The ‘knowledgeable’ team at Brabners LLP covers a wide range of immigration issues, including sponsor license and visa applications. Operating across the life sciences, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, engineering, care and construction sectors, the practice is regularly engaged by SMEs, tech firms, PLCs and start ups. Practice head Ikram Malik stands out for his specialism in business immigration and has been praised for his ‘friendly attitude.’ Brendan McAleese routinely handles license applications, skilled worker visas and EU settlement schemes.

Counting a range of FTSE 100 and AIM-listed businesses - including various multinationals - among its key roster of clients, DWF is well-placed to offer advice on migrant sponsorship applications, skilled worker visas, and EU settlement schemes. The practice is steered by care sector expert John Dorney, who regularly advises sponsors in respect of matters under the UK points-based system. Laura Hawkins provides advice and support on matters relating to illegal working, sponsor licence applications and Home Office audits.

Shoosmiths LLP draws considerable praise from clients for its ability to provide ‘useful and enlightening’ advice to a diverse roster of clients, regularly handling sponsor licence applications and compliance and right to work checks. Practice head Emma Morgan is noted for her ability to act for clients from the worlds of logistics, education, engineering, telecoms and construction. Fellow co-head Rachel Harvey, who is based in Nottingham, stands out for her experience in both corporate and personal immigration affairs. Caroline Bagley regularly supports clients on personal immigration matters, such as family and private life applications.

Well-regarded for its ‘excellent communication’ and ‘proactive’ approach, the team at Latitude Law is well-versed in the full scope of immigration matters. The firm specialises in immigration advice on all UK-inbound concerns, covering skilled worker visas as well as short-term sponsorships. The practice is chaired by managing partner and co-founder Gary McIndoe, who regularly handles complex immigration cases. Mohammed Hafejee is noted for his expertise in advising start-ups and small enterprises.

Lauded for its ‘great flexibility’ and ability to ‘provide practical solutions’, Pinsent Masons LLP assists clients on a wide range of immigration matters, including mainstream sponsorship options for workers and right to work policy matters. Practice head Shara Pledger is recommended for her focus on sponsor licensing options for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.

Lauded for its ‘commercial and collaborative’ approach, the immigration team at Ward Hadaway LLP advises clients on a broad range of mandates, including applications to become a sponsor for skilled worker, global business mobility and temporary visas. Leading the team is the ‘helpful and pragmatic’ Flora Mewies who assists clients on a host of matters. Laura Darnley has been described as ‘technically very sound.’