Immigration Solicitors London
Legal aid immigration solicitors in London for visas, appeals and sponsor licences. Expert lawyers. Free consultation on eligible cases.
UK immigration law changes frequently. Visa routes, eligibility rules and application processes evolve, our immigration solicitors in London stay current to protect your right to live, work or settle in the UK. As experienced legal aid immigration solicitors, we handle visa applications and tribunal appeals. Whether you are submitting an initial application or challenging a Home Office refusal, our immigration lawyers provide practical advice based on current law and extensive experience with Home Office procedures.
Our Immigration Services
Skilled Worker Visas
Certificate of Sponsorship, salary requirements, and English language ability
Global Talent Visas
For leaders in digital technology, arts, and academia
Partner & Family Visas
Spouse, partner, parent and child visa applications
Settlement (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain applications and British citizenship
Student Visas
CAS requirements, maintenance funds, and post-study options
Appeals & Challenges
First-tier and Upper Tribunal representation
Sponsor Licence Compliance
Licence applications, compliance audits, and Home Office investigations
Visas for Working in the UK
Skilled Worker Visas
The Skilled Worker route replaced Tier 2 and remains the primary route for UK employers to sponsor overseas workers. Applications require three essentials: a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer, a salary that meets the threshold (currently £38,700 or the going rate for your occupation), and English language ability at B1. Our solicitors assess whether your role and salary qualify, advise on evidential requirements, and prepare applications. We manage extensions approaching expiry and switches between visa categories where the rules permit.
Other Work Routes
Skilled Worker visas requiring Certificate of Sponsorship
Global Talent visas for endorsed leaders
Graduate visas allowing two years after UK degree
Family and Partner Visas
Partner Visas
Spouse and partner applications must show a genuine relationship, income of £29,000, suitable accommodation and English at A1. The financial requirement is often the most demanding element. Where relying on employment income, you usually need at least six months of payslips and bank statements. We guide you through evidential options—employment, savings or permitted combinations—and prepare robust applications that withstand Home Office scrutiny.
Parent and Child Visas
Parent routes exist but carry strict criteria. Parents must require long-term personal care that cannot reasonably be provided in their home country. Child dependent visas are more straightforward where children are under 18 and you can demonstrate sole responsibility or adequate maintenance and accommodation.
Settlement and British Citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
ILR confers permanent residence. Most work and family routes lead to ILR after five years' continuous lawful residence. A ten-year route exists for those who cannot qualify sooner. Applicants must pass the Life in the UK test, meet B1 English, and avoid immigration breaches. Absences matter: generally you cannot spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying period.
British Citizenship
After holding ILR for 12 months, many applicants can apply for British citizenship by naturalisation. Requirements include five years' residence (with limited absences), good character, and knowledge and language criteria. We prepare applications, address character issues where they arise, and support you through to your citizenship ceremony.
Sponsor Licence Compliance
UK employers wishing to sponsor overseas workers must hold a valid sponsor licence. The Home Office applies strict compliance obligations and conducts unannounced audits. Non-compliance risks licence suspension or revocation, leaving sponsored employees without lawful immigration status.
New sponsor licence applications (Skilled Worker, Health & Care)
Sponsor licence upgrades and rating changes
Compliance audits and action plan preparation
Home Office investigation responses
Certificate of Sponsorship allocation and management
SMS notifications and reporting obligations
Right to Work Checks
Employers must conduct right to work checks before employing anyone in the UK. Failure to do so correctly exposes employers to civil penalties up to £60,000 per illegal worker. We advise employers on compliant checking procedures.
Document verification procedures
Online right to work checks
Follow-up checks for time-limited permission
Civil penalty risk assessment
Training for HR teams
Immigration Detention and Bail
The Home Office detains individuals pending removal or whilst their immigration status is resolved. There is no time limit on immigration detention in the UK. Legal aid covers immigration bail applications for detained individuals.
Immigration bail applications
Bail condition variation
Detention unlawfulness challenges
Judicial review of detention decisions
Need Immigration Legal Advice?
Contact our immigration solicitors in London for expert guidance on your visa, settlement, or appeal matter.
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