is always a contact at hand to answer our queries.
Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2025
Our expert team of immigration lawyers in Glasgow and Edinburgh can help solve your immigration issues as swiftly and cost effectively as possible. We will:
- Quickly provide clear advice on right to work issues, and how to establish processes which provide your business with protection from Home Office fines and enforcement action.
- Assist with applications to become a Licensed Sponsor with the Home Office and explain what is required of your business, and how to fulfil the compliance duties.
- Preparing and delivering training to staff who will deal with immigration matters, including carrying our immigration compliance audits to prepare you for any unannounced visits from the Home Office.
- Prepare or review visa applications on behalf of key employees.
- If you do encounter problems, we have also successfully responded to Home Office suspension letters and enabled businesses to keep their Sponsor Licence despite being found to have fallen short of the compliance obligation.
If you would like to discuss how our immigration lawyers can help you and your business, please get in touch with our team.
