Brabners LLP’s robust immigration team offers comprehensive expertise in business immigration, including sponsor licence applications and bespoke compliance support services. Its breadth is evidenced by the variety of sectors in which it operates, spanning healthcare, leisure, medical, technology, and sport. Increasingly, the team is tasked with supporting immigration due diligence linked to corporate transactions. Practice head Ikram Malik is a versatile immigration lawyer who regularly advises businesses on becoming approved sponsor licence holders with the Home Office. Based in the Liverpool office, Brendan McAleese is a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association, providing crucial support to a range of clients.

DWF is highly sought after by corporate clients for strategic support in securing Home Office sponsorship licences and managing complex applications. The team is also well-regarded for advising on right-to-work checks and assisting clients in avoiding civil penalties. In addition to its corporate focus, the group regularly acts for high-net-worth individuals and highly skilled workers on a range of visa routes. John Dorney heads the immigration group and has seen a steady increase in work relating to migrant recruitment and employment options post-Brexit. Roisin Patton joined the team from Ward Hadaway LLP in October 2024.

Shoosmiths LLP’s active immigration practice is noted for its broad expertise in sponsor licence applications, compliance matters, and right to work checks. The team continues to experience growing demand for advice on alternative entry routes into the UK, particularly under the Global Business Mobility umbrella, including the Senior or Specialist Worker and UK Expansion Worker pathways. The practice is also adept at conducting immigration audits and delivering tailored compliance solutions to support clients in their day-to-day operations. Chair Emma Morgan is a key figure in the group, frequently advising clients on eligibility to work requirements and bringing overseas nationals into the UK workforce.

Addleshaw Goddard’s business immigration practice, led by Sarah Harrop, has seen marked growth in recent years. Sajida Hussain draws on her combined employment and immigration law expertise to advise on sponsor licence applications, routes to sponsorship, and right to work compliance. Marianne Hessey is a key figure for immigration support in corporate transactions, particularly with regard to due diligence.

Boutique firm Latitude Law operates as a dedicated immigration specialist, offering a depth of expertise across skilled worker matters, citizenship applications, and asylum claims. Reflecting the impact of an increasingly liberalised work visa regime, the team has seen marked growth in its business immigration caseload. Founder and practice head Gary McIndoe, who splits his time between Manchester, London, and Brussels, is widely recognised for his strength across both contentious and non-contentious immigration matters. Mohammed Hafejee and Natasha Willett are also integral to the team’s offering.

Pinsent Masons LLP continues to offer comprehensive immigration support across worker sponsorship, educator-led sponsorship, right to work compliance, and personal immigration applications. The team has niche expertise in the education and energy sectors. Described as ‘responsive’ and ‘practical’, Shara Pledger provides pivotal leadership and is regularly called upon to design tailored compliance solutions and deliver training programmes for a diverse client base.

Ward Hadaway LLP advises on the full spectrum of immigration matters, including workforce planning and the recruitment and retention of non-UK national employees. The team provides vital support to corporates seeking sponsor licences under the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, and Temporary visa routes. Team head Flora Mewies is well-regarded for her wide-ranging expertise spanning business and personal immigration. Noted for her ‘incredible wealth of knowledge’, Laura Darnley adds strength at the intersection of immigration and employment law.