Studies, Work & Settlement
Expert legal guidance for studying at world-class universities, building a professional career and achieving permanent settlement.
Are You Eligible for British Citizenship?
To qualify for British citizenship, applicants must have held Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status for at least 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen), demonstrate knowledge of English, and pass the Life in the UK Test.
Additional requirements include meeting residency and good character standards to prove a genuine commitment to life in the UK.
Overview of UK Studies, Work & Settlement Visas
Looking to study, work, or settle in the UK? With exceptional opportunities from world-class universities to pathways for permanent residency and British citizenship, the UK offers unmatched potential. Navigating the visa process, however, can be complex, with stringent requirements and evolving regulations.
Our skilled solicitors focus on securing visa approvals for diverse clients—students, skilled professionals, and those seeking long-term settlement. From Student and Skilled Worker Visas to British Citizenship applications.
How to Apply for Studies, Work, and Settlement Visas?
Axis Solicitors offers legal services for a wide range of visas in the UK Studies, Work, and Settlement categories. Whether you are seeking to study, work, or settle permanently in the UK, our experienced immigration solicitors are here to ensure you meet all the application requirements and improve your chances of success. Each visa route has its own unique criteria, benefits, and pathways for pursuing further opportunities in the UK, including Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship.
Each visa has different eligibility requirements and specific factors that may be a challenge for some applicants. At Axis Solicitors, our solicitors are experienced and able to provide accurate immigration advice, because of the number of immigration cases they handle. We provide expert guidance and dedicated support at every stage to ensure your application has the best possible chance to succeed.
Which Visas are Included in Studies, Work & Settlement?
We can assist you with with following visas in this category:
- Student Visa: For international students accepted into UK educational institutions, allowing full-time study and limited work rights.
- Graduate Visa: This visa offers the opportunity to work, gain experience, and live in the UK for up to two years after graduation.
- Skilled Worker Visa: This visa enables individuals to work in an eligible role and provides a pathway to long-term residence.
- International Sportsperson Visa: Allows elite athletes and coaches endorsed by a UK sports governing body to contribute to British sport.
- Health & Care Worker Visa: For qualified healthcare professionals with a job offer from the NHS or other eligible employers.
- High Potential Individual Visa: Allows the high potential graduates to seek employment in the UK without sponsorship.
- Global Talent Visa: For exceptionally talented or promising individuals endorsed by recognised UK bodies, this visa provides freedom to work.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (UK Settlement): Allows individuals who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period to apply for permanent residency.
- British Citizenship & Naturalisation: Grants the right to live permanently in the UK as a British national, with all associated rights and protections.
How Does a UK Student Visa Work?
The UK Student Visa is for individuals aged 16 and over who have been accepted into a UK university, college, or other approved educational institution. This visa allows students to study full-time in the UK and provides limited work rights, making it ideal for those aiming to build their education and experience in a world-renowned academic environment.
To qualify, applicants must hold an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor, possess a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and meet specific English language and financial requirements. Students under 18 will also need parental consent. For those seeking short-term studies, the UK also offers specialised visas like the Short-term Study Visa for English courses up to 11 months.
Our UK Student Visa Services
At Axis Solicitors, we simplify the Student Visa application process with a range of services tailored to your needs:
- Eligibility Assessment: We assess your qualifications to ensure you meet all Student Visa criteria.
- Application Preparation: Our team assists with gathering and preparing required documents to meet UKVI standards.
- Full Application Management: We oversee your application from start to finish, handling any issues that may arise.
- Home Office Liaison: Our solicitors liaise directly with the Home Office to address inquiries and keep you informed.
With Axis Solicitors, you can focus on your studies while we manage the visa process. Contact us for a free initial assessment and take the first step toward your academic achievements in the UK.
What is a Graduate Visa for the UK?
The UK Graduate Visa allows international graduates to remain in the UK after completing an eligible degree, providing up to two years of post-study work rights (or three years for PhD holders).
- This visa supports graduates in building their careers in the UK by allowing them to work, seek employment, or even start their own business without needing a job offer or sponsorship.
