AREAS OF PRACTICE
Immigration Law
Applying for a UK visa without the assistance of a solicitor can be challenging as a large number of applications are refused, therefore it is vital to obtain advice from a solicitor to maximise the chance of a successful application. Our team of immigration specialists can provide you with the assistance you need.
We will help you consider the relevant application that best suits your needs to enter the UK, whether it is an application for a UK visa to visit, work, study or join a (proposed) family member already in the UK.
We will assist you in extending your visa once you are in the UK or switching to another visa and applying for settlement leading to citizenship.
In the event you are unsuccessful in your visa application our solicitors will be able to advise you of the appropriate course of action.
Visitor Visas
A Standard Visitor visa allows a visitor to enter the UK for up to six months for the purposes of leisure, business, to attend a special event, to receive medical treatment or any other valid reason. The visa application will be assessed by the Home Office in accordance with the Immigration Rules.
You can apply for a longer period of time if you can prove you need to visit the UK frequently. UK visitor visas can be for 2, 5 or 10 years. You can visit the UK regularly within the duration of your visa on the condition that each visit does not exceed a period of 6 months.
The other types of visit visas that we can assist with are Marriage Visitor visa, Permitted Paid Engagement visa, Parent of a Child Student visa, Chinese tour group visa and transit visa.
CLEAR GUIDANCE AND EXPERTISE
Visas Under the Points Based System
Investor and Business Development Visas
The Innovator Founder Route is available for migrants seeking to enter the UK to establish a business in the UK.
Work Visas
Employers can recruit workers from outside the UK under the following categories:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Health and Care worker visa
- Global business mobility visa
- Minister of Religion visa
- International sportsperson visa
- Temporary Worker (Charity Worker visa, Government Authorised Exchange visa, International Agreement Worker visa, Religious Worker visa, Seasonal worker visa, Youth Mobility Scheme visa).
Student Visas
A Student visa will enable students from outside the UK to enter the UK with the intention of studying at a UK institution approved by the Home Office or to carry out an academic research relating to their course. Your stay in the UK will depend on the duration of your academic course. Those who currently hold a student visa may be able to make an application to extend their visa to continue studying in the UK.
Other Visas
High Potential Individual Visa
An international student who has completed their higher education studies can apply on the high potential individual route. This entitles the graduate to a two or three year visa allowing them to work in the UK without a sponsor but this visa is not extendable and does not lead to settlement.
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
This scheme allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. You must ballot and be selected in the India Young Professionals scheme ballot before you apply for this visa. This visa is not extendable and does not lead to settlement.
British National (Overseas) Visa
If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British National (Overseas) you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa. This is known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK.
You will be granted leave for either 2 years and 6 months or 5 years depending on the application. This visa is extendable and does lead to settlement after 5 years.
HERE TO HELP
Entry Clearance
If you wish to come to the UK to join a family member, or for a short visit, you may need to apply for an entry clearance visa.
If you are a British national or are settled in the UK and have a spouse from outside the UK, you can make an application for your spouse to enter and reside with you in the UK. You will have to provide evidence that your marriage is recognised in the country where it took place to make this visa application.
If you wish to come to the UK for the purpose of getting married, you may be able to apply for a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa. This must be done from outside the UK and the visa must be granted before you can travel to the UK to get married or register your civil partnership. This visa is granted for a period of 6 months and you must get married or register your civil partnership within that time frame.
If you are a British national or are settled in the UK, any children or adults who depend upon you may be able to come to the UK to live with you. These applications must be made from outside the UK.
Other Immigration Areas
Sponsor Licence
Employers and educational providers wishing to employ migrants and recruit migrant students must apply to the Home Office for a sponsor licence. Once granted, the licensed organisation will be able to issue certificates of sponsorship to workers or confirmation of acceptance of studies to students, who will then be able to make their own applications.
Settlement
If you have been living or working in the UK for a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply to the Home Office for settlement. If you have been recognised as a refugee with leave to remain for 5 years you may apply for settlement at the end of the period.
Appeals and Administrative Review
We handle administrative and judicial reviews and appeals to First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Citizenship & Naturalisation
If you have indefinite leave to remain or are settled in the UK you may be able to make an application for naturalisation. If your application is successful, you will be granted British citizenship and you will permitted to hold a British passport.
There may be other applications you can make to gain British citizenship in the UK. Our immigration solicitors will assist you depending on your circumstances.
