Naturalisation and Citizenship
If you have been living and working in the UK for some time and consider yourself to be settled here, you may wish to make an application for naturalisation, if you have been free from Immigration control for a period of 12 months in most cases. If your application is successful, you will be granted British citizenship. This will allow you to hold a British passport and work and travel without restriction in the European Union. Our immigration solicitors have extensive experience in preparing and submitting these applications and will support you throughout the naturalisation process.
You are eligible to start the application process if you:
- Are 18 years of age or over
- Meet the residency requirement
- Are of good character
- Have sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK
Residency Requirement
You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years in order to meet the residency requirement and have held Indefinite Leave to Remain for a period of 12 months. In the last 12 months you must not have spent more than 3 months outside the UK. If you are unsure whether or not you meet this requirement, or how you can prove that you do, someone from our immigration team will be able to help you.
Good Character
If you do not have a criminal record you will be considered ‘of good character’. Minor traffic and other regulatory offences will not affect your good character but more serious crimes will. One of our immigration lawyers will be able to assess your individual circumstances and advise you whether or not you meet the good character requirement.
Life in the UK Test
To prove your knowledge of life in the UK is sufficient, it is compulsory to successfully pass Life in the UK Test. There are a few exceptions which can be discussed in further details.
English
You will need to prove that you have completed the English Test at Level A1 or have completed a Degree in English.
Your Partner/Spouse is a UK Citizen
If you are married or in a civil partnership with someone who has British citizenship, the requirements you must meet before applying for naturalisation are slightly different. To satisfy the residency requirement you only need to have lived in the UK for 5 years and have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. You will need to show that in those 3 years you have not been in breach of any immigration rules. A member of our team will be able to advise whether or not you meet this requirement.
Dual Nationality
The UK does allow its citizens to hold dual nationality so you will not be required to give up your current passport if you are naturalised in the UK. However, some countries will not allow their nationals to hold dual nationality and may revoke your citizenship once you have become British. You should contact your embassy or consulate to see if this will affect you before you decide to apply for naturalisation.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
If you have lived in the UK for a number of years and you intend to remain here, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). ILR gives you the right to settle in the UK and live here indefinitely. Once you have been granted ILR, your travel to and from the UK will not be restricted and you will be allowed to take up employment or business activities without requiring a work permit.
To be eligible for ILR you need to show that you have been in the UK for a minimum period of time.
The length of this period will depend on your immigration status which is determined by:
- The category of visa you hold
- Whether you have a partner (married or unmarried) who is a British or EU national
- Your ability to support yourself (in some cases)
- Whether you have ever stayed in the UK illegally
The time requirement can differ greatly depending on these factors. A member of our immigration team will be able to take all of your personal circumstances into account and advise you on whether you are eligible to apply for ILR and, if not, when the earliest opportunity is that you may do so
Partner Visa
If your partner is a British national, you may be eligible for a visa that allows you to live in the UK for up to 2 and a half years. When this visa expires you can apply to stay in the UK for a further 2 and a half years if you still meet the visa requirements. If at the end of 5 years you still meet the requirements, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. ‘Partner’ includes: husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner.
To meet the visa requirements you must show that:
- both parties aged 18 of age or over when the application is made
- your relationship is ‘genuine and subsisting’ and you intend to live permanently in the UK with your partner
- your marriage or civil partnership is recognised by UK law
- you can support yourselves and any dependents you may have without claiming government benefits
- You have completed the English Test to Level A1
- You have done a TB Test (the requirements for some countries)
Proving a ‘genuine and subsisting’ relationship
To show that you satisfy this requirement, you and your partner will have to demonstrate:
- you are currently in a long-term relationship with one another
- the two of you are living together, and have plans to do so in the UK if you are not already
- you continue to be in a subsisting relationship
We understand that proving the validity of your partnership to the satisfaction of the authorities can be a frustrating task. Our highly experienced immigration lawyers will be able to clarify what evidence you will need to provide as part of the visa application process.
Fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa
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.
To meet the visa requirements you must show that:
- both parties aged 18 of age or over when the application is made
- your relationship is ‘genuine and subsisting’ and you intend to live permanently in the UK with your partner
- you can support yourselves and any dependents you may have without recourse to public funds
- You have completed the English Test to Level A1
- You have done a TB Test (the requirements for some countries)
Family of EEA (and Swiss) Nationals
If you are a citizen in a country of the European Economic Area or Switzerland who is currently settled in the UK or planning to travel here with the intention of staying on, and you have family members who are not EEA or Swiss nationals, you may be able to apply for them to live with you in the UK. There are a number of different options available to you and a member of our immigration team will be able to help you find the one that best suits your circumstances.
For these visas a family member is considered to be:
- a husband, wife or civil partner
- a children or grandchild of you and/or your husband, wife or civil partner who is under 21 years of age or depends on you for financial support
- a parent or grandparent of you or your husband, wife or civil partner, and depends on you for financial support.
Family Permit
An EEA family permit acts similarly to a visa. It gives the holder the right to enter and live in the UK and is valid for a period of 6 months. Thereafter you will need to apply for an EEA Residence Card.
Residence Cards
A resident card is available to non-EEA nationals who are living in the UK with their EEA national partner. It provides confirmation of the holder’s right to live and work in the UK and is valid for a period of 5 years. It is not mandatory to hold this card but some employers may require it as proof of your right to work in this country.
Permanent residence
If you have been living in the UK for at least five years with your partner who is an EEA national and has been exercising his/her treaty rights as a worker or meets the criteria of one of the exemptions then you can be given confirmation of your right to permanent residence. This is not mandatory and you will not lose this right if you do not apply for confirmation, but it may be required in order to prove your permanent resident status to employers and will be required if you want to naturalise as British.
An EEA National can also apply for Permanent Residency and will need to evidence that they have been living and working in the United Kingdom for a period of five years. An EEA National will need to apply for Permanent Residency if they want to naturalise as British.
Child’s visa and Adult Dependent Relative’s visa
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.
Children
To be considered for this visa, a child must be:
- Under 18
- Unmarried and not in a civil partnership
- Be coming to the UK to join their parents, who must both be settled here. There are some exceptions to this third requirement and someone from our team will be able to assess your personal circumstances and advise you on your child’s eligibility for this visa.
Adopted Children
Bringing adopted children into the UK requires you to prove that, in addition to the above, you have full and genuine parental responsibility. One of our immigration fee earners will be able to advise you on how this can be proved.
Adult Dependent Relatives
You will be able to apply for an Adult dependent relative’s visa if you:
- Are 18 years of age or over
- Are a parent, grandparent, sibling, son or daughter of a British national or of someone who is settled in the UK
- You require long term help performing everyday tasks – such as washing, cooking and generally looking after yourself
- You are not able to get the support you need in the country you currently live in
- Your UK based relative on whom you depend is able to support you financially without relying on government benefits
If you think you or your dependent relative might be eligible for this visa, you can contact a member of our immigration team for further advice or to start the visa application process. Once your visa has been granted, we will be able to provide further information on what will happen on your arrival in the UK.
Tier 1 Visa
Tier 1 of the UK’s Point-Based System is open to prospective migrants who are of high worth to the UK economy.
There are five categories of Tier 1 visa, each with different eligibility requirements:
- Exceptional talent
- Entrepreneur
- Investor
- Graduate Entrepreneur
Our immigration lawyers have a good deal of experience in successfully applying for Tier 1 visas and will be able to advise you should you wish to start the application process.
UK.
Exceptional Talent
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa is available to foreign nationals who are internationally recognised as outstanding in their field of expertise. A limited number of these visas are granted each year and applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Initial Application – Endorsements
If you are applying for this category of visa for the first time, you will have to prove that you satisfy the ‘exceptional talent’ requirement.
