Passportia

27/08/2025

UK Global Talent Visa – For Academics, Tech Innovators and Creative Artists

The Global Talent Visa (GTV) is one of the most prestigious UK immigration routes, designed for people with a track record in academia, research, digital technology (computing), and any of the arts. It allows you to live and work in the UK without sponsorship from an employer. It also allows dependants to live, work and study in the UK. Successful applicants who reside in the UK for just 3 or 5 years, depending on their endorsement route, may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Unlike other visas, the Global Talent Visa offers maximum flexibility: you may work as an employee, freelancer or business owner, change employers without restriction, and travel freely in and out of the UK.

Three Main Pathways for US Applicants

1. Academia and Research

For researchers, lecturers, professors, or professionals advancing academic or scientific knowledge.

· Suitable for those currently based in leading institutions, e.g. Harvard, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Princeton, or the NIH.

· Open to scientists, engineers, technology, medical researchers, humanities and social science scholars contributing to global research.

· Ideal for those looking to collaborate with UK universities and research institutes.

2. Digital Technology

For professionals with strong technology experience, plus entrepreneurs, and senior executives in technology companies.

· Ideal for innovators and leaders from technology hubs such as those in Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, Boston or New York.

· Suitable for engineers, AI researchers, founders, product managers or executives from well known companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, or leading US start-ups.

· Recognition can be based on technical innovation, published patents, or leadership in scaling a tech business.

3. Arts and Culture

For artists, performers, creatives, and cultural leaders shaping international culture.

· Open to actors, musicians, performers and directors from Broadway, Hollywood or major US theatres, orchestras and film studios.

· Suitable for visual artists, designers and curators who have exhibited at the MoMA, the Met, LACMA, Art Basel Miami, Guggenheim or other leading galleries or arts festivals.

· Includes fashion designers and film directors whose works influenced are known to global audiences.

Why Choose Passportia?

At Passportia, we don’t just help you apply for the visa – we guide you through the most crucial stage—the ENDORSEMENT process.

1. Eligibility Assessment – We analyse your achievements and provide a realistic view of your endorsement chances.

2. Endorsement Strategy – Tailored advice on the most suitable pathway for your background.

3. Evidence & Portfolio Guidance – Support with gathering, preparing and presenting strong evidence.

4. Submission Assistance – We prepare and submit the endorsement application on your behalf.

5. Visa & ILR – After endorsement, we handle your visa application and support your settlement journey.

6. Our Advantage in Digital Tech – For US applicants in Digital Tech and AI, Passportia has a unique edge. Our advisers have first-hand experience in technology and AI, giving us insight into how endorsement bodies evaluate candidates. We know how to highlight your technical innovation, entrepreneurial success, or leadership potential to maximise success.

11/07/2025

Securing Stability for Children Through the 7-Year Route: Expert Level 2 Immigration Advice at Passportia Ltd

Is your child facing an uncertain future in the UK despite having lived here for most of their life? You are not alone.

Applications under the 7-year child route are often legally and emotionally complex. The Home Office applies strict criteria and many families find themselves overwhelmed by the burden of proof required. Where the Immigration Rules present barriers, Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights may provide a vital lifeline for your family.

🤔 What Is the 7-Year Child Route?
The 7-year route applies to children who:
- Are under 18 years old;
- Have lived continuously in the UK for at least seven years;
- Can demonstrate that it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave the UK.

While the requirements may appear straightforward, proving that removal is "unreasonable" requires deep legal insight and carefully structured evidence, especially when parents have precarious immigration status.

However, where an initial application is refused under the Rules, your case is not over.

⭐ Article 8 – Upholding the Right to Family and Private Life
The 7-year rule is underpinned by Article 8, which protects the rights of children to maintain a private life and enjoy family life in the UK.

UK courts consistently emphasise the best interests of the child. When legal technicalities undermine this principle, Article 8 arguments can be pivotal.
This is where strategic legal guidance becomes essential.

⭐ Why Passportia?
We are a Level 2 OISC-accredited firm, authorised to represent clients in complex human rights and private life applications. Our legal team has the expertise to:
Draft persuasive 7-year child applications;
Prepare strong evidence of integration, educational progress, and social ties;
Submit appeals where refusals fail to account for your child’s best interests;
Apply Article 8 to demonstrate the lasting harm of removal on a child’s development and wellbeing.

Whether you are filing your first application or navigating a refusal, we are here to help you.

Contact Passportia today for a confidential consultation.
Let us help you secure a future where your child can continue to thrive.


🌐 www.passportia.org

✉️ [email protected]

📞 +44 (0) 20 3695 5385

03/07/2025

Reuniting Families Through Human Rights & Asylum Law: Expert Level 2 Immigration Advice at Passportia Ltd

Is your elderly or dependent family member struggling to join you in the UK?

You are not alone. Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) applications are some of the toughest in the UK immigration system. The requirements are rigid. The success rate is low. Above all, the emotional toll is high.

However, where the Immigration Rules offer no viable solution, Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights may provide a critical alternative route to reunite families.

At Passportia, we do not give up when it gets difficult. We step in when it matters most.