As a pathway to UK work experience, the Graduate Visa is ideal for those planning to establish themselves professionally, with the option to switch to longer-term work visas like the Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to permanent residency.
Our Graduate Visa Services
Applying for a Graduate Visa can be complex, but with our proven track record of successful applications, Axis Solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re applying for the first time, need help addressing a refusal, or are exploring alternative visa routes, our experienced team ensures you receive the support you need to secure your future in the UK.
How We Can Help with a UK Graduate Visa?
- Eligibility Assessment: We assess your circumstances to confirm if the Graduate Visa is your best option or if an alternative route, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, may be more suitable for your career objectives.
- Application Support: Our team guides you through each stage of the application process, ensuring all required documentation is submitted accurately to maximise your chances of success.
- Refusals and Administrative Reviews: If your Graduate Visa application is refused, we can help you submit an Administrative Review if a Home Office error is suspected. We thoroughly review your case to build a stronger reapplication or initiate a Judicial Review if necessary.
- Alternative Visa Options: For graduates with a job offer from an eligible UK employer or those continuing studies, we can advise on other visa routes, including the Skilled Worker Visa or extended study visas, to align with your career plans.
How Can You Get a Skilled Worker Visa?
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is designed for qualified professionals with a job offer from a UK employer. This visa enables skilled individuals to work in eligible roles and serves as a key pathway toward long-term residence and potential settlement in the UK. The Skilled Worker Visa replaces the Tier 2 (General) visa and allows employers to sponsor international talent to fill vital roles in industries ranging from healthcare and engineering to IT and finance.
To qualify, applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office, meet specific skill and salary requirements, and demonstrate English language proficiency. This visa offers an excellent opportunity for professionals to advance their careers in the UK while working toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence.
Our Skilled Worker Visa Services
At Axis Solicitors, we provide extensive support for Skilled Worker Visa applications, ensuring your application meets Home Office standards and requirements for a smooth process.
- Eligibility Review: We assess your qualifications and job offer to confirm eligibility, including checks on salary, skill level, and sponsor licensing.
- Application Preparation: Our team helps compile all required documentation, including your Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), proof of English proficiency, and financial evidence.
- Sponsor and Job Role Verification: We verify your employer’s sponsorship status and ensure your role meets Home Office criteria for skilled employment.
- Long-Term Residency Advice: We provide guidance on meeting the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain, ensuring you are well-positioned for future settlement.
Axis Solicitors is dedicated to making your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Contact us to request a free initial assessment to start your Skilled Worker Visa application and learn more about the affordable and highly competitive legal services we can offer you.
What is an International Sportsperson Visa?
The International Sportsperson Visa is designed for elite athletes and coaches who have achieved international recognition and are endorsed by a recognised UK sports governing body. This visa enables top-tier sports professionals to bring their skills to the UK, contributing to British sport at a high level and enhancing the nation’s competitive edge across various disciplines.
To qualify, applicants must receive an official endorsement from the relevant UK sports governing body, confirming their exceptional talent and international standing. Additionally, applicants must have a confirmed job offer in the UK and meet the required English language proficiency level if they intend to stay for longer than 12 months. This visa provides a route to long-term residence, as applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, allowing them to establish a lasting presence in the UK sports sector.
Our International Sportsperson Visa Services
At Axis Solicitors, we offer dedicated support for International Sportsperson Visa applications, providing a better immigration experience for athletes and coaches looking to advance their careers in the UK:
- Eligibility and Endorsement Assessment: We review your professional credentials and ensure your eligibility for endorsement by the UK sports governing body relevant to your sport.
- Application and Documentation Support: Our team assists with compiling required documents, including your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), endorsement letter, and financial evidence.
- English Language and Residency Guidance: For those staying longer than 12 months, we help with meeting English language requirements and guide you on steps toward long-term residency.
- Pathway to Settlement: We provide comprehensive advice on meeting the criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain, so you can build a secure future in the UK sports industry.
With Axis Solicitors, you gain an experienced team dedicated to making your transition to the UK sports sector as easy and successful as possible. Contact us to request a free initial assessment and learn more about how we can assist you.
Who is Eligible for a Health & Care Worker Visa?
