You will see it all over social media. People telling you that you don’t need to get an immigration advisor and in fact watching a couple of videos will be enough. The question I would ask is this: Would you be okay with your doctor having skipped med school but watched a couple of videos? Or how about the pilot of the plane you’re about to get onto…
In other words, if you’re doing something very important, don’t you want an expert at the controls?
Immigration to the UK can feel daunting. It’s a world that is complex and ever-changing, with the Home Office issuing regular updates that need careful legal interpretation. And a mistake can be costly. Not long ago I worked with a professional couple who found this out the hard way. The husband thought it was a ‘straightforward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application’ having ‘taken’ immigration advice from videos on YouTube. It was a ILR application but the wrong set of ILR forms were submitted for his wife and child resulting in a loss of £5,770 in UKVI fees and an astronomical £11,540 total ILR fees.
This is the financial cost, but what about the emotional cost? When you’re talking about a family being together, bringing loved ones together, it’s too much of a risk to go it alone. The same goes for businesses who want to employ a skilled worker from abroad. So for both individuals and organisations, the answer to the question, ‘Should I use an immigration lawyer?’ is a resounding ‘Yes.’
Where do I find an immigration lawyer?
It’s one thing to know that you need one, but where do you find a good one? The first thing to say is that not all immigration experts are equal. A quick search will pull up a number of immigration advisors, immigration consultants, and immigration lawyers.
Step one is to ensure the expert you select is a registered member of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). This means they are recognised by the Home Office as a qualified advisor. The next step is to find out whether they’re an advisor or an actual lawyer? Where an immigration lawyer (also called an immigration solicitor) stands out is that they have a legal background. This brings an extra level of expertise to your application and greater peace of mind for the applicant.
So look around, speak to them, learn about their application approval rate, get a sense of not only their professional qualifications but also their soft skills. Are they personable? Have they been through the immigration process themselves (this often leads to greater empathy), are they based in the UK, and what languages do they speak?
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Top reasons to work with an immigration lawyer
Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, and having a knowledgeable immigration lawyer by your side can make a significant difference when it comes to developing a comprehensive strategy for your visa application process – identifying potential challenges and creating a plan to address them ahead of time.
Let’s look at some other key reasons why working with an immigration lawyer is so beneficial:
1. Increased speed of application approval: Immigration lawyers possess a deep understanding of the system and are well-versed in the specific requirements and procedures. They ensure that all necessary documents are accurately completed and submitted to the UK Home Office on time, minimising the risk of delays or rejections due to errors or omissions. By avoiding common pitfalls, an immigration lawyer can significantly expedite the approval of your application. Overall, working with an immigration lawyer can increase your chances of getting your UK visa application accepted the first time, saving you time and money, while giving you peace of mind that the information submitted is correct.
2. A service tailored to your needs: Every immigration case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Immigration lawyers conduct thorough assessments to understand your needs and develop a strategic plan that maximises your chances of success. Whether you are seeking family sponsorship, a work visa or a Sponsor’s License, an immigration lawyer will customise their approach to address your individual goals and circumstances. This bespoke service ensures that you receive the most relevant advice and support throughout the entire process. An immigration lawyer can guide you in collecting and presenting the necessary evidence to strengthen your case, increasing your chances of approval.
3. Advice and guidance after the initial application: The role of an immigration lawyer extends far beyond merely assisting with the initial application. They offer ongoing support and guidance throughout your immigration journey. This includes advising on potential changes in immigration laws and policies from the UK government that may affect your status, assisting with renewals or extensions of visas, and helping to resolve any legal issues that may arise. Their continued involvement ensures that you remain compliant with all immigration requirements and helps you navigate any challenges that may arise long after your initial application has been submitted.
4. Appeals and litigation: In the event that the application is denied, an immigration lawyer can help you begin the appeal process and can even represent you in court, if needed. Additionally, if you are dealing with another legal matter that may be impacting your application situation, such as legal matters, family law, employment law, etc, an immigration lawyer may have connections who can assist their client or they may have additional experience in those areas themselves, to provide support to their clients and to keep the application process moving. They can communicate with immigration authorities, address any issues, and provide you with peace of mind.
Why work with Your Immigration Solutions
As we have discussed, dealing with the UK immigration system can be difficult, whether we’re talking about personal immigration for individuals and families or business immigration for those organisations wishing to bring in top talent from abroad. With an unrivalled success rate, YI Solutions works with both individuals and businesses to ensure they are able to complete their immigration applications successfully. Contact us for a free consultation and let us assist you on your visa application journey.