What Makes ADR Applications So Challenging?

To succeed under the ADR route, you must prove that:
• Your family member needs long-term personal care due to age, illness or disability;
• Such care is unavailable or unaffordable in their home country;
• You can support them financially without relying on public funds.

Even a single missing document can lead to refusal. However, a refusal under the Rules does not mean your case is over.

Article 8 – Your Legal Safety Net

Article 8 protects the right to family life. When strict rules cause unjustified separation, the law allows for "exceptional circumstances" to be considered.
UK courts and the Home Office recognise this, especially when care needs and family bonds are compelling.

This is where expert legal representation is crucial.

Why Passportia?

We are a Level 2 OISC-regulated firm, authorised to act in complex human rights and asylum cases. Our legal advisors specialise in:

• Appealing ADR refusals;
• Building robust Article 8 arguments;
• Preparing evidence-led submissions that highlight the unique aspects of your family’s situation.

Whether you are starting an application or fighting a refusal, we are here to help you make your case with confidence.
Contact Passportia today for a confidential consultation.

Let us help you reunite with the people who matter most.

🌐 www.passportia.org
📧 [email protected]
☎️ +44 (0) 20 3695 5385

01/07/2025

Major Changes to the UK Skilled Worker Visa Route: What You Need to Know

On 1 July 2025, the Home Office released Statement of Changes HC 997, introducing significant reforms to the Skilled Worker immigration route. The new rules will take effect from 22 July 2025, with major implications for both employers and prospective migrants. These reforms are designed to raise the bar for overseas workers and shift focus toward high-skilled, high-paid roles.

1. Higher Skill and Salary Thresholds
From 22 July, only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree) will be eligible under the Skilled Worker route. In addition, salary thresholds have increased from £38,700 to £41,400.

Most applicants will now need to meet the 50th percentile of UK pay rates for their role – removing many lower-paid occupations from eligibility.

2. Transitional Arrangements and Exemptions
While the new RQF Level 6 requirement applies to new entrants, existing Skilled Worker visa holders will be able to renew or switch roles, even if their job falls below RQF Level 6, provided their visa or application predates the 22 July deadline.

By contrast, there are no transitional exemptions from the new salary rules. All applicants must meet the new financial thresholds from day one of implementation, regardless of prior status.

What This Means for You:
• If you are already on a Skilled Worker visa, you may still renew or switch roles (even below RQF 6), as long as your visa or application was submitted before 22 July.
• If you plan to apply, your job must meet the new skill and salary thresholds.
• Employers should urgently review current sponsorship plans to ensure compliance.

At Passportia, we specialise in complex immigration cases. If you are unsure how these changes affect your visa plans or sponsorship strategy, our team is here to help you navigate the transition with confidence.

Contact us today for tailored advice.

12/06/2025

𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐊 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
For ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to operate independently in the UK, "self-sponsorship" offers a compelling route. While there is no explicit visa category for self-employment, entrepreneurs can lawfully reside in the UK by obtaining a Skilled Worker sponsor licence through their UK-registered company. This strategy creates control over business operations and a potential path to permanent settlement.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
Self-sponsorship involves establishing or acquiring a UK company which then obtains a Skilled Worker sponsor licence to sponsor the entrepreneur, who assumes a dual role as business manager and sponsored worker. Navigating this route requires adherence to Home Office regulations, particularly around the roles of Authorising Officer (AO) and Level 1 User.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫
The AO plays a central role and must be a UK-based, paid director, employee, or office-holder (e.g. company secretary or Chief HR officer). The AO is responsible for communication with the Home Office and ensuring all sponsor duties are met.

𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 1 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐫
The Level 1 User manages the Sponsorship Management System (SMS), including assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). They must also be a paid, UK-based employee, director, or office-holder. From January 2025, at least one Level 1 User must be a settled worker, strengthening regulatory compliance.

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬
The first step is registering or acquiring a UK business and appointing compliant individuals as AO and Level 1 User. The business then applies for a sponsor licence, demonstrating compliance through PAYE records and financial statements.

Once the licence is approved, the Level 1 User assigns a CoS (Defined or Undefined depending on where the applicant applies from). The entrepreneur then submits a Skilled Worker visa application, including proof of a genuine vacancy, compliance with salary thresholds, English proficiency at B1 level (e.g. IELTS 4.0), sufficient funds, and supporting documents such as police and medical certificates.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Maintaining the licence requires accurate record-keeping, reporting of material changes, and compliance with UKVI policies. Non-compliance can result in licence revocation and visa curtailment.

Importantly, the route may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR or permanent residence) after five continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, offering long-term personal and business stability in the UK.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩?
Simply, it allows entrepreneurs to control their business while securing immigration status.

At Passportia, our team provides end-to-end support on self-sponsorship, from business setup and licence application to visa submission and long-term compliance. We tailor our services to each client's specific needs.

Contact James Li at Passportia for a free initial discussion.

Call now to connect with business.

