Working in the United Kingdom: between the promise of stability and the legal challenges.

Amidst the transformations in the British immigration landscape, the work visa has stood out as one of the most sought-after entry points for Brazilians who dream of stability in the United Kingdom. However, with the tightening of rules, the Home Office's requirements have become increasingly stringent—especially to prove that the job offered to a foreigner is genuine.

Lawyer Livia Suassuna, an immigration specialist and founder of Suassuna Global, explains that the process of obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa requires two fundamental steps: the hiring company needs to have a valid sponsorship license and then issue a Certificate of Sponsorship in the name of the job applicant. It seems simple, but it isn't.

“The challenge lies not only in the documentation, but in proving that the job was not created solely to facilitate the entry of a foreigner. The Home Office investigates the nature of the company, the history of the job, the candidate's profile, and even the links between employer and employee,” explains Livia.

In recent months, there has been an increase in visa refusals due to alleged fraud or lack of evidence of the "genuineness of the job." Cases where the employer has a family relationship with the immigrant, such as siblings, spouses, or close friends, are subject to even more rigorous analysis.

Another sensitive point is the requirement for English proficiency and proof of a minimum wage compatible with the profession, in addition to specific rules for healthcare and care workers, who have also undergone recent changes in hiring policies.

"Immigrating through work remains possible, but it is necessary to strictly follow what the law dictates. The risk of applying alone or with unqualified advisors is high. A visa refusal due to a technical error can mean not only a loss of time and money, but also the interruption of a life plan," emphasizes the lawyer.

Suassuna Global assists Brazilians daily who wish to work legally in the United Kingdom, providing guidance from contacting companies to structuring the visa process, always based on the law and current immigration realities.