Since significant changes to the Isle of Man Immigration Rules in December 2024 and February 2025, the process for employers obtaining and renewing the documents required for immigration permission for Worker migrants and their families has become more intricate. In particular, the new requirements for applying for Confirmation of Employment are now considerably more detailed, introducing a greater risk of error if not handled by qualified professionals. 
 
At Kinley Legal, we are increasingly seeing cases where Worker migrants – and sometimes their dependants – have relied entirely on their employers to manage their immigration matters. While employers often intend to be helpful and can have experience from previous employees’ applications, delegation can result in serious consequences if neither employer nor employee has sought advice from qualified professionals. Employees often feel they have no recourse against their employers if something goes wrong. 

Who is qualified to give Isle of Man immigration advice? 

It is important to understand that immigration law in the Isle of Man is a distinct legal specialisation. Qualified and experienced Isle of Man immigration lawyers are permitted to provide immigration advice and services. Neither UK-based advisers nor employment agencies nor unregulated consultants have the required knowledge and experience to advise on Isle of Man-specific immigration procedures. 
 
Even qualified lawyers such as Isle of Man advocates are under a professional obligation only to advise on areas of law in which they are competent. 
 
Employers acting without the support of competent legal advice may inadvertently cause refusals of immigration permission for their employees or their dependants. These refusals can result in not only financial and emotional distress but may also disrupt employment and family life, and in some cases, lead to enforced departures from the Island. 
 
According to a recent report to Tynwald, the Isle of Man’s parliament, regulation limiting who can provide immigration advice will be introduced imminently. Until then, there is an additional risk of choosing an incompetent adviser. 

Recent changes make legal expertise essential 

One key area affected by the December 2024 and February 2025 changes to the Immigration Rules is the Confirmation of Employment process, which now requires far more than a simple application form. It requires careful attention to legal detail, timing, and consistency across multiple documents and applications. The same is true for dependant applications, which must now closely mirror the principal migrant’s status and eligibility. 
 
Inadequate or incorrect advice in these areas – even if well-intentioned – can lead to devastating immigration consequences for the Worker and their dependants, although less so for the employer. For this reason, all Worker visa holders and their family members are encouraged to check who is advising their employer and whether that adviser is qualified and competent to advise on Isle of Man immigration law. 

Kinley Legal can assist 

Kinley Legal regularly advises both employers and employees on the full spectrum of Isle of Man immigration matters, including Worker visas, Confirmation of Employment, and dependant applications. Our team is fully qualified in Isle of Man immigration law, and we take a proactive, precise approach to ensure that all applications are correct, complete, and in line with the latest legal requirements. 

If you are a Worker visa holder in the Isle of Man, consider asking your employer who is advising you on our immigration matters? If the answer is not a qualified Isle of Man immigration lawyer, you may be at risk. 
 
To speak to a member of our specialist immigration team in confidence, please contact us at Kinley Legal (https://www.kinleylegal.com/contact) today. We are here to help secure your immigration future.