Your Guide to UK Work Permits
Are you a UK business looking to hire international talent, or a non-UK national seeking employment with a British company? The UK Work Permit – also known as a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) – is the primary route for legally working in the United Kingdom under employer sponsorship.
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we specialise in providing expert legal support to both employers and employees navigating this process.
What is a UK Work Permit?
The term UK Work Permit refers to the visa category now formally known as the Skilled Worker visa, previously called the Tier 2 General visa. It enables UK-licensed employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas, allowing them to legally live and work in the UK.
This visa is suitable for roles that meet the Home Office’s definition of a skilled job, whether theoretical or practical – from IT and engineering to healthcare, construction, and more.
Who Can Apply?
The Skilled Worker visa is available to:
Skilled workers based outside the UK who have secured a job offer from a UK sponsor.
Existing visa holders who wish to switch into the Skilled Worker route.
UK-based employers who wish to sponsor non-UK nationals for eligible roles.
Applicants can include dependants such as a spouse or partner and children under the age of 18, who can live and study in the UK.
Key Benefits of the UK Work Permit Route
✔ Path to Settlement – You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
✔ Bring Your Family – Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can accompany you.
✔ Free Education for Children – Dependants are entitled to free state schooling.
✔ No Hidden Costs – We offer fixed-fee pricing, with transparent legal fees to help you or your business budget effectively.
✔ Long-Term Stay – The initial visa can be granted for up to 5 years, with extensions available.
Support for UK Employers
Whether you’re a startup, an SME, or a multinational, hiring skilled workers from abroad can help fill key skill gaps and grow your business. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we help employers with:
Sponsor Licence applications
Compliance advice and audit preparation
Sponsoring individual employees
Understanding eligible roles and salary thresholds
We’ve advised clients from tech firms to finance institutions, supporting their talent acquisition across a range of industries.
Our Legal Services
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we provide tailored legal support for both businesses and individuals, including:
A full review of your circumstances
Strategic guidance on documentation and eligibility
End-to-end visa management
Ongoing support for visa extensions and family applications
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to apply for a UK work permit or need help hiring overseas staff, speak to our specialist immigration team. We offer no-obligation assessments and can hold consultations at our office, your premises, or remotely via video.
📍 HM & Co. Solicitors
186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Let us help you move your career or business forward with confidence and clarity.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Skilled Worker Visa – FAQs
Can I hire foreign workers for my UK-based company?
Yes, absolutely. If you hold a valid Sponsor Licence (previously known under the UK Work Permit or Tier 2 system), you can hire an unlimited number of skilled foreign workers, provided each role meets the required salary and job criteria.
Do I need to advertise the job for 28 days before sponsoring someone?
No, the Resident Labour Market Test is no longer required. However, you do need to prove that the job is genuine and meets the eligibility requirements. Our legal team can advise on how best to evidence this.
Can I sponsor a foreign worker for any job?
No. Only roles on the Home Office’s list of eligible occupations qualify. However, the list has recently been broadened, so more types of skilled jobs are now included. We’re happy to advise on whether your vacancy is suitable.
Can I employ part-time workers under a Skilled Worker visa?
In most cases, no. The role must be full-time, and ideally permanent. Part-time roles typically don’t meet the salary thresholds and job expectations set out by the Home Office.
Can my agency sponsor workers to place with other companies?
No, this is not permitted. The foreign worker must be directly employed by the sponsor organisation. You cannot sponsor individuals just to supply them to another company as part of a service arrangement or contract.
Need Help with Sponsorship or Work Permits?
At HM & Co. Solicitors, we support both UK employers and international workers through the entire visa sponsorship process, including:
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Applying for a Sponsor Licence
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Advising on eligible job roles
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Ensuring your compliance with Home Office requirements
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Preparing all necessary documentation for a successful Skilled Worker visa
📍 Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
📞 Call us: 0207 112 8180
📧 Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com
Let our expert immigration team take the stress out of sponsoring your workforce.
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I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
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I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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