The Health & Care Worker Visa is a specialised route for qualified healthcare professionals with a confirmed job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or other eligible healthcare providers. This visa is part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled healthcare workers to meet the high demand for healthcare services, allowing professionals to contribute their expertise while enjoying a streamlined immigration process.
Designed for roles in sectors such as nursing, medicine, and social care, the Health & Care Worker Visa offers a fast-track pathway to work in the UK, with reduced visa fees and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Holders of this visa can bring their dependents and eventually qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, providing a secure route to long-term residence in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Health & Care Worker Visa, applicants must:
- Have a Valid Job Offer: Secure a job offer from an approved UK employer, such as the NHS, NHS suppliers, or organisations within the social care sector.
- Eligible Occupation: Work in a role listed on the eligible healthcare occupations list, such as doctors, nurses, and other health and social care professionals.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Obtain a CoS from the sponsoring employer, confirming the job and meeting the required salary threshold.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English, either through a recognised language test or by being from a majority English-speaking country.
- Financial Requirements: Show proof of funds to support yourself upon arrival, unless exempt due to your employer’s certification.
Visa Duration and Costs
- Duration: The visa is typically granted for up to five years, with the option to extend.
- Fees: Visa fees are reduced for Health & Care Workers, and the Immigration Health Surcharge is waived.
- Processing Time: Processing is expedited, with decisions typically made within three weeks.
Our Health & Care Worker Visa Services
At Axis Solicitors, we provide specialised support for healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UK.
Our services include:
- Eligibility and Sponsorship Assessment: We assess your qualifications and job offer to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Application and Documentation Support: Our team helps compile and review required documents, including your CoS, financial evidence, and proof of English proficiency.
- Long-Term Residency Guidance: For those seeking to settle in the UK, we provide advice on meeting the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.
Our immigration solicitors are experts at helping healthcare professionals successfully apply for work visas. Contact us to request a free initial assessment and discuss how our services will benefit your Health & Care Worker Visa application.
How to Get a High Potential Individual Visa?
The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is tailored for recent graduates from the world’s top universities, allowing them to live and work in the UK without the need for sponsorship. This visa offers individuals the flexibility to work, seek employment, or even start their own business, making it ideal for those aiming to build their careers and networks in the UK.
To qualify, applicants must hold a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) from a top global university as recognised by the UK government within the last five years. Proof of English language proficiency and financial resources for initial support in the UK are also required.
Our UK High Potential Individual Visa Services
At Axis Solicitors, we simplify the HPI Visa application process with a range of services tailored to your needs:
- Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your educational credentials to confirm your eligibility for the HPI Visa.
- Application Preparation: Our team helps gather and prepare required documents, ensuring they meet UKVI standards.
- Full Application Management: We oversee the entire application process, from submission to final decision, addressing any issues that arise.
- Future Visa Guidance: For those looking to extend their stay, we offer advice on switching to visa routes that lead to long-term residency.
With Axis Solicitors, you can focus on your career ambitions while we handle the visa process. Contact us for a free initial assessment and take the next step towards your professional goals in the UK.
Pathway to British Citizenship & Permanent Residency
British Citizenship through naturalisation is the final step for individuals who wish to become British nationals, granting them the right to live permanently in the UK with all the rights, protections, and benefits of a British citizen. With British citizenship, individuals gain the ability to vote, travel with a British passport, access full public services, and enjoy the stability of being recognised as a permanent member of UK society.
How to Apply for British Citizenship?
At Axis Solicitors, we provide several legal services to assist you with the citizenship process, ensuring that you are more likely to achieve the outcome of becoming a British national:
Eligibility Review: We assess your residency, ILR status, and other criteria to confirm your readiness for naturalisation.
Application Preparation: Our team helps gather necessary documents, including proof of residency, ILR, and English language certification.
Life in the UK & Language Support: We guide you through preparing for the Life in the UK Test and meeting English language requirements.
Full Application Management: From document checks to submission, we manage every step to ensure your application meets Home Office standards.
Let Axis Solicitors assist and prepare appropriately for achieving your British citizenship. Contact us to request a free initial assessment, learn more about how we can assist you, and take the next step towards a lasting future in the UK as a British national.
