Shara Pledger

Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons

Co-convenor of the ILPA North West Working Group

Shara has worked in the area of UK immigration with since 2010 and heads up the immigration team within Pinsent Masons UK. She handles sponsor licensing applications for employers as well as other complex Points Based System issues. Shara has comprehensive experience with applications for entrepreneurs/innovators and investors, and with assisting highly skilled migrants seeking endorsements as ‘Global Talent’.

Shara is a co-convener of the ILPA North West working group

Shara delivers ILPA’s ‘Introduction to Business Immigration Law’ and ‘Employing Migrant Workers: Tier 2, sponsorship & alternatives’ training.

Shara's Upcoming Training

Shara's Past Training

This training session will cover section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, as well as validation, variation and withdrawal of applications.  It will be focused on practical tips and issues encountered when advising and preparing applications.

Following the changes in the Immigration Rules on 1 December 2020, there are separate validity requirements for certain routes. It is now extremely important to abide by these, as an invalid application will not extend leave under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971.

The effects of section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971, including when it is engaged and when it has come to an end, are crucial to understanding whether an applicant has continuous lawful residence and to ensure that an applicant does not overstay and become the subject of hostile environment measures.

It also continues to be important to understand the mechanism for varying and withdrawing applications and the impact on continuity of residence and refunding of application fees.

The training will also run through common scenarios that the tutor has come across in practice in preparing and advising on applications.

Topics to be covered include:

•    What are the new validity requirements and how do they differ from the previous requirements?
•    What is section 3C?
•    When is section 3C triggered and when does it continue to extend leave?
•    How do you vary a pending application?
•    Is there a difference in effect between withdrawing and varying?
•    How does varying an application affect leave extended by section 3C?
•    What validity requirements must be complied with, in order for an application extend section 3C leave?
•    What conditions apply when section 3C is engaged and an application is pending?
•    When does section 3C come to an end?

Tutors: Shara Pledger, Latitude Law and Arshia Hashmi, Freeths LLP

The course will provide an introduction to some of the most relevant areas of UK business immigration law, relating to both individuals and companies.

Topics covered will include;

  • Sponsored workers,
  • Business visitors,
  • Sole representatives and
  • Newly introduced Start-up and Innovator routes

This course will also include an update on the government’s plans for the UK’s future skilled based immigration system.

A basic to intermediate level course aimed at those who do not yet feel confident with Tier 2 sponsorship. We will take a closer look at the requirements for employers and workers, and how the sponsorship system impacts them.

The aim of the course is to expand and develop knowledge of business immigration law. We will demystify the Tier 2 sponsorship system and equip attendees to speak with confidence and precision on this tricky subject.

Tutor details: Shara Pledger, Latitude Law and Laura Darnley, Brabners

A basic to intermediate level course aimed at those who do not yet feel confident with sponsorship and business immigration. We will take a closer look at the requirements for employers and workers, and how the sponsorship system impacts them now and in the new post-Brexit system.

Topics:

• Skilled Worker vs Tier 2 sponsorship, and the requirements for employers and workers;
• specific issues such as advertising, new overseas hires, and salary points scoring;
• the impact of the new rules – what’s simpler, and what hidden issues may arise, and;
• alternative immigration routes for those avoiding the sponsorship scheme.

An Introduction to Business Immigration

Thank you! It was a very informative session!

An Introduction to Business Immigration

I liked the anecdotal experience which supported the guidance nicely. Also, the use of case studies really helped to solidify the information provided.

An Introduction to Business Immigration

I liked the evaluative aspect, i.e. what works, what doesn’t and why – you guys really know your stuff!