To do this your application will need to be endorsed by one of four designated ‘Competent Bodies’:
- The British Academy
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- The Royal Society
- Arts Council England
The Home Office applies for the endorsement on your behalf once they have received your application on which you should have indicated which body will endorse you.
Maintenance and English language requirements
Unlike most other PBS visas, you do not have to prove that you can support yourself financially or that you have a high level of English when you initially apply for an Exceptional Talent visa.
Extending your visa
If you already hold a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, you will be eligible to extend it if you can show that you have earned money in the UK by working (either for yourself or an employer) in the field in which you have been found to be exceptionally talented.
Our immigration lawyers will be able to advise you on how you can prove you meet this requirement and put together a successful application to extend your visa.
Entrepreneur
If you want to come to the UK to be involved in business activity, by setting up, taking over or running a business, you may be eligible to apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.
Proving your application is genuine
The Home Office now require you to show that your business intentions are genuine. To do this you will have to show them evidence of market research and in-depth business plans. Our specialist fee earners will help you compile the right documentation to show that you meet this requirement.
Funds
In order to meet the funds requirement for this visa you will need to show that you have at least £200,000 available. If you can show that your funds are from a venture capitalist firm that is regulated by the Financial Services Authority then a minimum of sum of only £50,000 will be required.
English language and Maintenance requirements
To meet the requirements for this visa, you will need to demonstrate that you have the appropriate funds for your business activity and to support yourself, and that you meet the English language requirement.
Investor
Tier 1 visas are available to high net worth individuals who can demonstrate that they are coming to the UK for the purpose making a ‘substantial’ investment in the UK.
- Investment potentialApplications will be accepted if you can show that you have the ability to invest £1,000,000 in the UK. You must be able to show that these funds are under your control and not leveraged.
- Visa extensionIf you are currently in the UK on a Tier 1 (Investor) visa, you will have to show that your investment in the UK has been maintained and that you have not used your investments as securities on any loans.
- Investment potentialApplications will be accepted if you can show that you have the ability to invest £1,000,000 in the UK. You must be able to show that these funds are under your control and not leveraged.
- English language and Maintenance requirements
When applying for an Investor visa in the Tier 1 category you will not have to prove that you meet the English language requirement. You will be asked to provide details of a translator should you require one.
You will not have to meet the maintenance requirement because if you have sufficient funds to qualify for this visa you will be deemed capable of supporting yourself without relying on government funding.
If you do want to come to the UK to take advantage of an investment opportunity and you think you meet the requirements for this visa, contact our immigration team to speak to a lawyer who will be able to advise you on the documentation you will need to provide. Our teams includes fee earners who are specialised in business related immigration and will be able to prepare and submit an application for this visa on your behalf. - Graduate EntrepreneurThe Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa is available to international students studying in the UK who want to stay on after their course finishes to pursue business activities. There are a limited number of Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visas that can be given out by the UK Border Agency each year.
- EndorsementYour application for this category of visa must be endorsed by a UK Higher Education Institution. You will be expected to provide a business plan which your endorsing institution will have to approve.
You will need to have a UK recognised bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD awarded before the date of the endorsement. - English language and Maintenance requirements To meet the requirements for this visa, you will need to demonstrate that you have the appropriate funds for your business activity and to support yourself, and that you meet the English language requirement.
If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom you will £945 in savings or £1,890 if applying from outside the United Kingdom. You will need to have had this in your bank account for 90 days before you apply.
Tier 2 Visa
Tier 2 visas are available to skilled migrants who wish to come to the UK to take up a job they have been offered by an employer who can sponsor their visa application or they can switch into the category from the United Kingdom. There are four categories of skilled worker that can apply for a Tier 2 visa:
There are four categories of skilled worker that can apply for a Tier 2 visa:
- General
- Minister of religion
- Sportsperson
- Intra company transfer
If you are a business looking to become a sponsor for a Tier 2 migrant see our section on obtaining a sponsorship licence.
