Studies, Work & Settlement

Studies, Work, and Settlement Visas

Axis Solicitors offers legal services for a wide range of visas in the UK Studies, Work, and Settlement categories. Whether you are seeking to study, work, or settle permanently in the UK, our experienced immigration solicitors are here to ensure you meet all the application requirements and improve your chances of success. Each visa route has its own unique criteria, benefits, and pathways for pursuing further opportunities in the UK, including Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship.

We can assist you with with following visas in this category:

• Student Visa: For international students accepted into UK educational institutions, allowing full-time study and limited work rights. This visa is ideal for individuals aiming to pursue academic or vocational studies in the UK.
• Graduate Visa: Designed for international students who have completed an eligible UK degree, this visa offers the opportunity to work, gain experience, and live in the UK for up to two years after graduation.
• Skilled Worker Visa: For skilled professionals with a job offer from a UK employer, this visa enables individuals to work in an eligible role and provides a pathway to long-term residence.
• International Sportsperson Visa: Created for elite athletes and coaches endorsed by a UK sports governing body, this visa allows individuals to contribute to British sport at a high level.
• Health & Care Worker Visa: A specialised visa for qualified healthcare professionals with a job offer from the NHS or other eligible employers, helping to meet the demand for skilled healthcare workers in the UK.
• High Potential Individual Visa: Aimed at recent graduates from top global universities, this visa allows individuals to work or seek employment in the UK without sponsorship, helping to attract talent with high potential.
• Global Talent Visa: For exceptionally talented or promising individuals in fields such as academia, arts, and technology, endorsed by recognised UK bodies, this visa provides freedom to work across various sectors in the UK.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (UK Settlement): Commonly known as UK Settlement, this status allows individuals who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period to apply for permanent residency, leading to full rights to work, study, and access services without restrictions.
• British Citizenship & Naturalisation: For those seeking to become British citizens, this process grants the right to live permanently in the UK as a British national, with all associated rights and protections.

Each visa has different eligibility requirements and specific factors that may be a challenge for some applicants. At Axis Solicitors, our solicitors are experienced and able to provide accurate immigration advice, because of the number of immigration cases they handle. Contact us today for a free initial assessment to discuss the best visa route for your situation and learn about the affordable immigration services we offer.

Student Visa

The UK Student Visa is for individuals aged 16 and over who have been accepted into a UK university, college, or other approved educational institution. This visa allows students to study full-time in the UK and provides limited work rights, making it ideal for those aiming to build their education and experience in a world-renowned academic environment.

To qualify, applicants must hold an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, possess a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and meet specific English language and financial requirements. Students under 18 will also need parental consent. For those seeking short-term studies, the UK also offers specialised visas like the Short-term Study Visa for English courses up to 11 months.

Our UK Student Visa Services

At Axis Solicitors, we simplify the Student Visa application process with a range of services tailored to your needs:

• Eligibility Assessment: We assess your qualifications to ensure you meet all Student Visa criteria.
• Application Preparation: Our team assists with gathering and preparing required documents to meet UKVI standards.
• Full Application Management: We oversee your application from start to finish, handling any issues that may arise.
• Home Office Liaison: Our solicitors liaise directly with the Home Office to address inquiries and keep you informed.

With Axis Solicitors, you can focus on your studies while we manage the visa process. Contact us for a free initial assessment and take the first step toward your academic achievements in the UK.

Graduate Visa

The UK Graduate Visa allows international graduates to remain in the UK after completing an eligible degree, providing up to two years of post-study work rights (or three years for PhD holders). This visa supports graduates in building their careers in the UK by allowing them to work, seek employment, or even start their own business without needing a job offer or sponsorship. As a pathway to UK work experience, the Graduate Visa is ideal for those planning to establish themselves professionally, with the option to switch to longer-term work visas like the Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to permanent residency.

Our Graduate Visa Services

Applying for a Graduate Visa can be complex, but with our proven track record of successful applications, Axis Solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re applying for the first time, need help addressing a refusal, or are exploring alternative visa routes, our experienced team ensures you receive the support you need to secure your future in the UK.

How We Can Help

• Eligibility Assessment: We assess your circumstances to confirm if the Graduate Visa is your best option or if an alternative route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, may be more suitable for your career objectives.
• Application Support: Our team guides you through each stage of the application process, ensuring all required documentation is submitted accurately to maximise your chances of success.
• Refusals and Administrative Reviews: If your Graduate Visa application is refused, we can help you submit an Administrative Review if a Home Office error is suspected. We thoroughly review your case to build a stronger reapplication or initiate a Judicial Review if necessary.
• Alternative Visa Options: For graduates with a job offer from an eligible UK employer or those continuing studies, we can advise on other visa routes, including the Skilled Worker Visa or extended study visas, to align with your career plans.

Why Choose Axis Solicitors?

• Proven Track Record: With years of experience in securing Graduate Visas, we have a high success rate, giving your application the best chance of approval.
• Tailored Advice: We provide personalised guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you choose the visa route that aligns with your long-term goals.
• Stress-Free Process: From initial consultation to application submission, we manage the process efficiently, allowing you to focus on your career plans.

