Members of the Forsters immigration team talking in the office

Immigration and relocation

Choosing the country where you live, work or do business is an important and often exciting life decision which can be burdened by the practical realities of complex immigration rules. Our specialist UK immigration team are here to help you navigate the process and find the best method to secure your route to the UK or wider global mobility ambitions.

We take the time to truly understand your circumstances and motivations, both in the short and long term; only then can we devise an immigration strategy that meets your needs. Be it a relationship, job, health, security or simply for fun, whatever the reasons for relocating or securing more permanent residence, we will handle your case with care and co-ordinate your application to ensure the greatest chance of success.

Advising both individuals and businesses on all aspects of immigration law, our team are experienced in every stage of the relocation process, from initial visa applications and renewals, to applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK and British citizenship.

We specialise in supporting individuals with unique or unusual circumstances where a route to the UK may not be immediately obvious, or in situations which are particularly time sensitive. Our exceptional track record of success is in part enabled by our well-established connections in the industry, including at the Home Office, where discretion is critical.

Utilising our international network of professionals, we can seamlessly co-ordinate any global immigration needs. We can also draw on Forsters’ wider expertise in Private Wealth to provide holistic advice in relation to your move, including tax, cross-border estate planning and employment.

 

Typical scenarios we assist individuals and families with include:

The Big Move – relocating to the UK with family and staff

If you are looking to make the UK your home, we can support you and your family on the complete journey, from your first entry to the UK all the way to British citizenship and securing a British passport. We will work with you to devise a long-term strategy with the flexibility to adapt to any changing circumstances.

We can support you with bringing members of household staff with you including nannies, housekeepers and security, as well as enabling them to travel with you on any overseas trips.

If you previously lived in the UK and now wish to return on a permanent basis, your case may require careful handling, particularly as the rules may have changed since you were last here.

Alternatively, you may wish to obtain a British passport for peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that you can return to the UK should you wish to.

Whatever your reasons for returning to the UK or securing more permanent residence, we can talk you through your options and handle the process for you.

We are supporting many individuals with their EU Settled Status applications, particularly in situations where there have been extensive absences from the UK.

If you value your global mobility and are required to travel frequently, often at short notice, we can ensure that international borders remain open to you, no matter the circumstances.

We can secure travel permits to required destinations for both you and your family members, including children. Utilising our global network of contacts we can co-ordinate your international immigration requirements to correspond with your demanding schedule.

Conversely, numerous absences from the UK can be detrimental to securing permanent residence in the UK. We support many individuals in this situation with discretionary applications, so have in-depth knowledge of the supporting evidence required to provide the greatest chance of success.

If you are coming to the UK to perform, compete or share your expertise, we will find the best route to enable you to do so. Business leaders from certain industries may also be eligible for visas based on talent.

Global talent visas are extremely rarely granted. We have the expertise to craft detailed legal and factual submissions and supporting documentation to demonstrate your specialisms and talents. Exceptional talent visas are particularly sought after as they allow you to apply for permanent residency at an earlier date, providing greater freedoms without being tied to a particular employer.

We work with specialist industry bodies including the Arts Council England, Tech Nation and the Royal Society to secure endorsements for applications relating to film and television.

If you need help navigating family matters across borders, our immigration experts support international families in all different forms:

  • Marriage or civil partnership to a non-UK citizen
  • Cross-border couples separating or divorcing
  • Blended families, parents living in different jurisdictions and enabling children to spend time with each parent
  • International surrogacy and adoption.

We work collaboratively with our award-winning Family team to support you with any cross-border issues that may arise from your relationships.

Want to know more?

Speak to our team of expert lawyers.

Contact us

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Meet our team

Amy Sarraff
Amy Sarraff

Senior Associate and Knowledge Lawyer, Immigration