In order to meet the requirements for any Tier 2 category visa, you must be able to show that you:
- Have an offer of employment from a company or organisation that has a licence to sponsor Tier 2 migrants.
- Are coming to the UK to fill a vacancy which cannot be filled by a member of the settled workforce: This means that no one already settled in the UK should be made redundant or replaced by your joining the company
- You do not own more than 10% of the sponsoring companies’ shares
If you meet all the above criteria, you will be granted 50 points under the PBS. The further 20 points to make up the required score of 70 will be given for the English language and Maintenance requirements. You must score 10 points in each of these categories to be granted any visa in the Tier 2 category.
a) GeneralInvestor
If you have been offered a job in the UK and your employer has agreed to sponsor your visa application, you will be able to enter and work in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) visa provided you meet all the requirements and have a score of at least 70 under the PBS.
In addition to the standard Tier 2 requirements, you will have to show that you will be paid a minimum salary of £24,000 per year to qualify for a General visa. The amount you are paid must be in line with industry norms.
You can also apply under the shortage occupation if it is a skilled job where there is a shortage of workers in the UK. If a job is on the shortage occupation list, it means there are not enough resident workers to fill the available jobs in that particular sector. Consequently for jobs on the shortage occupation list employers are not required to demonstrate that they have applied the resident labour market test in order to issue a Tier 2 Certificate of Sponsorship.
Our immigration team have extensive experience in submitting successful Tier 2 applications and can advise on your eligibility, which documents you should provide in support of your application and how you can confirm your employer has a Tier 2 sponsorship licence
b) Minister of Religion
If you are coming to the UK to fill a role in your faith community, either as a teacher, missionary, pastoral carer or if you are joining a religious order, you will be able to come the UK on a Tier 2 (Ministry of Religion) visa.
c) Sportsperson
If you can show that you are a member of the international elite sporting community and you are coming to the UK to work as a sportsperson for a sponsoring organisation you will be able to come and work in the UK on a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa.
d) Intra company transfer
If you work for a multi-national company and you want to work in their UK branch, you will have to apply for a Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) visa. To be eligible for this visa you will need to demonstrate that, within the company, you represent one of the following:
- Long-term staffYou must have worked for the company in which you are being transferred for at least 12 months and you must be transferring to the UK branch to do a skilled job. A Tier 2 (Intra company transfer) visa will allow you live and work for your company’s UK branch for up to 5 years. If you are earning more that £150,000 per year your visa can be valid for up to 9 years.
- Short term staff You must have worked for the company in which you are being transferred for at least 12 months and you must be transferring to the UK branch to do a skilled job.
- Graduate trainee You must be a recent graduate and be transferring to your employer’s UK branch to follow a clearly structured graduate training programme that leads to a specialist role in the company. You cannot apply for this category of visa if you are filling a long term position in the company’s UK branch.
- Skills transferIf you are coming to your company’s UK branch to learn or teach new skills you, will be able to apply under this category. There is no minimum length of time for which you have to be employed by your company before applying for this visa. You cannot apply for this category of visa if you are filling a long term position in the company’s UK branch.Our Immigration team will be able to advise and assist you relation to the complex Visa rules.
Tier 4 Visa
Tier 4 visas provide the holder with the temporary right to live and study in the UK. You are required to have 40 points on the PBS system to be eligible to apply for this category of visa:
- You will have 30 points if you can show that your application is supported by a sponsor who is on the Tier 4 Register of Sponsors. 30 points = Course Confirmation: You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a qualifying sponsor – that sponsor being the educational institution offering you a place to study. A ‘CAS’ is a virtual online document with a unique reference number that contains information about you, your sponsor, the course of study you are undertaking, and your finances.
- A further 10 points will be awarded if you can show that you have sufficient finances to pay for your course and cover your living costs for the duration of your time in the UK.
There are four types of Tier 4 visa:
- Tier 4 (General).