For expert assistance with your Graduate Visa application, contact Axis Solicitors for a free initial assessment. Our experts are available for in-person meetings in Manchester, Birmingham and London, or via convenient remote consultations to support you in securing your future in the UK.

Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is designed for qualified professionals with a job offer from a UK employer. This visa enables skilled individuals to work in eligible roles and serves as a key pathway toward long-term residence and potential settlement in the UK. The Skilled Worker Visa replaces the Tier 2 (General) visa and allows employers to sponsor international talent to fill vital roles in industries ranging from healthcare and engineering to IT and finance.

To qualify, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, meet specific skill and salary requirements, and demonstrate English language proficiency. This visa offers an excellent opportunity for professionals to advance their careers in the UK while working toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.

Our Skilled Worker Visa Services

At Axis Solicitors, we provide extensive support for Skilled Worker Visa applications, ensuring your application meets Home Office standards and requirements for a smooth process.

• Eligibility Review: We assess your qualifications and job offer to confirm eligibility, including checks on salary, skill level, and sponsor licensing.
• Application Preparation: Our team helps compile all required documentation, including your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), proof of English proficiency, and financial evidence.
• Sponsor and Job Role Verification: We verify your employer’s sponsorship status and ensure your role meets Home Office criteria for skilled employment.
• Long-Term Residency Advice: We provide guidance on meeting the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain, ensuring you are well-positioned for future settlement.

Axis Solicitors is dedicated to making your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Contact us to request a free initial assessment to start your Skilled Worker Visa application and learn more about the affordable and highly competitive legal services we can offer you.

International Sportsperson Visa

The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and coaches who have achieved international recognition and are endorsed by a recognised UK sports governing body. This visa enables top-tier sports professionals to bring their skills to the UK, contributing to British sport at a high level and enhancing the nation’s competitive edge across various disciplines.

To qualify, applicants must receive an official endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body, confirming their exceptional talent and international standing. Additionally, applicants must have a confirmed job offer in the UK and meet the required English language proficiency level if they intend to stay for longer than 12 months. This visa provides a route to long-term residence, as applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, allowing them to establish a lasting presence in the UK sports sector.

Our International Sportsperson Visa Services

At Axis Solicitors, we offer dedicated support for International Sportsperson Visa applications, providing a better immigration experience for athletes and coaches looking to advance their careers in the UK:

• Eligibility and Endorsement Assessment: We review your professional credentials and ensure your eligibility for endorsement by the UK sports governing body relevant to your sport.
• Application and Documentation Support: Our team assists with compiling required documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), endorsement letter, and financial evidence.
• English Language and Residency Guidance: For those staying longer than 12 months, we help with meeting English language requirements and guide you on steps toward long-term residency.
• Pathway to Settlement: We provide comprehensive advice on meeting the criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain, so you can build a secure future in the UK sports industry.

With Axis Solicitors, you gain an experienced team dedicated to making your transition to the UK sports sector as easy and successful as possible. Contact us to request a free initial assessment and learn more about how we can assist you.

Health & Care Worker Visa

The Health & Care Worker Visa is a specialised route for qualified healthcare professionals with a confirmed job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or other eligible healthcare providers. This visa is part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled healthcare workers to meet the high demand for healthcare services, allowing professionals to contribute their expertise while enjoying a streamlined immigration process.

Designed for roles in sectors such as nursing, medicine, and social care, the Health & Care Worker Visa offers a fast-track pathway to work in the UK, with reduced visa fees and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Holders of this visa can bring their dependants and eventually qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, providing a secure route to long-term residence in the UK.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Health & Care Worker Visa, applicants must:

1. Have a Valid Job Offer: Secure a job offer from an approved UK employer, such as the NHS, NHS suppliers, or organisations within the social care sector.
2. Eligible Occupation: Work in a role listed on the eligible healthcare occupations list, such as doctors, nurses, and other health and social care professionals.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Obtain a CoS from the sponsoring employer, confirming the job and meeting the required salary threshold.
4. English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English, either through a recognised language test or by being from a majority English-speaking country.
5. Financial Requirements: Show proof of funds to support yourself upon arrival, unless exempt due to your employer’s certification.

Visa Duration and Costs

• Duration: The visa is typically granted for up to five years, with the option to extend.
• Fees: Visa fees are reduced for Health & Care Workers, and the Immigration Health Surcharge is waived.
• Processing Time: Processing is expedited, with decisions typically made within three weeks.

Our Health & Care Worker Visa Services

At Axis Solicitors, we provide specialised support for healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UK. 

Our services include:

• Eligibility and Sponsorship Assessment: We assess your qualifications and job offer to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
• Application and Documentation Support: Our team helps compile and review required documents, including your CoS, financial evidence, and proof of English proficiency.
• Long-Term Residency Guidance: For those seeking to settle in the UK, we provide advice on meeting the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.

Our immigration solicitors are experts at helping healthcare professionals successfully apply for work visas. Contact us to request a free initial assessment and discuss how our services will benefit your Health & Care Worker Visa application.

