An immigration lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in immigration, nationality and asylum law and deals with the rules and procedures for people to enter, stay, or work in a country. If you or someone you know is navigating a complex immigration system like the one found in the UK, you may wonder what an immigration lawyer does and how they can help.
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Let’s take a closer look at the role of immigration lawyers and how they help individuals, families, businesses, and organisations with their immigration needs.
What Does an Immigration Lawyer do on a Daily Basis?
Here are just a few of the services that an immigration lawyer can provide on a daily basis.
Application Assistance
One of the most popular tasks of an immigration lawyer is to assist clients with their applications like visa, permanent residency, naturalisation and citizenship applications, for example. This includes deciding which visa is suitable, providing guidance on the documents needed and helping them fill out the application forms. Immigration lawyers also help clarify any technical language that may confuse clients and provide advice about their future course of action.
Immigration Advice
Aside from helping with applications, immigration lawyers answer clients’ queries, explain complex legal concepts and guide them on what to expect when they move to a new country. They are also able to advise their clients as to which documents they will need to process to gain any particular visa, permanent residence or citizenship in the UK.
Immigration Appeals, Administrative Reviews and Judicial Review Services
In some cases, an individual may be denied entry into the country or have been refused by the Home Office in some instances on an application they have made for leave to remain. If this is the case, immigration lawyers can help clients by providing legal representation and advice in such cases as they understand the process and can help individuals by submitting appeals, making arguments to support their case, and representing them in any hearing that may be necessary. Good immigration lawyers are also skilled at dealing with administrative reviews and judicial review applications when an individual has been refused a decision from the Home Office. They will often be able to assist their clients in court proceedings by representing them during hearings and arguing on their behalf. This can be invaluable in helping individuals to achieve a positive outcome.
Business Immigration
In addition to the above service for individuals, immigration lawyers can also help businesses with specific business applications like Sponsor Licenses and Skilled Worker Visas for foreign workers allowing them to hire individuals from abroad to work in the UK.
Preparation for Interviews
Immigration lawyers can provide assistance to their clients when they are required to attend an interview with immigration authorities. They can help their clients prepare for the interview, provide guidance on what kind of questions may be asked and counsel them on how to answer those questions.
Skills and Qualifications of an Immigration Lawyer
Immigration lawyers must have a deep understanding of the UK legal system to effectively assist their clients. They must be knowledgeable on immigration policy and regulations, as well as the various rights that immigrants have under the law.
Immigration lawyers also need strong research skills to stay up-to-date on any changes in the laws or policies. They must be equipped with definitive communication and interpersonal abilities to successfully counsel the clients. Lastly, immigration lawyers must be able to think critically and think on their feet to best represent their clients.
How Long Does it Take to Become a UK Immigration Lawyer?
Becoming a fully qualified immigration lawyer in the UK can take a number of years of studying and training. Generally, you must start by completing an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate law degree to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. If you do not go down the route of studying for a law degree, you can do a conversion course afterwards and do the PGDL/GDL exam. If you want to specialise in immigration law, you may need to undertake additional courses focusing on this area of law, after which you will need to carry out a 2-year training contract with a firm that sponsors you to become an immigration solicitor or apply to join one of the four Inns of Court in London and complete a full bar course to become a barrister.
Can I Proceed Without an Immigration Lawyer?
In certain scenarios, individuals may be able to navigate the immigration process without any legal guidance. However, the process can be lengthy and intricate, making it challenging for those without legal expertise. Moreover, many scenarios require a legal opinion and understanding of the law, making it essential to have an immigration lawyer on your side as their knowledge of the law will be very in-depth.
It is strongly recommended that anyone going through the process seek legal advice to ensure a successful outcome and avoid any problems. Immigration lawyers are knowledgeable professionals who can provide valuable guidance and ensure all paperwork is correctly filed.
With their expertise, you can be sure that your application will go through without any complications.
Final Thoughts: Hiring an Immigration Lawyer
Finding the right immigration lawyer can be a challenging task. It’s essential to do your research and find a reputable professional who is experienced in the field and has a proven track record of success. Whether you choose an individual lawyer or law firm, make sure to ask lots of questions and read reviews.
Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors are a leading UK immigration law firm with a team of experienced lawyers offering friendly and professional advice on all aspects of UK immigration, including advising clients on visa applications, family relocation and naturalisation. We offer a tailored service, considering each client’s needs and requirements to ensure the best outcome for their case.
Our talented immigration lawyers are committed to making the legal process as pain-free and straightforward for our clients as possible. Reach out today to understand how we can assist you with your immigration requirements.
At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law. Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours. Neither Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors ltd, nor their employees, agents, consultants or assignees, accept any liability based on the contents of written articles which are meant for guidance only and not as legal advice. We advise all readers to take professional advice before acting. If you would like to consult with a professional lawyer or solicitor to discuss your case, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. This site uses reCAPTCHA and is protected by the Google privacy policy and terms of service.Ask our Expert Legal Team
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Dr Bernard Andonian – the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, is an experienced Immigration Solicitor, former Judge, and recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London. He has over four decades of experience practising UK Immigration, Human Rights and Civil Litigation Law. He has served on the Law Society Immigration Law Panel, achieved numerous groundbreaking decisions in higher courts and is featured in the Legal 500’s Hall of Fame.