- Student visitor
- Prospective students
- Tier 4 (Child)
- Child visitor
Our immigration team will be able to advise you on which of the Tier 4 visas would be most suitable for you or your child and what documents you will need to provide so that we can make the application. We have a good deal of experience in preparing and submitting applications for student visas and we can help make sure the start to your course is as smooth as possible.
a) Students (General)
If you are coming to the UK and are aged 16 or over and you intend to be in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a Student visa.
Dependents
If you are studying in the UK on a Tier 4 (Student) visa you will be able to bring your dependents to live with you in the UK for the duration of your course. You will have to show you can support them financially without relying on state benefits.
One of our experienced immigration lawyers will be able to assess your individual circumstances and advise you accordingly.
b) Student visitors
Student visitor visas are for students who want to study for a short time in the UK as part of their higher education. It is designed to allow the temporary right to live and study in the UK.
Applicants must show that they are:
- aged 18 or over
- coming to the UK for up to 6 months (if you are coming to study English as a foreign language your visa may be valid for up to 11 months)
- not going to be employed while they are in the UK
These requirements are in addition to the 40 point score needed to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
c) Prospective Students
If you need to come to the UK to prepare or complete the application process for your course (for example, coming to be interviewed) then you can apply for a Prospective Student’s visa. You can then switch to either a Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) visa once you have finalised the details of your course with your Sponsor.
d) Tier 4 (Child)
The Tier 4 (Child) visa is for children between 4 and 17 who wish to come to the UK to be educated.
To apply they must have the 40 points required for all Tier 4 applications. Our Points Calculator should indicate whether they meet this requirement.
The application must also show:
- Arrangements have been made for them to be cared for by a responsible adult whilst they are in the UK
- They have a parent or guardian in their home country
- If the child is aged between 4 and 15 years old, they must be coming to the UK to attend an independent fee-paying school
e) Child Visitor
This visa is for children under 18 who wish to come to the UK to study for a short period of time. To apply they must have the 40 points required for all Tier 4 applications. Our Points Calculator should indicate whether they meet this requirement.
The application must also show:
- Their course is no longer than 6 months. They may be able to stay in the UK for up to 12 months if they are accompanying an academic visitor
- Arrangements have been made for them to be cared for by a responsible adult whilst they are in the UK
- They have a parent or guardian in their home country
Immigration for Businesses and Sponsors
Our business immigration department have a wealth of experience in handling matters that may affect if you want to hire foreign nationals.
We understand that your business needs to be free to employ the best possible candidates in order to excel in the UK’s international economy and we will help you comply with the current law so that you can benefit from the global talent pool. We have a high success rate in this area of practice which we attribute to our specialised team who are able to offer in-house assistance right from the initial application through to the appeal stage.
In addition to procuring the right visas and licences for your employees and your business, we have, in the past, also provided advice to businesses who want to relocate employees with families or change the type of visa an employee holds.
Tier 2 and 5 sponsor’s licence
In order to obtain a sponsor licence, the UK Border Agency will expect you to have a good human resource management system in place so that you can keep clear and up to date records on all your foreign employees. Once you have this licence you will be able to sponsor Tier 2 and 5 workers’ visa applications and employ them in accordance with the restrictions of their visas.
Successful applications will be rated A or B. B ratings are given when the authorities think your recruitment activities could pose a risk to immigration control. If you are given a B rating you will need to provide a management plan to show how you will improve your compliance system. If you fail to show that you are following this plan your licence may be withdrawn.
Our business immigration team specialises in assisting small to medium sized companies as well as start up companies with all aspects of the sponsorship system and compliance issues. We can therefore provide expert legal services in this field and help you ensure your business can maintain a high level of compliance with the current law.
Visitor Visa
The visitor visa is the UK’s most common visa and is typically used by individuals who are coming to the UK for tourism, or visiting family, or visiting on business.
A key requirement of the visitor visa is that applicants must be able to show that they intend visiting the UK for no more than six months and that they will be leaving the UK at the end of their visit. Applicants are also required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate themselves (and any dependents) without access to public funds.
