Batley Law has a team of immigration solicitors with experience of working on legal cases in the Leeds area. As a specialist firm, we can provide legal advice and support on immigration, asylum and nationality law for clients in Leeds. We strive to provide the best immigration legal support in Leeds.
About Immigration Law
The Home Office is the government department with ultimate responsibility for administering the immigration system through a division known as UK Visas and Immigration.
All immigration and nationality decisions are made by this division both domestically and overseas. Individuals who either wish to enter the UK for employment purposes, or who are deemed eligible to do so, must first obtain visas or entry certificates from UK consulates abroad before coming to this country – unless they fall into an immigration category that permits them to vary their status in-country. Examples in this category include indefinite leave to remain applications or deportation appeals.
An application to come to (or remain in) the UK requires different evidence and documentation depending on your intentions. If you are planning to start studies in Leeds for example, you will have different requirements to someone applying for indefinite leave to remain.
Since Brexit, the rules on immigration have changed and continue to do so. It is now becoming more difficult to enter the UK as the government is only looking for top candidates.
Perhaps one of the most recognisable changes in UK immigration law is the points-based system. This ensures that the applicant has a mandatory job offer from an approved sponsor at an appropriate skill level as well as sufficient knowledge in the English language. On top of this, there are salary and qualification considerations.
Immigration laws are complex and ever changing. Even as the UK continues on its own journey outside of the European Union, the laws and regulations will be refined and changed as a result, potentially affecting anyone requiring an immigration lawyer in Leeds and across the UK.
Immigration law isn’t just about work visas though. There are so many different aspects of immigration law, depending on your unique situation.
Appeals & Judicial Review
If you’ve been refused a visa, or received a rejection letter and there is not right of appeal. As immigration lawyers in the local area, we can assist with challenging the Home Office on the decision they’ve made. It can be very difficult to challenge a home office decision so you’ll need expert legal support. If possible, the first step would be to start the Administrative Review Process.
Sometimes there is no right to appeal. Not all cases are able to use the Administrative Review process. When this happens, you may want to proceed with a Judicial Review instead.
At Batley Law, we have experience of successfully challenging Home Office decisions through both methods. Examples include rejected visa applications & asylum claims; failure to grant Indefinite Leave to Remain; a negative conclusive grounds decision in a trafficking case; and more.
Judicial review can be a complex process, but our lawyers at Batley Law have experience and expertise to guide you through this process, for clients in Leeds and the wider area.
Asylum Applications
According to UK law, a refugee or asylum seeker is a person that is fleeing their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution there. As immigration lawyers in Leeds, we are committed to helping those who have fled their home country to seek refuge in our area. We have helped hundreds of asylum seekers from all corners of the globe.
Business Visas – Tier 1 and Tier 2
Leeds is a growing city that’s attracting a lot of new companies and employees. If you’re thinking of choosing Leeds to start a UK business or find employment, you’ll need one of these visas. There are 2 different tiers for this visa type.
The Tier 1 Visa is aimed at migrants such as investors or entrepreneurs who are classed as ‘high value’. Within Tier 1, there are two categories: the Start-Up visas and the Innovator Visa. If you’re planning to start a business for the first time in Leeds, it will be a slightly different route than if you were a more experienced ‘innovator’ with at least £50,000 in funds to invest in business.
A Tier 2 Visa provides a route for UK based companies and employers to employ foreign workers for a skilled role in the UK (if that role cannot be filled by the labour market). There are a number of rules and requirements that must be met, including achieving a score of 70 points within the new points-based system. Batley Law can advise you on this and give you the best possible chance of meeting the requirements.
If you are a UK employer that wishes to employ a foreign worker, you must also hold a Sponsorship License.
We have extensive experience of assisting companies and employees alike in Leeds and the surrounding area and can ensure that you avoid mistakes or potential refusal in your application.
