We undertake quality work in the immigration field. The cases we deal with usually have some element of complexity or difficulty, and we make use of specialist counsel whenever this is necessary.
Below are some of the immigration areas which we deal with:
- Applications for Home Office Visas
In recent times, this has become fairly more complex. Not only are there ever-increasing fees, but the Home Office’s attitude is very difficult and at times harsh. In the past, if the Home Office needed further information to grant an application, they would normally write back to the solicitors involved requesting this. The current position is not as it previously was. If one document is missing or a question has been answered incorrectly, the Home Office is more inclined to reject the application. This can have serious repercussions if this results in the applicant becoming an overstayer with no permission to remain in the UK.
Hence, the necessity in the current regime to double-check everything and ensure that all applications are prepared in detail becomes of utmost importance. Where possible, this is done with supporting witness statements and with any difficult points, to engage immigration counsel’s assistance and have representations prepared by counsel to send to the Home Office in support of the application.
Applications no longer involve merely filling in a short form. The forms are now quite lengthy – some of 60 pages or more, and need to be accompanied by detailed supporting documents. It is also good practice to send with the application a covering letter providing an overview of the basis of the application.
- Immigration appeals
This consists of a core area of our work. Since we are a litigation-based firm, we are very experienced in undertaking the work in this area. We work on appeals in conjunction with specialist immigration counsel. Our work concerning immigration appeals is akin to the work we undertake in non-immigration litigation cases. If possible, we engage experienced counsel. If a client’s budget is limited, we can also engage newly qualified counsel with whom we have had reasonable success rates.
- Refused Applications – Urgent next steps
We are frequently consulted by potential clients whose applications have been refused. This is usually due to making an application without legal advice and a proper understanding of the essential ingredients of the matter.
There is a relatively short time for appealing – normally on human rights grounds. We work within these tight time limits. If your application has been refused, please send us a copy of the refusal letter and also where possible, a copy of the application.
- Is there is a right of appeal?
The Home Office normally advise whether there is a right of appeal in their refusal letter. If the Home Office were to state there is no right of appeal, this advice might not necessarily be correct. In such a situation, there may still be a right of appeal. This can be confirmed with immigration Counsel. We have successfully appealed refusal decisions where the Home Office have stated that there is no right of appeal.
Protective Appeal
If there is a right of appeal, a protective appeal should be filed as soon as reasonably possible and within the strict time limit. At this stage, it would be quite difficult to consider the merits of an appeal in-depth, so the matter would be considered at a later stage while the appeal is being issued. The ideal approach is to issue the protective appeal and then consider the matter in depth afterwards in conjunction with specialist immigration counsel as to the best route to go forward. An alternative route may be to submit a fresh application. There can be serious repercussions if a deadline for an appeal is missed. This can result in the applicant becoming an overstayer and will consequently have no permission to remain in the UK.
Appeals are currently normally raised upon human rights grounds.
- Judicial Review
We have experience in undertaking judicial review applications. We work closely with counsel to ensure the best possible result.
Where there is no appeal, it may be possible to challenge a refusal decision of a visa by way of an application for judicial review. There is a short time limit to pursue an application for permission to proceed for judicial review as well. There is no automatic right for judicial review; permission from the court is required to pursue this remedy.
- Administrative review
This is a new procedure with a relatively low success rate.
Contact Us
Please contact us for an initial discussion of your case.
We are a very approachable firm.
We can organise a fixed fee meeting at a reasonable cost. We will always endeavour to work within a client’s budget.
We endeavour to reduce costs by using junior fee earners to undertake various stages of work, for example, preparing document bundles with supporting index to send to the Home Office etc.
Contact us on Tel: 0208 4466 223 or Email: enquiries@sr-law.co.uk.