High Potential Individual Visa

The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is tailored for recent graduates from the world’s top universities, allowing them to live and work in the UK without the need for sponsorship. This visa offers individuals the flexibility to work, seek employment, or even start their own business, making it ideal for those aiming to build their careers and networks in the UK.

To qualify, applicants must hold a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from a top global university as recognised by the UK government within the last five years. Proof of English language proficiency and financial resources for initial support in the UK are also required.

Our UK High Potential Individual Visa Services

At Axis Solicitors, we simplify the HPI Visa application process with a range of services tailored to your needs:

• Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your educational credentials to confirm your eligibility for the HPI Visa.
• Application Preparation: Our team helps gather and prepare required documents, ensuring they meet UKVI standards.
• Full Application Management: We oversee the entire application process, from submission to final decision, addressing any issues that arise.
• Future Visa Guidance: For those looking to extend their stay, we offer advice on switching to visa routes that lead to long-term residency.

With Axis Solicitors, you can focus on your career ambitions while we handle the visa process. Contact us for a free initial assessment and take the next step towards your professional goals in the UK.

Global Talent Visa

The UK Global Talent Visa is designed for exceptionally talented and promising individuals in fields like academia, research, arts, and technology. This visa allows successful applicants to work freely across various sectors without needing a job offer or sponsorship, offering unparalleled flexibility to contribute to the UK’s innovation and cultural landscape.

To qualify, applicants must receive an endorsement from a recognised UK body, such as Arts Council England for arts and culture, Tech Nation for digital technology, or the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, or Royal Society for academic and research fields. The Global Talent Visa can be granted for up to five years and provides a direct pathway to settlement, making it an attractive option for individuals aiming to establish a long-term career in the UK.

Our Global Talent Visa Services

At Axis Solicitors, we offer comprehensive support for Global Talent Visa applications to help you showcase your achievements and secure this prestigious visa:

• Eligibility & Endorsement Assessment: We evaluate your credentials to confirm your eligibility and guide you on the endorsement process with relevant UK bodies.
• Application & Documentation Preparation: Our team helps compile a strong application with all necessary evidence to meet endorsement standards.
• End-to-End Visa Management: From endorsement to visa submission, we manage each step, liaising with endorsement bodies and UKVI to ensure a smooth process.
• Pathway to Settlement: We provide guidance on meeting the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain, helping you build a long-term future in the UK.

With Axis Solicitors, your talent can thrive in the UK’s vibrant professional landscape. Contact us to request a free initial assessment to discuss your Global Talent Visa application and learn about how we can help you.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), commonly referred to as UK Settlement, grants permanent residency to individuals who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period, allowing them to stay indefinitely. With ILR, you gain full rights to work, study, and access public services in the UK without immigration restrictions, laying the foundation for a secure and stable future. ILR is also a key step towards British citizenship, which can be pursued after holding settled status for a year.

To qualify, applicants typically need to have lived in the UK on an eligible visa for five years, although some routes, like the Innovator Visa, may offer shorter pathways. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of English, meet residency requirements, and pass the Life in the UK Test.

Our ILR Services

At Axis Solicitors, we provide tailored support for ILR applications, guiding you through each requirement to achieve successful settlement in the UK:

• Eligibility Assessment: We assess your residency history and visa type to confirm your eligibility for ILR.
• Application Preparation: Our team assists in gathering required documents, including proof of residence and English language proficiency.
• Life in the UK & Language Guidance: We provide resources and guidance to help you prepare for the Life in the UK Test and meet language requirements.
• Full Application Management: From start to finish, we manage your ILR application, ensuring that all criteria are met to maximise your chances of approval.

With Axis Solicitors, achieving permanent residency becomes more straightforward and less stressful. Contact us to request a free initial assessment, and learn how we can help you pursue Indefinite Leave to Remain.

British Citizenship & Naturalisation

British Citizenship through naturalisation is the final step for individuals who wish to become British nationals, granting them the right to live permanently in the UK with all the rights, protections, and benefits of a British citizen. With British citizenship, individuals gain the ability to vote, travel with a British passport, access full public services, and enjoy the stability of being recognised as a permanent member of UK society.

To qualify, applicants must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen), demonstrate knowledge of English, and pass the Life in the UK Test. Additional requirements include meeting residency and good character standards to prove a genuine commitment to life in the UK.

Our British Citizenship & Naturalisation Services

At Axis Solicitors, we provide several legal services to assist you with the citizenship process, ensuring that you are more likely to achieve the outcome of becoming a British national:

• Eligibility Review: We assess your residency, ILR status, and other criteria to confirm your readiness for naturalisation.
• Application Preparation: Our team helps gather necessary documents, including proof of residency, ILR, and English language certification.
• Life in the UK & Language Support: We guide you through preparing for the Life in the UK Test and meeting English language requirements.
• Full Application Management: From document checks to submission, we manage every step to ensure your application meets Home Office standards.

Let Axis Solicitors assist and prepare appropriately for achieving your British citizenship. Contact us to request a free initial assessment, learn more about how we can assist you, and take the next step towards a lasting future in the UK as a British national.