Relocating to the UK can be an exciting move. But, as with any immigration system, it can be daunting. There are various visa pathways to explore, visa requirements and supporting documentation to consider, and deadlines to keep in mind. The smallest error in an application can cause unnecessary stress. That’s where professional immigration advice can help.
Before you make an important decision, you will need to know your options. Whether you are looking to work in the UK, reunite with your family, study, apply for settlement, or pursue British Citizenship, seeking personal advice can help you understand your options.
Our immigration team at Primus Solicitors assists businesses, families and individuals with UK immigration related issues. The firm is SRA-regulated and offers immigration services to clients in Manchester and across the UK.
What Is Immigration Advice?
Immigration advice involves getting guidance regarding your specific immigration situation. This might mean selecting the correct visa pathway, understanding the eligibility criteria, or completing an application.
According to the Immigration Advice Authority, immigration advice can cover a variety of issues, including entry clearance, permission to enter or stay in the UK, and asylum.
Immigration counseling isn’t just about completing a form, though.
Before a good adviser can assist you, they need to understand your situation. From there, they will be able to talk to you about the choices you can make and what each of the roads may symbolize for you.
Why Is Professional Immigration Advice Important?
There are detailed rules to follow for immigration applications in the UK. There are also visa category and individual-specific requirements that may vary.
For instance, those applying for a spouse visa are likely to have different requirements than those applying for a Skilled Worker visa. Similarly, there are eligibility requirements for settlement and citizenship applications.
For this reason, it may not necessarily be suitable to copy information that is successful in another application and implement it in your own.
Professional immigration advice gives you the opportunity to discuss your situation before completing an application.
It can also enable you to detect future issues early.
When Should You Get Immigration Advice?
You are not required to be ready to apply before you reach the desired age.
Indeed, advice at the planning stage is beneficial.
If you think you need advice:
- You are applying for a visa to the UK.
- You don’t know which visa category you are eligible for
- Your visa is soon to expire.
- You wish to change to another immigration category.
- You’re hoping to travel to the UK with a family member.
- You are considering settlement
- You wish to obtain citizenship in the UK.
- Your application has been refused
- The Home Office has sent you a letter relating to immigration.
- There is some concern about immigration status
Advice at an early stage can help you to prepare documents and to understand the process in more detail.
Immigration Advice for Families
Family decisions can be significant when it comes to immigration.
If your partner, spouse, parent or child resides overseas, then you might want to consider a family visa pathway.
Family immigration cases may, however, have specific requirements regarding the relationship, finances, accommodation, and supporting evidence.
Each family has its own unique characteristics. It is important to take into account the specifics of your case rather than general information you might find online.
A solicitor will be able to outline the requirements and advise you on what evidence may be required.
Immigration Advice for Work and Business
There are multiple pathways to immigration to the UK related to work and business.
Where employers sponsor overseas employees or are responsible for aspects of sponsorship, they may require assistance.
The right path will vary depending on your role, employer, qualifications, and situation.
So it is also advisable to seek professional advice when you are unsure whether to go for the former or the latter.
Primus Solicitors also offers business immigration advice to clients who require assistance with immigration issues arising from business.
What If Your Visa Application Has Been Refused?
Receiving a visa refusal can be worrying. But a rejection doesn’t always mean you are stuck with no choices left.
The first thing to do is to know the reason for the refusal of the application.
Depending on the situation, it may be possible to object to the decision, reapply, or take another appropriate legal action. The appropriate answer will vary based on the refusal decision and immigration pathway.
Therefore, it makes sense to seek legal advice before taking the next step.
Don’t just reapply; be aware of what failed in the first submission and why.
How Do You Choose an Immigration Adviser?
Immigration counsel should be from a licensed counselor.
The UK government recommends that anyone who needs immigration advice should seek assistance from a regulated adviser or an approved professional body. You can contact solicitors through appropriate professional channels, including the Law Society.
There is also information available on the Immigration Advice Authority about regulated immigration advisers. It states that some practitioners, such as members of the appropriate professional body who are authorized by that organization, are not required to hold an IAA.
Take into account experience, the type of immigration services they provide, and whether the solicitor is able to let you know fees and services.
During your initial consultation, it’s a good idea to pose questions as well. A good solicitor will make it easier to understand, not more confusing.
What Can You Expect From Immigration Advice?
Specific services will vary, depending on your case.
Typically, at a consultation, you can discuss your situation and ask questions about your immigration options.
You will be provided with advice on:
- The most suitable immigration route
- Eligibility requirements
- Supporting documents
- Any issues with your case
- Application procedures
- Deadlines
- Appeals or refusal
- Settlement pathways / citizenship pathways
Currently, Primus Solicitors provide various types of consultations, including short consultations, where the client can discuss their situation and receive advice on their options, and more in-depth consultation appointments, which allow more time to discuss the situation in detail with the client.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Advice
What does immigration advice include?
Immigration advice may cover applications for visas to the UK, permission to enter and remain, settlement, citizenship, asylum, and any other immigration related issues. The tips should depend upon your personal situation.
Do I need a solicitor for a UK visa application?
There are numerous immigration applications you can make by yourself in the UK. But if you face a complicated situation, are uncertain about your eligibility, lack documents, or have had immigration problems in the past, professional advice can help you.
When should I seek immigration advice?
It’s a good idea to have some guidance before applying. It can be helpful to receive advice early in the process to understand your options and identify any issues before they begin to affect your application.
Can an immigration solicitor help after a visa refusal?
Yes. A solicitor can review the refusal decision and advise on the possible course of action. This will depend on the reasons for refusal and the nature of the application.
Is online immigration advice available?
Yes. Various immigration attorneys offer consultations via phone. Primus Solicitors offers nationwide virtual consultations as well as services from its Manchester office.
How can I check whether an immigration adviser is regulated?
An adviser can be checked for registration with the Immigration Advice Authority, and a solicitor can be checked for regulation by the relevant professional body. The UK government provides information to help people find regulated immigration advisers.
Can immigration advice guarantee that my visa will be approved?
There is no guarantee that a responsible adviser can make a successful immigration decision. Whilst a solicitor can give you an idea of the requirements and guide you in how to prepare your case, it is up to the relevant UK immigration authorities to decide if it is successful or not.
How much does immigration advice cost?
The fee will vary according to the nature and complexity of your case. Some companies charge a flat fee, while others charge based on the amount of work needed. At present, Primus Solicitors offers separate consultation options at different prices, depending on the type and duration of the consultation.
Get Professional Immigration Advice
UK immigration law can seem confusing when you are seeking to understand it without the help of a professional. But you are not required to answer all of the questions independently.
Immigration advice from professionals can help you understand your options and make decisions about your next steps.
When you are applying for a visa, family member visa, a refusal or as part of your planning for settlement, having advice tailored to your situation could give you more clarity.
Primus Solicitors offers immigration legal services to clients in the UK from its Manchester offices and can assist clients throughout the UK. Consulting an experienced solicitor can be helpful if you are not sure about your immigration options.
Immigration regulations and criteria are subject to change. This article does not give specific legal advice to you, and should not be relied on for that purpose.
Primus Solicitors provides clear guidance on divorce, child matters, and financial settlements across the UK. Discover more helpful articles to understand your legal rights and options across our blogs on blogspot.com, wordpress.com, Medium.com, Weebly.com, and other trusted platforms.
