We have been speaking to an increasing number of people in the UK who are on Skilled Worker visas and are now facing redundancy, the end of their employment, or difficulty finding another employer willing and able to sponsor them.
And usually, the first question is:
“Is there another way for me to stay in the UK?”
Sometimes there may be. Sometimes there may not be. But before assuming that finding another sponsored job is the only option, it may be worth taking a step back and looking at your circumstances as a whole.
For some people, Global Talent may be worth exploring. For others, an existing business idea may mean that Innovator Founder is worth considering.
Neither route is suitable for everyone, and both have specific eligibility requirements. But if your Skilled Worker sponsorship is coming to an end, they are possibilities that should not necessarily be overlooked.
Could Global Talent be relevant to you?
Global Talent is aimed at people who are recognised as leaders or potential leaders in certain qualifying fields.
Whether it may be suitable will depend on your particular field, professional background, career achievements and the evidence available. It is not simply about having a senior job title or earning a particular salary.
If you have built a strong professional profile during your career, it may be worth having your background assessed before deciding that another sponsored role is your only option.
We have assisted clients moving into Global Talent from other UK immigration categories, including Skilled Worker and ECAA / Turkish Businessperson status.
If you think Global Talent might be relevant to you, you can request a Global Talent eligibility assessment and share your CV with us. We can review your background and consider whether the route appears to be worth exploring further.
Could your business idea offer another possibility?
For some people, the alternative may not be another employer at all. If you already have a genuine business idea that you have been developing, the Innovator Founder route may be worth considering.
This is not simply a visa for anyone who wants to start a business. There are specific requirements, including endorsement and requirements relating to the innovation, viability and scalability of the proposed business.
But if you already have a serious business concept or business plan, it may be worth assessing whether it could potentially meet the requirements of the route.
You can request an Innovator Founder eligibility assessment and share your business plan or proposal for us to review.
Look at your options early
When Skilled Worker sponsorship is coming to an end, it is natural to focus immediately on finding another sponsored employer. For many people, that may remain the appropriate option.
But it may not be the only possibility. Your professional background, achievements, experience or business ideas could mean that another immigration route is worth investigating.
There may be another way for you to remain in the UK. There may not be. The important thing is to find out before making assumptions about your options.
Speak to our UK immigration team
If you are considering Global Talent, ask for an eligibility assessment and share your CV. If you are considering Innovator Founder, ask for an eligibility assessment and share your business plan or business proposal.
Book a consultation or contact our team to get started. We can then review the information you provide and, where appropriate, discuss whether the route is worth taking further.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration Rules and requirements can change, and eligibility will depend on individual circumstances and the requirements in force at the time of application.
