Visa Support
Since the UK left the EU, increased costs and a slower hiring process for
EU to UK placements and vice versa are the norm.
Aardvark Swift are working with immigration specialists Fragomen LLP,
to provide a tailored solution for the games industry.
About Fragomen LLP
Founded nearly 70 years ago in the United States, Fragomen LLP is a global immigration specialist law firm who can help games development studios to navigate the many pitfalls of the visa process. As we head into an uncertain future, with stricter rules enforced on the movement of talent between the UK and Europe, their hard-earned knowledge expert advice is now more vital than ever for studios looking to hire the best talent.
The cost of the new visa rules:
If you’re a UK studio the immigration skills charge will vary dependent on how your business is categorised by the Companies Act 2006.
Costs will vary on a case by case basis, dependant on the size of your business, the salary of your new team member and whether they have dependents.
Below are two examples to demonstrate how visa costs can differ.
Example 1 - UK small studio who are looking to hire:
A developer from Spain
Salary of £32,000
No dependents
Wanting to sponsor for 3 years*
*to enable the individual to qualify for permanent UK residence the employer would need to sponsor them again after the initial three years.
Fee Estimate | Cost | VAT | Total |
Government fee, Certificate of Sponsorship | £199 | N/A | £199 |
Government fee, skilled worker 3 year visa, application fee | £610 | N/A | £610 |
Government fee, immigration skills charge (£364 per year) | £1,092 | N/A | £1,092 |
Government fee, IHS charge (£624 per application) | £1,872 | N/A | £1,872 |
Example 2 - UK larger studio who are looking to hire:
An developer from Spain
Salary of £30,000
1 dependent, developer will be accompanied by their spouse
Wanting to sponsor for 3 years*
*based on sponsorship for 3 years , with a review period after 3 years to determine whether the employer wishes to continue to sponsor and allow the developer to become a UK resident.
Fee Estimate | Cost | VAT | Total |
Government fee, Certificate of Sponsorship | £199 | N/A | 199 |
Government fee, skilled worker 3 year visa, application fee | £1,220 | N/A | £1,220 |
Government fee, immigration skills charge (£1,000 per year) | £3,000 | N/A | £3,000 |
Government fee, IHS charge (£624 per application) | £3,744 | N/A | £3,744 |
We're working with Fragomen LLP to bring you a solution tailored for the games industry.
Visa support service:
Free studio consultation with Fragomen LLP
All our clients are eligible for a free 1 hour consultation with Fragomen LLP regarding visas and immigration law
Discounted legal costs
20% reduction on Fragomen LLP legal fees for our clients.
Discounted visa and recruitment package
Contact us to discuss a combined visa and recruitment package
Visa and immigration briefings
continued updates, advice and guidance on visa and immigration rules - created by the experts, Fragomen LLP
Contact us if you'd like more information about the visa support service
in conjunction with Fragomen LLP.