UK Visitor Visas
Depending on which country you are entering the UK from, a UK Visitor visa is sometimes required for short trips only. For example, if you plan on visiting friends or family in the UK or you are on holiday. You can also use a UK Visitor visa to receive private medical treatment or limited business activity. You will normally be granted the right to enter and remain in the UK for up to 6 months.
As expert immigration solicitors in Leeds, we are able to advise you on the visa application requirements for your particular case and help you collate and check the evidence you need. We can also help complete online applications, arrange the visa appointment and draft a detailed letter of representations.
Leave to Remain
If you’ve been living for a number of years now in Leeds, it might be time for you to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Being granted Indefinite leave to remain is also known as settlement or being settled, and often marks the end of having to make repeated applications for extensions or further leave to remain.
Depending on the type of visa you currently hold for your residency in the UK, you may be granted ILR after 2, 5 or 10 years (also known as Long Residence ILR). Along with the English tests found in other residency visa applications, there’s also a requirement to prove your knowledge of life in the UK via a test. You may also be required to meet certain rules such as ensuring that you’ve had continuous residence in the UK.
Depending on your circumstances, the requirements may be different. We can advise you on these requirements and help you check your immigration history and eligibility. We’ll also be able to assist you with correctly completing all aspects of the application process.
Fiancé/Spouse Visas
A Fiancé Visa allows a person to come to the UK so that they can marry or enter into a civil partnership with their British partner. A UK Spouse Visa is a route for those that are already married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen and wish to settle in the UK. You can also switch from a Fiancé Visa to a Spouse Visa if you marry your partner within six months of entry.
We understand that relationships and family are an important part of life. Rules are changing and we want to be there to help you navigate the legal aspects of your move to the UK. We have extensive experience in both Fiancé Visas and Spouse Visa, with a 98% success rate in the latter.
Student Visas
Leeds and the surrounding areas have a number of prestigious universities that attract thousands of students each year. As immigration lawyers in Leeds we can help prospective students correctly submit their Student Visas in time for the start of the academic year.
To be eligible for a Tier 4 UK Student Visa, you’ll need to be over the age of 16 with a certain level of English language proficiency. You’ll also need to prove you have enough money to maintain yourself and that you have been offered an unconditional place on a course at a UK educational institution with a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence.
We have a 98% success rate with student visa applications and have helped many foreign students to begin their studies in the local area.
Why Would you Need an Immigration Lawyer in Leeds?
You might be thinking “Isn’t it possible to submit applications without an immigration lawyer?” And that’s true, you could apply for a visa without legal support, but your chances of success will be much lower.
Complex Rules
The UK’s immigration rules are complex and can be difficult to navigate. Without expert legal knowledge, it’s not always easy to tell whether you meet the rules.
These rules also change frequently. With Brexit, the law is changing. There’s a new points based system and it’s important to have someone on your side that knows the new rules inside out.
English is your Second Language
Another reason you may need to find immigration solicitors in Leeds, is when English is not your first language and you need some assistance. Legal documents and procedures can be difficult to understand when it’s in your native language, nevermind your second or third. Batley Law can assist you with this and we can arrange an interpreter for you.
Poor Immigration History
If you’ve got a track record of being declined for visas and immigration related procedures, you might find it difficult to successfully enter or reenter the country. With a team of immigration lawyers behind you every step of the way, you’ll have a much better chance of success.
Criminal Record
The UK doesn’t want to attract dangerous criminals to the country. All convictions, no matter how small, need to be declared and the decision by the Home Office often rests upon the prison sentence you served and how recent the sentence was.
If you’ve made a mistake in the past that you’re trying to put behind you, working with Batley Law could increase your chances of success.
Struggle with Technology
Technology isn’t for everyone but the majority of processes for a UK Visa application involve using the internet to complete forms and work with documents. If you’re not confident with technology and you’re worried you might struggle or get things wrong, you might want a lawyer to help you navigate the process.
Complicated Cases
At Batley Law we believe that every case is unique and sometimes you might have a complex case that you can’t solve on your own. British immigration law is a very complex matter and a complicated situation may exacerbate things. You may have been declined by the Home Office too, which complicates things further, leaving you clueless about the next steps.
