Hiring international talent in the UK: what ops leaders need to know
Hiring internationally in the UK can feel complex. With immigration rules evolving, it’s not always clear which routes are available or what’s right for your organisation.
This information-packed session is designed to give you a clear overview of the UK’s sponsored and non-sponsored work routes, with a special focus on the Global Talent visa. 💡
Whether you’ve already sponsored employees or are exploring international hiring for the first time, immigration experts at Irwin Mitchell will guide you through the key visa routes, common challenges, and what every operations leader needs to know about bringing international talent into the UK.
By the end of this session, you’ll…
⚡ Understand the main UK work routes, including sponsored licences and key alternatives
💡 Get a practical overview of the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas
🧭 Learn what routes might fit your organisation’s needs today (and as you grow)
🧩 Walk away with actionable insights and a clear understanding of your options
You should join us if your org is based in the UK and you are…
✅ An Ops / People leader, Founder, or Manager considering hiring talent from abroad
✅ Looking to better understand compliance around sponsorship or work visas
✅ Curious about long-term planning for team structure and growth
However, you’re unlikely to benefit if…
🚫 Your org isn't based in the UK
🚫 You're based in the UK, but not currently hiring or planning to hire non-UK employees
Event details 📝
Agenda (60 mins)
Timing may be adjusted as needed.
Welcome & intro | 5 min
Overview of Options | 45 mins
Sponsored Routes
Sponsor licence basics
Skilled Worker
Global Business Mobility: Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker
Non-sponsored routes
Global Talent
Graduate Route
Youth Mobility
High Potential Individual
UK Ancestry
Routes to settlement
Practical scenarios
Q&A | 10min
This session will be recorded, including the Q&A. If you’d prefer any part of your question or comment to be kept off the recording, just let us know (either during or right after the session) and we’ll make sure it’s edited out.
The recording will be shared with all Operations Nation Members. You do not need to sign up to get the recording.
Meet our speakers 👋
Irfan Ali
Legal Director @ Irwin Mitchell
With more than a decade of experience in immigration law, Irfan is highly regarded for his expert advice to both individuals and businesses across a broad spectrum of immigration matters. Known for his meticulous yet efficient approach to sponsor licences, compliance, and work visas, he has guided organisations in diverse sectors, including leading charities, through the intricate immigration systems.
Irfan's formidable expertise extends to challenging complex Home Office decisions, including appeals, administrative reviews, and judicial reviews. He consistently delivers robust strategies and successful outcomes for his clients.
Charlotte Roach
Solicitor @ Irwin Mitchell
Charlotte brings eight years of experience in UK immigration law, advising on both personal and corporate matters. Her background spans across naturalisation, indefinite leave to remain and family-based applications, as well as complex human rights and discretionary cases.
Charlotte has extensive experience in business immigration and supports organisations in obtaining and maintaining sponsor licences. She expertly guides businesses through Skilled Worker visa processes, enabling them to recruit and retain skilled talent in the UK. She has also assisted numerous UK companies in registering onto Home Office-approved Government Authorised Exchange schemes, allowing them to bring overseas interns to the UK to participate in their internship programmes.
Nick Gore
Legal Director @ Irwin Mitchell
Nick is a distinguished specialist in both personal and business UK immigration law. He has a formidable track record spanning from partner applications to International Sportsperson applications, and provides comprehensive assistance with sponsor compliance audits, including those for educational sponsors.
Nick has deep expertise in the Global Talent visa route, working with individuals who are recognised as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as academia, research, arts and culture, and digital technology. He regularly advises clients on preparing robust evidentiary portfolios, securing endorsements from approved endorsing bodies, and navigating the complex criteria required to obtain this visa.
Renowned for his meticulous approach, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication, Nick is highly regarded by his clients.
Together with Irwin Mitchell 🙌
At Irwin Mitchell, we help businesses navigate UK immigration with speed, clarity, and confidence so you can hire globally, stay compliant, and keep your business moving.
We offer expert, end-to-end support for individual visa applications, including work and global talent visas, with clear, personalised guidance at every stage.
ON Members can book a complimentary 30-minute call with Irfan, UK Legal Director and Immigration Lawyer, to explore your UK immigration options. Email Irfan here and mention you're from ON! 💬
We can vouch for them personally: they've already helped us secure Skilled Worker visas for two members of the ON Team. 💜