Stuart McWilliams
PartnerStuart is an accredited specialist in immigration law and a partner in our Litigation division in Glasgow.
Stuart is the lead member of our top ranked immigration team. He advises both individuals and businesses on all aspects of UK immigration law.
He provides advice and assistance to clients in relation to the Skilled Worker and Global Mobility Sponsorship process and is recognised for his expertise in working with companies who are experiencing skill shortages. He provides strategic advice to businesses dealing with right to work and sponsor compliance issues, as well as practical guidance on how to best use the visa system to fit their needs.
Stuart has experience advising on the Innovator Founder ,Start up and Global Talent visa categories, as well as advising Tier 1 Entrepreneurs and Investors applying for extensions and indefinite leave to remain.
Further, Stuart deals with private client immigration matters and can advise on any application for Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Remain or Citizenship. He speaks frequently on immigration issues having previously given expert evidence before the UK Parliament and has particular expertise in relation to the family migration rules.
Stuart regularly advises energy companies on visa options to bring skilled staff to the UK to assist with energy and renewables projects.
Stuart is a former Convener of the Law Society of Scotland's Immigration and Asylum Law Sub-Committee.
Podcast
Will the new Government change the rules for business immigration?
In light of the recent General Election, Stuart McWilliams and David Hossack discuss what is likely to change for employers sponsoring work visas and what other reforms would be useful in the visa system.
Article
What do the Manifestos mean for business immigration?
As the UK approaches the General Election on 4 July, the issue of immigration is one that is being mentioned by all political parties and depending on the outcome of the election there could be significant changes for businesses who sponsor migrant workers.
Article
UK begins transition to digital visas – what this means for employers
If you have employees with visas, whether sponsored by you or not, you may have noticed that their biometric cards are all due to expire on 31 December 2024. This date is not when their visas are actually due to expire, but instead the expiry date is due to the Home Office commitment to move to a fully digital system by 2025.