We can handle the complex nature of immigration cases and break things down for you so you still know exactly what is going on, allowing you to make the right decisions.
Appeals in Court or Tribunal
If you have to go to court or face a tribunal for appeals or judicial review, having a local immigration lawyer will not only help you to succeed with your case but also give you confidence as you go through the process.
Not using a lawyer for your immigration law needs could sadly result in families being kept apart, losing a job that you have in the UK, being unable to study in the UK and more. With Batley Law, we’ll be honest with you about your chances of success and help you navigate the UK Immigration system for the best possible outcome.
Reviews of our Immigration Solicitor Services
We’ve provided a range of immigration lawyer services for the people of Leeds over the years. Here’s what some of them had to say about us:
After eight years of trying with several solicitors in Leeds and London, we found Batley Law. They were very kind and responsive and their work was professional and excellent. Our case was successful because of their hard work. Thank you Waseem and Umaira. – Hanadi Alquraishi
Thank you to Batley Law for all your help with my asylum claim. I have been granted 5 years refugee status in the UK. It was a complicated case but thanks to Mr Faizaan Naseer he made it very easy. – Sharif Mhawesh
I can’t recommend this place highly enough. The staff are amazing and very helpful. I have never seen a law firm that goes above and beyond for their clients like they do… – M.A.A.
Amazing service. Truly professional right from the beginning. Second successful visa application completed with no problems. Handled everything for me so I didn’t have to worry about anything. Would definitely recommend. – Masroor Ahmed
Why choose Batley Law as your Leeds Immigration Lawyers?
Passionate About our Work
Our immigration lawyers work hard to understand your unique needs and objectives. We strongly believe that every case is different, so you won’t receive a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach from us. Our advice and work is specific and tailored to your circumstances.
We’re Local
We’re local immigration lawyers, ideal for people in the West Yorkshire area. When it comes to immigration related proceedings, it’s good to have some local help. If you’re based in Leeds or planning to immigrate there, having a local solicitor’s help can bring you that extra comfort you need when going through legal cases.
Highly Recommended
99% of our clients would definitely recommend our services to other people.
Complete Service
As a firm, we have the expertise and experience to take cases from the very beginning all the way to an appeal of judicial review. We’ve taken appeals as far as the Court of Appeal, so by choosing Batley Law, you have peace of mind that you’ll be supported from start to finish.
Fully Accredited
All of our local, expert lawyers (from our Solicitors through to our paralegals and trainees) are all accredited by the Law Society Immigration and Asylum Accreditation Scheme.
Clear Pricing
We work on a fixed fee basis for our services, meaning you can rest assured knowing the price is agreed before you proceed and that there are no unexpected expenses.
Specialist Quality Mark
We are proud to hold a Legal Aid Specialist Quality Mark, following a rigorous and thorough audit in November 2018. This demonstrates that we have efficient and professional office practices and procedures.
How the Process at Batley Law Works
When working with us to support your case, you can expect the following step by step process.
Step 1 – Get In Touch
You can reach out to us via email, phone or through our online contact form. At Batley Law we also have a 4hr callback promise.
Step 2 – Case Review
We’ll have a chat with you to understand your situation and check your eligibility. We’ll review your case with you and make sure you have all the required information and documentation to proceed.
Step 3 – Getting to work
Now we fully understand the work required, we’ll make a start and keep you fully informed of any developments. We’ll keep everything simple and easy to understand.
Step 4 – Further information
We may require further information or details from you, this may include arranging to provide biometric information for the Home Office.
Step 5 – Submit Application
Once we’re both happy with the application, we’ll submit it.
Step 6 – Wait for a decision
Depending on the type of application you’re making, the Home Office decision could take anything from a week to a number of months. You may be able to pay extra for an express service from the Home Office.
Final Step – The Decision
You receive notice back from the Home Office regarding their decision. If you need to appeal further we can work with you on this.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.