Visiting the UK on business
You can apply to enter the UK as a business visitor if you are coming to the UK for business purposes if:
- You are attending a conference or a meeting or training event
- You are taking part in a specific sports-related event
- You are an artist, entertainer or musician and coming to the UK to perform
- You are an academic and are doing research or accompanying students on a study abroad programme
- You are a doctor or dentist and are coming to the UK to take a clinical attachment or observer post
- You want to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- You want to get funding to start, take over, join or run a business in the UK e.g. attend interviews or conferences, conduct site visits, arrange deals or sign contracts or deliver international goods and/or passengers from abroad.
Business visitor visa rules
As a business visitor visa holder you are allowed to:
- Take part in any of the business-related activities mentioned in the Visitor Rules
- Study for up to 30 days as long as it’s not the main reason for your visit
- Take part in an exchange programme or educational visit (if you’re under 18)
However, you are not allowed to:
- Do paid or unpaid work
- Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
- Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
- Access public funds
Applying for asylum
You can make an application for asylum if you fear returning to your country of origin.
You will increase the chances of your application being accepted if you apply for asylum at the earliest possible opportunity.
Here we will briefly outline all the stages of an application for asylum. For information about how to proceed with your case, contact one of our fee earners who will be able to advise what the next step you should take will be.- ScreeningThe first part of the asylum application process is an interview with the immigration authorities at Croydon. At this interview you will be given the opportunity to explain why you need to claim asylum. Your identity documents, if you have them, will be kept by the authorities until the end of the application process, at which stage they will be returned to you.
If, at this stage, your case is considered straight-forward it may be categorised a Detained Fast Track (DFT) case. If your case is put in the DFT you will be detained while the decision to grant you asylum is considered.
If your case is not suitable for the DFT process it will be sent to an immigration decision making team in the area of the UK you are currently staying in. Before you leave the centre you will be given an Application Registration Card with your photo and details on it. This is so you have a piece of ID to prove you are an asylum seeker.
If you are an asylum seeker under the age of 18 (minor) we will be able to attend your screening interview with you. - Asylum InterviewAt the asylum interview your reasons for coming to the UK to seek asylum will be heard and examined in details. If you do not attend this interview your application for asylum will be refused. It normally take place within 3 months of the screening interview. We will be able to attend the interview with you.
- Putting your case forwardOur immigration specialist will be able to advise and assist you on gathering evidence in support of your application. This can be in the form of medical reports, psychiatric reports and evidence of human rights atrocities in the country of your origin.
- Application outcomeThe immigration authorities will try to make a decision regarding your status 1 month after you made the application for asylum. This can sometimes be delayed.
If you wish to make an asylum application please contact us to discuss your case further.
Judicial Review
If you would like to challenge the Home Office on any Immigration Matter where there is no right of appeal or your immigration appeal has not been successful, we would be able to advise you if you have grounds to apply for Judicial Review. An application for judicial review is made to the High Court of England and Wales. You will be able to make this application if it appears that the authorities have not behaved according to the rules they must follow when dealing with your case.
Immigration Appeals
Our Immigration team can represent you at an immigration appeal. We can provide the following assistance in this highly specialized and often complex area of UK immigration law.
- Prepare a balanced and realistic appraisal of the prospects for appeal through an initial assessment of the reasons for refusal of an application.
- Prepare representations prior to the tribunal.
- Prepare and lodge grounds of appeal within the prescribed timeframes.
- Draft and prepare witness statements.
- Prepare appeal bundles for the asylum and immigration tribunal.
- Represent at hearings.
- Advise on grounds for reconsideration where required and prepare and serve application for reconsideration.
We have an excellent record of preparing and achieving successful appeals representing a vast range of circumstances. Our immigration specialists are on hand to assist with all aspects of your appeal and will ensure that you are receiving the correct advice and guidance at all times.
