Who was the applicant?
Krishna Kopuru is a leader in driving digital transformations and IT infrastructure initiatives in global organisations.
Having worked in the UK for nearly five years under a Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer visa for a large multi-national IT consultancy, Mr Kopuru approached Ward Hadaway in 2017 to assist with an application for endorsement for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa which was granted first time under the Exceptional Talent criteria.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Kopuru received his new visa and moved roles and employers as well as subsequently setting up his own IT consultancy business.
In advance of reaching three years in the UK spent under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa, Mr Kopuru sought our assistance with preparing his application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (“ILR”).
How did we help?
During the three years continuous residence in the UK required as part of a successful ILR application, Mr Kopuru had worked for different employers in the tech sector, as well as being a shareholder and director of his own IT business. This significantly increased the volume of supporting documents required for the application to evidence his work and earnings in the digital technology sector.
After advising on the potential supporting documents and reviewing the same, we assisted by narrowing the scope of required documentation evidencing his work and earnings and provided template letters for former employers to use when attesting Mr Kopuru’s role within their business.
We also liaised with his own company accountants in order to obtain the relevant information and documentation regarding company accounts, dividends paid and tax returns submitted for submission in support of the application.
This was in addition to assistance with reviewing all absences from the UK over the three year period to ensure compliance with the strict residence requirements and ensuring all supporting documents and information included in the application form was correct.
The result:
“Flora provided me with invaluable support and expertly navigated the ILR rules and guidance which made the process much easier for me. We worked together throughout the application process from the very beginning to the very end.
At each stage in the process, Flora clearly outlined the options for me and set out what I was required to do and gave me the guidance and support to do so.
For example, my ILR application was submitted during the covid19 pandemic when the priority services were suspended which meant that travel outside the UK was not permitted whilst the application was pending. Flora advised me on the different options available for providing the required biometric details to UK Visas & Immigration (“UKVI”) and the pro’s and con’s of each option. I was then able to make an informed decision on how to proceed and went on to secure a quick and efficient service from UKVI which helped me to receive my ILR in a fraction of the standard 6 month processing time.”
Some kind words:
Mr Kopuru said “obtaining ILR is a key milestone and Flora understood the importance of this and helped to ensure that it was granted, first time with no issues. Having worked with Flora and Ward Hadaway for several years now, I have no doubt that we will continue to work together on further matters which I require support on and also to refer friends and family requiring similar assistance.”
