7 Factors To Consider When Choosing an Immigration Solicitor in the UK

It is important to understand and follow UK immigration rules to avoid a rejection and long application process. These rules are some of the most important legislation that make up the whole of UK immigration law. While these rules, regulations, and requirements are subject to change, it is very important to keep up to date with whether you are applying for an extension, for settlement, or simply to tour. 

To ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible, working alongside immigration solicitors in London or possibly local to yourself can help give you all the guidance you need; however, you want to ensure you go with one that takes care and diligence through such complex and unique situations. Here are our 5 factors you should consider before getting involved with immigration solicitors.

Accreditations, Qualifications and Expertise

The UK Immigration Directorate has placed strict guidance when applying for any UK Visa which can make it difficult for people to understand and navigate through, especially if English is not their first language. Visa applications are scrutinised to the point that one spelling mistake can result in the application being rejected. It’s a very competitive process; therefore, there is no room for error.

This is why it’s important to choose qualified and experienced immigration lawyers, solicitors, and advisors. Accreditations such as being registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and having immigration and asylum law accreditation with the law society. You can find this information all online and when in doubt, you can ask for it from the firm.

It’s important to check the firm’s website, experience, and case studies. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible, such as how long they have been in practice.  What is the success rate of your case? What do they specialise in? Have they got any testimonials? 

Reputation and Reviews

The public’s opinion and experience can really help navigate your choice between firms and is a great way to look at their credibility from an outsider’s perspective and individuals who are alike. I would always recommend checking both Trustpilot and Google Reviews for an all-round opinion. Steer away from those without a credible background and continue your search.

Everyone’s experience is unique to them, but reviews give you a full representation of everyone else’s circumstances.

Cost and Fees

Unfortunately, getting valuable guidance does come at a cost but it is all worth it when you pick the right firm to help with your case but there should always be limits to what you are expected to pay for said help. The average fee for Home Office applications is just over £1,000 pounds. While solicitors and firms can vary with their prices, they often charge by the hour and have been said to vary anything between £1,000 and £10,000.

Communication and Languages

When choosing an immigration lawyer or seeking out some one-time piece of advice, it’s important that there is no language barrier present. The same goes when you are applying for a visa that has a different native tongue. The choice is yours to go with someone who may be local or within the country you wish to settle to and there are pros and cons to each. However, there is more than a possibility a law firm has an immigration lawyer who shares the same first language.

Communication is important because explanations are needed to better your understanding. A language barrier leaves much room for error, which is both costly and stressful back and forth. It is common for firms to have connections with translation agencies if in need.

Experience and Success Rate

While this might be something you ask in terms of expertise in the initial inquiry, it is important that you gather as much relevant information as possible for your specific case. While this information might be easy to find on their website, don’t be afraid to ask for me, as they want the business and are more than willing to share useful information to get the business.

While this might go without saying, choosing an immigration firm with a high success rate with your case is the most attractive option and could dramatically increase your chances of acceptance. Research is always key in these circumstances, as on the website they will all share how they are the best of the best but the research might show them in a different lighting.

Availability

While you might be assigned an immigration solicitor who ticks all your boxes in terms of the factors above, you need someone who is going to be available when you need them. Consultations are essential but you also need to feel confident that if you call them in case of an urgency, they can make themselves available to help you. Especially when you are paying such a large sum in some cases, having that service across all scenarios is a necessity. 

But how would one know that they can make themselves available in case you have an emergency? Our top tip for you would be that during consultation you make it clear what services you will need from them and get the reassurance that in times of urgent needs, they or a member of their team will be there to help. I would also ensure that it’s a part of your contract or in writing that in case the service isn’t as promised, you have the means to get your money back.

Location

While this has already been touched on in our communication and language section, we wanted to mention it again to highlight the importance of it. Although immigration firms handle cases nationwide, we would recommend that you choose one that is local to you or within the city you would like to move to. This means that when it comes to communicating, it’s clear and they are available when you are available, whether it be for a phone call or an in-person meeting.

Having the luxury to visit when you need it might be more useful for those who don’t like over-the-phone or email conversations; therefore, it’s a key consideration when spending your money and could make all the difference when getting your visa application accepted.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to factors to help guide your choice when picking an immigration solicitor, law firm, or advisor, there is a checklist you should go through with each one you come across. We would always recommend that you do your research before you spend any of your money or time. Be sure to reach out to a few and gauge which company makes you feel most comfortable and appears most trustworthy.