Deportations
If you are an individual who is not a British Nationality, are convicted of an offence and imprisoned for a period exceeding twelve months then normally an automatic deportation order is issued by the Secretary of State. This can be a very difficult time as even if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain and a family life in the United Kingdom the Home Office will seek to remove you on the grounds of public interest and security.
Our Immigration team can represent you in responding to the initial intention to deport and thereafter with the subsequent deportation appeal.
Our immigration solicitors can advise and assist those who are detained in the Immigration Removal Centres (IRC) or in Prisons across the United Kingdom.
Deportation is a very serious matter and immediate action must be taken, especially if you have already been detained and face removal from the UK.
Applying for bail (immigration detention)
The immigration authorities have a duty to grant you bail unless they can prove that there is a good reason for detaining you.
The main reasons you may be detained are:
- You are waiting to be removed from the UK or the outcome of a fast track application
- The authorities need to establish your identity. This may happen if your identity documents are not available
- It is likely that you will not comply with the authorities while your application is being decided
Our experienced immigration solicitors will be able to present your interests to the immigration tribunal and potentially have you released on bail (temporary admission) if you meet the requirements. Our immigration solicitors can advise and assist those who are detained in the Immigration Removal Centres (IRC) or in Prisons across the United Kingdom.
If you have already made a bail application which was refused you may be able to make a further application if your circumstances have changed. Please contact one of our Immigration solicitors to discuss your application for bail.
Immigration Service Price List
| Entry Clearance Applications | Price |
| Spouse/Fiancé Visa | £1,000 |
| Entry Clearance Applications with adverse history | £1,200 |
| Child Dependant | £1,200 |
| Elderly Dependants | £1,500 |
| Visitor Visas | £850 |
| Visitor Visas with adverse history and previous refusals | £1,000 |
| In Country Applications | |
| Applications for further leave to remain as a spouse | £1,000 + VAT |
| Applications for further Discretionary Leave to Remain | £1,000 + VAT |
| Initial Application for Discretionary Leave (No previous leave) | £1,200 – £1,500 |
| Indefinite leave to remain Application | £1,200 – £1,500 + VAT |
| Naturalisation Application | £900 + VAT |
| EEA Applications | |
| Residence Card | £900 + VAT |
| EEA Family Permit | £900 + VAT |
| Permanent Residence | £1,000 + VAT |
| Points Bases Systems | |
| Tier 1 Entrepreneur | £1,500 |
| Tier 1 Investor | £1,500 |
| Tier 1 Dependants | £1,000 – £1,200 |
| Tier 2 General (Shortage Occupational List) | £1,000 – £1,200 |
| Sponsorship Licence | £2,500 + VAT |
| Sponsorship Licence renewal | £1,800 + VAT |
| Tier 4 (Student Visa) Initial and Extensions | £800 |
| Asylum | |
| Asylum Application | £2,000 |
| Appeals | |
| Entry Clearance Appeals | £1,400 plus Disbursements |
| Article 8 Appeals | £1,500 plus Disbursements |
| Deportations | |
| Representations in response to intention to Deport | £500 |
| Deportation Appeal | £2,000 |
| Checking Documents | |
| Checking through an application | £250 + VAT |
KEY CONTACT
Ishtiaq Nawaz Chechi
0118 958 5855
PEOPLE WHO TRUST US
Tremendously pleased with the work carried out by Chatham Chambers. Overall a 5-star service with a fantastic result. I would...
PAV Ltd
FAQs of Immigration + Asylum
Answer the question here. Make sure you answer all frequently asked questions to clear some common doubts. People love when they find a solution without having to wait for your reply. This also shows that you have enough knowledge that you can share and help them out.
Answer the question here. Make sure you answer all frequently asked questions to clear some common doubts. People love when they find a solution without having to wait for your reply. This also shows that you have enough knowledge that you can share and help them out.
Contact Chatham Chambers Solicitors
Reading Immigration and Asylum solicitors, call us on 0118 958 5855 or contact us online.
A Few words from people who trust us