06/06/2025

“Global Talent, British Success: A Look into the 2025 Rich List – immigrants in the latest Sunday Times”

As the Sunday Times Rich List 2025: 40 Under 40 makes a great headline, it offers more than just a snapshot of individual wealth – it tells a bigger story. A story of hard work, innovation, and resilience. A story that quietly reminds us that the United Kingdom remains one of the most dynamic places in the world in which to build a future.

Among the 40 individuals, at least 15 were born outside the UK. These are individuals who arrived here with ideas, ambition, and a belief that Britain could be the right place to bring them to life. From AI disruptors and fintech pioneers to global entertainers and fashion influencers, these high-achieving individuals are not just succeeding; they are shaping industries, creating jobs, and transforming the economic landscape of modern Britain.

Here are some examples. Dmitry Bukhman, the Russian-born gamesbuilder behind Playrix, who tops the list with a net worth of £12.54 billion. Likewise, Alex Kendall from New Zealand, whose AI driverless car firm Wayve is rewriting the future of urban mobility.

Polish founders Piotr Dabkowski and Mati Staniszewski created ElevenLabs, turning text into humanlike speech in 32 languages, and in doing so, redefined audio accessibility worldwide.

Meanwhile, Romina Savova, who experienced the scarcity of post-Soviet Bulgaria, launched PensionBee to help people navigate fragmented pension schemes. Alongside this is Martin Kissinger, a German national who built Lendable, a tech-enabled lender improving access to finance.

Highlighting these individuals’ inclusion in the list underscores the growing influence of tech entrepreneurs in the UK's economy, particularly those addressing critical societal needs through innovation.

Each one of these stories is rooted in resilience, ingenuity, and cross-border thinking. Ultimately, these stories are not just about business success. They reflect the values in Britain: freedom of opportunity, fairness, and backing of new ventures. In Britain, connections with important people or politicians are not needed to make enterprises succeed.

What stands out is not just the background of these individuals, but what they built here with British teams, British infrastructure and British consumers. The companies they founded are creating thousands of jobs across the UK, contributing to HM Treasury through taxes and growth, and further promoting innovation that improves lives and keeps Britain competitive, from NHS support systems to AI solutions used globally.

This success is because of Britain’s opportunities. This success is built with homegrown talent. In fact, 35 of the 40 on the list are considered self-made, many having started with modest means and big dreams.

The Sunday Times’ article does not identify where these individuals started from.

The success of these stories illustrates the huge potential for migrants to Britain — wherever sector it may come from.

Call now to connect with business.

27/05/2025

UK Net Migration Plummets: What the Latest ONS Figures Reveal

According to newly released figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration fell from 745,000 in 2022 to 431,000 in 2024. This represents a nearly 50% drop and marks the first major reversal in migration trends since the UK overhauled its immigration system post-Brexit.

1. Policy Shifts Take Effect

This sharp decline is partly attributed to changes in government policy changes in April 2024 by the previous Conservative government targeting student and dependant visa categories. Restrictions introduced under the previous government limited international students and health and social care workers from bringing family members with them to the UK. Such measures which intended to address concerns about rising immigration level are now having a tangible impact.

2. Government Response: “Important and Welcome”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper welcomed the new figures, describing the reduction as “important and welcome.” She reaffirmed the Labour government’s pledge to bring net migration down further and indicated that more policy changes could be on the horizon. Future reforms may include adjustments to work visa routes and increased responsibilities for employers who sponsor overseas workers.

3. Asylum and Irregular Migration on the Rise

While legal migration has decreased, the ONS report highlights a significant rise in asylum applications and irregular migration. In the year to March 2025, 109,000 individuals claimed asylum in the UK: a 17% increase. Additionally, 38,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats, marking a 22% rise from the previous year. These figures underscore a growing challenge in managing unauthorised and humanitarian migration.

4. A Two-Tier Challenge

The divergence between falling legal migration and rising irregular arrivals illustrates the complexity of the UK’s immigration landscape. Legal migration responds swiftly to regulatory changes, while asylum and irregular routes reflect deeper global forces such as conflict and economic instability that policy alone cannot quickly resolve.

5. What’s Next for UK Immigration?

Further reforms are likely. The government may seek to tighten the points-based immigration system, revise employer sponsorship rules, and enhance border enforcement. For sectors dependent on overseas talent which include healthcare, technology, hospitality, and education, these changes could pose significant operational and strategic challenges.

6. A Defining Moment

The sharp decline in net migration is a significant moment in the evolution of UK immigration policy. It demonstrates the power of targeted restrictions to influence migration flows but raises questions about the UK’s demographic needs and workforce shortages.

As the government moves to reshape the system further, staying informed and adaptable will be key for businesses, institutions, and individuals navigating this shifting environment.

Over the last year, Passportia has helped a growing number of clients seeking to establish a business in the UK and go the route of self-sponsorship.

26/02/2025

Jamal discusses a recent successful outcome for an adopted child through triple descent.

04/02/2025

Jamal discusses new proposed Home Office fee changes.

08/01/2025

Jamal discusses recent changes to the eVisa system and BRPs that were set to expire 31 December 2024.

14/11/2024

Are you applying to join a British citizen spouse in the UK? Watch this video for more information.

22/10/2024

Our legal advisor discusses our most recent successful MN1 application, initially denied.