Can You Get ILR Through Study & Work Visas?
Process of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Grants permanent residency to individuals who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period.
- Allows you to stay in the UK indefinitely without immigration restrictions.
- Forms the foundation for long-term security and stability in the UK.
Key Benefits of ILR
- Full rights to work and study without limitations.
- Access to public services and benefits, where eligible.
- Essential step toward applying for British citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
- Typically requires five years’ residence on an eligible visa route.
- Some visas offer accelerated pathways to settlement.
- Applicants must meet residency, English language, and knowledge requirements.
Citizenship Pathway
- Enables progression to British citizenship after one year of settled status.
- Supports long-term personal and professional integration in the UK.
- Provides a clear route to full UK nationality.
Axis Solicitors’ Support
- Comprehensive eligibility and residency assessment.
- Expert preparation of documents and application evidence.
- End-to-end application management, including test and language guidance.
What is the Global Talent Visa Program?
Overview
- Designed for exceptionally talented and promising individuals across key sectors.
- Open to leaders and future leaders in academia, research, arts, and technology.
- Enables meaningful contribution to the UK’s innovation and cultural landscape.
Key Benefits
- No job offer or employer sponsorship required.
- Freedom to work across multiple roles and sectors.
- Visa granted for up to five years with flexibility.
Eligibility & Endorsement
- Mandatory endorsement from a recognised UK endorsing body.
- Bodies include Arts Council England, Tech Nation, and leading academies.
- Endorsement confirms your exceptional talent or promise in your field.
Pathway to Settlement
- Direct route to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
- Supports long-term career and personal stability.
- Ideal for individuals planning to establish a lasting UK presence.
Axis Solicitors’ Support
- Eligibility and endorsement assessment tailored to your profile.
- Strategic application and evidence preparation to maximise success.
- End-to-end visa management, including settlement guidance.
Why Choose Axis Solicitors?
We combine legal expertise with a client-focused approach to achieve successful outcomes. Our solicitors are trusted for delivering clear advice, strong applications, and dependable support.
Specialist solicitors for multiple visa categories
Contact us today for expert guidance on your student visa and study-related immigration matters.
Build Your Future in the UK
Whether you are planning to study, progress your career, or settle permanently in the UK, the experts at Axis Solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our experienced immigration team offers clear, practical advice and handles your application with precision and care. Book a free initial assessment today and take confident control of your UK immigration journey with trusted legal experts by your side.
Our Studies, Work & Settlement Services
We provide end-to-end UK immigration support for individuals at every stage of their journey. From studying and working in the UK to securing permanent residence and citizenship, our services are designed to deliver clarity, confidence, and results.
- Expert advice across study, work, and settlement visa routes
- Strategic eligibility assessments tailored to your profile
- End-to-end visa application and documentation management
- Specialist support for skilled professionals and global talent
- Clear pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain and citizenship
- Ongoing guidance for long-term UK residence planning
With Axis Solicitors, your UK ambitions are supported by experience, precision, and care.
FAQ: Studies, Work & Settlement Visas
The right visa depends on your goals, background, and current status. Whether you plan to study, work, or settle in the UK, each route has specific eligibility requirements. Our solicitors assess your qualifications, experience, and long-term plans to recommend the most suitable visa. This ensures you apply under the correct route from the start.
Yes, many UK visas allow switching and progression to settlement. Routes such as the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Innovator visas can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain. We advise on eligibility, timing, and compliance to help you build a clear pathway from temporary stay to permanent residence.
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and your individual circumstances. Some visas are decided within weeks, while settlement and citizenship applications take longer. We ensure your application is accurate and complete to avoid delays and improve decision times where possible.
A refusal does not always mean the end of your options. Depending on the reason, you may be able to apply again, request an Administrative Review, or pursue a Judicial Review. Our solicitors carefully analyse refusal decisions and advise on the strongest next steps to protect your immigration status.
While it is possible to apply independently, UK immigration rules are complex and frequently change. A solicitor helps you avoid errors, meet all requirements, and present a strong application. Professional support significantly improves your chances of approval, especially for long-term and settlement routes.