The UK operates one of the most complex and frequently updated immigration systems among advanced economies, combining routes designed to attract global talent with mechanisms that help employers fill skills gaps.

For founders, key routes include the Innovator Founder visa, which requires an innovative, viable and scalable business idea; the Global Talent visa, aimed at individuals who can demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in fields such as digital technology; and the High Potential Individual visa, which is available to graduates from top global universities within five years of completing their degree. Businesses also have several options, including the Skilled Worker visa, which allows employers to sponsor sufficiently skilled roles that meet minimum salary thresholds; the UK Expansion Worker route, used by overseas companies looking to set up operations in the UK; and the Senior or Specialist Worker route, which enables international businesses to send employees to their UK group entities. All these routes involve sponsor licences and associated compliance obligations.

Ever subject to change, the UK immigration rules are currently undergoing a major revision because of the May 2025 White Paper: Restoring control over the immigration system.

The White Paper has already brought in Skilled Worker rule changes in July 2025 with higher minimum salary and skill levels. Jobs below the minimum skill threshold can be on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) for long-term shortage roles which following a review by the Migration Advisory Committee will come with new workforce domestic training strategies for sponsors

By the end of 2025 there will also be consultations on whether the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain should be increased from five to 10 years and with new “earned settlement” criteria.

Further reading

This entry was written by Ilda de Sousa. Ilda is a Partner in the immigration team at the law firm Kingsley Napley.