Best Business Visa Lawyers in Exeter

1. About Business Visa Law in Exeter, United Kingdom

Business visa law in the United Kingdom operates under a national framework that applies equally to Exeter and the surrounding Devon area. The system uses a points-based approach to determine eligibility for work and entrepreneurial routes. Employers in Exeter who want to sponsor workers from abroad must hold a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office.

In practice, this means Exeter-based companies seeking to hire international staff or support overseas entrepreneurs must navigate sponsorship duties, HR compliance, and ongoing reporting requirements. The rules also govern short business visits, startup endorsements, and intra‑company transfers. Local practice often involves coordinating with UK immigration specialists to ensure the correct visa route is chosen and documented properly.

“The UK immigration regime relies on a sponsorship framework for work-based visas and on endorsed routes for entrepreneurial visas.” GOV.UK

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Here are concrete, real-world scenarios where residents or businesses in Exeter typically seek legal help on business visas.

• An Exeter tech startup founder needs endorsement and visa support to establish operations in the UK under the Start‑up or Innovator route, including meeting the endorsement body requirements and submitting a robust business plan.
• An Exeter-based parent company plans to relocate a senior manager to a UK branch under the Global Business Mobility route, requiring careful alignment of the sponsor licence, wages, and role justification.
• A domestic supplier in Exeter receives a Skilled Worker visa refusal for a crucial foreign employee, triggering an appeal or administrative review and a need to reframe evidence for a new application.
• An Exeter employer wants to sponsor multiple foreign graduates under the Skilled Worker route as the business scales, needing a compliant sponsorship system, shift reporting, and ongoing maintenance duties.
• A prospective entrepreneur in Exeter faces English language or funds verification hurdles when applying for Start-up or Innovator status, requiring tailored documentation packaging.
• A foreign professional in Exeter seeks to extend a visa or switch routes without leaving the UK, necessitating guidance on visa switching, timing, and potential curtailment of current leave.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulations govern business visa activities in Exeter, United Kingdom. They are nationally applicable, with Exeter residents needing to comply just as businesses elsewhere in the country do.

• The Immigration Rules govern eligibility for work and entrepreneur routes such as Skilled Worker, Start-up, Innovator, and Global Business Mobility. They detail salary thresholds, English language requirements, and sponsorship criteria. These rules are periodically updated by the Home Office. You can review current rules at GOV.UK.
• Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa routes enable international organisations to transfer staff to the UK, including senior managers and specialists. GBM replaced several earlier transfer routes and expanded the scope for cross-border corporate assignments. Updated policy took effect in 2022 and remains a key option for Exeter firms with overseas operations. See GOV.UK for the official guidance.
• Right to work checks under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 require employers to verify a potential employee's right to work in the UK before employment starts. Failure to conduct proper checks can lead to civil penalties and enforceable actions. See GOV.UK guidance for current procedures and documentation requirements.

“Global Business Mobility routes were introduced to allow international organisations to transfer staff to the UK and support cross-border business activity.” GOV.UK

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Skilled Worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa is for non UK nationals who have a job offer from a UK sponsor and meet salary and language requirements. Applicants must be sponsored by a licensed employer and the role must meet a going-rate salary.

What is the Start-up visa?

The Start-up visa supports first time entrepreneurs to establish a business in the UK with endorsement from a recognised body. It does not require personal funds to be invested by the applicant but requires credible business plans and ongoing monitoring.

What is the Innovator visa?

The Innovator visa targets experienced business people with a viable business idea and endorsement from an approved body. It requires significant evidence of a securing plan and funds in line with the endorsing body’s criteria.

What is the Global Business Mobility visa?

The Global Business Mobility visa enables organisations to transfer staff to the UK, either on a short term or longer term basis. It covers senior management and specialist roles among other transfer categories.

Do I need an English language test for these visas?

Most work and entrepreneur routes require some English language proficiency. The specific tests and minimum levels depend on the visa route and job type. Check the official GOV.UK pages for details.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Decision times vary by visa type and case complexity. Typical processing can range from a few weeks to several months. It is important to plan for potential delays and provide complete documentation.

Do I need a job offer before applying?

Yes for most work visas like Skilled Worker. Start-up and Innovator may require endorsement rather than a job offer, and some applicants pursue a business plan rather than a conventional employment contract.

What is the difference between Start-up and Innovator visas?

The Start-up visa targets new business ideas with endorsement. The Innovator visa is for more experienced entrepreneurs who need a more established plan and higher funds or assets, along with endorsement.

Can I switch visa categories from within the UK?

In some cases you can switch visas from inside the UK, but not all routes permit switching. A lawyer can assess eligibility and the best strategy for your circumstances before you apply.

Is it possible to appeal a visa decision in Exeter?

Yes, some decisions can be appealed or reviewed. The options depend on the visa route and the grounds of refusal. A solicitor can guide you through the process and deadlines.

Should I hire a solicitor for a business visa application?

In complex cases, a solicitor reduces the risk of errors, helps compile robust evidence, and navigates sponsor or endorsement requirements. It is generally advisable to consult a specialist immigration lawyer.

5. Additional Resources

• Skilled Worker visa - GOV.UK
• Global Business Mobility visa - GOV.UK
• Find a solicitor - Law Society

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your visa goal and the Exeter‑specific timeline with a qualified immigration solicitor. Plan a 1 to 2 hour initial consult and prepare a document list in advance.
2. Gather key documents for your chosen route, including passport, evidence of funds, employer sponsor details, and endorsement letters if applicable. Allocate 1-2 weeks for collection.
3. Identify 2-3 Exeter or Devon based immigration lawyers or firms with UK visa experience. Use professional bodies and official directories to verify qualifications.
4. Schedule consultations with at least two solicitors to compare approach, timelines, and fees. Bring a clear business plan or job offer details to each meeting.
5. Request a written engagement proposal outlining scope, fees, and milestones. Confirm the preferred visa route and expected processing times.
6. Submit the visa application with professional guidance. Aim to allow extra time for potential requests for additional information.
7. Prepare for arrival and compliance, including sponsor duties, English or funds verification, and ongoing reporting once in the UK.