An experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of Britain’s immigration laws and ensure you get the best outcome for your situation. Whether you’re trying to move to the UK permanently, extend your stay or become a British citizen, they can guide you through each step of the process and ensure that your rights are properly protected.
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This blog post will discuss the importance of hiring an immigration lawyer and how to choose the right one for you. Let’s get started!
The Importance of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer
Navigating the UK’s immigration laws can be a difficult and overwhelming task, particularly for those without prior knowledge of its legal system. With varying regulations that are constantly being updated, it is easy to make an innocent mistake that could potentially set back your application or even lead to its denial.
An immigration lawyer with extensive experience can provide the expertise and representation needed to make your way through the intricate immigration process. These professionals offer a wide range of services, including:
- Legal representation and guidance: Your lawyer will provide expert advice and guidance throughout the entire approach, from preparing your application to filing appeals if necessary.
- Preparation and filing of paperwork and documentation: They will help you prepare and file all necessary paperwork and documentation, including forms and applications, to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
- Representation during interviews: They will be able to accompany you to any interviews or meetings with immigration officials and can provide guidance and representation during these events.
When Should You Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
When attempting to obtain a UK visa or immigration status, having an experienced immigration lawyer by your side can be extremely helpful in navigating the complicated application processes. Here are a few situations where it may be particularly advantageous to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney:
- To increase your chance of success: As mentioned above, UK immigration law is incredibly complicated and constantly changing. With the help of a highly-skilled immigration lawyer, you can cross any obstacle that may come up throughout this process and be confident your application is accurate and comprehensive to secure an ideal result.
- If your application is likely to be denied: Immigration lawyers can help identify potential issues with your application and help you address them before you submit it. Your application can be more likely to receive approval when the experienced eye of an immigration lawyer evaluates it.
- If you have a criminal record or other potential inadmissibility issues: UK immigration laws can be strict, and even minor prohibited convictions can make you ineligible for a visa. An immigration lawyer can help you recognise your choices and represent you if your application is denied.
- If you’re applying for a complex or nuanced visa category: Different types of UK visas have different requirements and processes. If you’re applying for a complex visa, such as an Adult Dependent Visa, it can be helpful to have an attorney who is familiar with the specific requirements and can guide you through the process.
It cannot be overstated that commissioning an immigration lawyer does not guarantee your success. However, it will significantly increase the odds of having your application accepted in comparison to tackling the process by yourself.
How to Choose an Immigration Lawyer
When choosing an immigration lawyer, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Qualifications and Accreditation: Look for a lawyer or legal team who is qualified and accredited by the relevant legal bodies in the UK, such as the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority). By doing this, you can be confident that your lawyer has the expertise and understanding to successfully manage your case.
- Experience: If you want the best chance of success in your case, it’s crucial to find a lawyer with experience in comparable cases. They will be acquainted with the specific regulations that apply to your unique situation, boosting your chances of victory.
- Reputation: Check the lawyer’s reputation by looking at past client reviews and testimonials. This will give you a more reasonable interpretation of his/her capabilities, track record and customer service. For starters, you can look at their GMB profile and social media accounts like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
- Cost: Ask about the lawyer’s fees upfront to know what to expect. You can also look at different lawyers to compare their fees and services. However, it’s essential to remember that an inexpensive lawyer may not always be the most experienced.
Note that these are general guidelines and that you should consider your individual situation before making a decision. Ultimately, the best immigration lawyer for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has been helpful in providing a better understanding of the role of an immigration lawyer in the UK and when it may be necessary to seek their assistance.
At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we have an experienced team of immigration lawyers who can furnish comprehensive legal advice and representation for all variations of UK visa and immigration applications. Being a well-recognised and top-tier immigration firm, we have the knowledge and expertise to navigate any complex immigration situation.
If you need an immigration lawyer to assist with your UK visa application or other immigration or nationality issues, contact our team today for a consultation. We can help you understand the legal requirements and possibly increase your chance of success with bespoke services tailored to your case. With four decades of experience in delivering successful UK immigration results for clients, you can be sure that your case will be in safe hands.
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.