Finding an immigration lawyer
Last updated on: 22 February 2024
Can anyone give immigration advice?
No, only certain professionals can give immigration advice and they must be regulated. It is against the law for someone to provide immigration advice if they are not regulated.
When an advisor is regulated, this means that an independent organisation oversees their practice. Regulatory organisations enforce good standards and professional conduct.
You should check the registration and accreditation of your representative to ensure that they are legitimate and qualified. The main regulatory organisations to check with are:
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates solicitors in England and Wales. If your advisor is a solicitor, they should be registered with this organisation.
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers who aren't solicitors.
The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) regulates some legal professionals who are not solicitors. If this applies to your advisor, you can check if they are registered.
Please note the advisors may have different job titles. You may meet an immigration advisor, a solicitor, a paralegal, a trainee, or caseworker. This is not a problem, as long as they are regulated.
What exactly do immigration lawyers do?
Immigration advisors offer a wide range of services. The exact services they provide can depend on your specific situation. However, here are some of the general levels or types of service they typically offer:
This could involve a one-time meeting or conversation to answer questions, give advice, and help you understand your immigration options.
Lawyers can help you prepare and submit immigration applications. They can help fill out forms, gather necessary documents, and write letters or statements that might be needed. Or they can check an application that you have prepared yourself.
If your application is denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision. This can involve preparing documents, gathering additional evidence, and representing you at appeal hearings. They can help prepare your case and present it on your behalf.
A lawyer can provide specialised assistance and representation for more complex immigration issues. such as deportation cases or cases involving criminal convictions.
Remember, not all immigration lawyers offer all these services, and the quality and cost of services can vary. When choosing a lawyer, it's important to find one who offers the services you need and who you feel comfortable working with.
How do I find an immigration advisor?
Choosing an immigration advisor is an important decision. Take your time, do your research, and don't feel pressured to go with the first solicitor you find. You want to ensure that the person you choose has the right experience and approach to best serve your needs.
Make sure you also know what you're looking for before you begin your search. Are you seeking advice on visa applications? Are you appealing a deportation order? Or are you applying for citizenship? Different lawyers might have different areas of expertise and will quote different prices based on your needs.
Here are some suggested ways to find an immigration advisor:
- Search lists of regulated advisors and lawyers with the relevant regulatory organisation. Search advisors regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Search solicitors registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
- Use our map of migrant support services to find free services, including immigration advice, near you. If any organisation does not provide immigration advice, they may be able to signpost or refer you to an organisation that does.
- Search online for local immigration lawyers and advisors. Many law firms have websites where they list their services and areas of expertise. You can learn about solicitors before speaking to them and find a website that you like the look of.
You might also want to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other trusted sources.
I’ve found an advisor that I’m interested in. What are the next steps?
Once you've shortlisted a few potential advisors or lawyers, look at reviews and get recommendations if you can. Reviews can give you a sense of what to expect from a particular professional.
You can also reach out the advisors or lawyers that you are very interested in. Many lawyers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. This is a good opportunity to see if you feel comfortable with them and to ask the questions.
What questions should I ask the immigration advisor when I meet them for the first time?
During your first appointment or consultation with an immigration lawyer, it's crucial to ask the right questions. This will allow you to ensure that they're a good fit for your needs and you are happy with your choice.
Here are some important questions you might want to ask about different important aspects:
How much experience do you have with cases similar to mine? Can you share any success stories or case studies?
What strategy would you suggest for my case? What are the potential challenges and how would you handle them?
How do you stay updated with the latest changes in immigration laws and regulations? How might recent changes affect my case?
How will we communicate and how often? Will I be working directly with you or with a member of your team?
What's the expected timeline for my case? How long will it take for you to prepare my application once I have given you everything you need? How long on average will the Home Office take? When can I expect significant updates or progress?
What are your fees? Do you charge a fixed fee or hourly rate? What are the Home Office fees and how much are each? Are there any additional costs I should be aware of? Can I pay in instalments?
What are the potential outcomes of my case? What's the best-case and worst-case scenario? If my application is granted, what immigration status will I receive and how long of a duration? If my application is refused, what are my options?
Remember, the goal of this first meeting is not just to provide the lawyer with information about your case. It is also an opportunity for you to gather information about the lawyer, how they work, and what to expect from your case.
How can I make sure I select a quality lawyer?
Choosing the right immigration lawyer is a crucial step. When you speak to a potential immigration lawyer, there are several things you should pay attention to:
You want a lawyer who communicates clearly and listens carefully to your concerns. They should be willing to answer all your questions. They should be able to explain complex legal matters in a way you understand.
You should feel confident in their knowledge and experience in immigration law. Don't hesitate to ask about their track record with cases like yours, or their expertise in a specific area of immigration law.
A good lawyer will respond promptly to your calls and emails. Delays in communication could potentially impact the progress of your case. Ask how often they will keep in touch with you and how they will keep in touch.
You want a lawyer who treats you with respect and understanding. Immigration issues can be stressful, so it's important to have a solicitor who is supportive.
Make sure they are upfront about their fees. This includes information about how their fees are calculated, how much you will need to pay, what you are paying for, and when they need to be paid. If your lawyer does not want to discuss fees, this could be a bad sign.
They should always conduct themselves in a professional manner. This includes respecting your confidentiality and privacy. If you feel like that will not happen, do not choose that lawyer.
Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable with your lawyer. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it may be best to consider other options. There lots of lawyers out there, you do not need to choose one that makes you uncomfortable.
A good lawyer prioritises your confidentiality. This means they will safeguard your personal and sensitive information. They will only disclose information about you with your consent. Make sure the lawyer you choose explains how they will protect your data.
Lawyers should have a transparent complaints process. Formal complaints are an important way to address important concerns if these arise. If your lawyer is not sharing their complaints process with you, this could be a bad sign.
Remember, it's completely acceptable to meet with multiple lawyers before deciding on the one you feel most comfortable with and who meets your needs best.
How do I spot a ‘rogue’ immigration lawyer?
Rogue immigration lawyers are individuals who say they provide legal advice but are not regulated or qualified to do so. They often prey on vulnerable individuals who are seeking help with immigration matters.
Here are some tips to help you spot rogue immigration lawyers:
In the UK, immigration advice should be provided either by a regulated professional. Be sure to check these registries to ensure the person is regulated.
Beware of anyone who guarantees specific results or success in your case. Although a lawyer can give you an assessment of your chances based on their professional judgment, they cannot guarantee a specific outcome. The outcome of your case ultimately depends on the law and circumstances outside of an advisor’s control.
Some lawyers offer significantly lower fees than others. While this may be a tempting option, this can sometimes be a bad sign. Always ensure the lawyer is properly regulated before making your decision.
Rogue lawyer may try to pressure you into hiring them or paying them on the spot. A regulated lawyer should give you time to consider your decision and should not pressure you into signing anything you do not fully understand.
A reputable lawyer should be transparent. They should tell you about their fees, services, and process. If the lawyer is unwilling or unable to explain what they will do for you and what the costs will be, this could be a warning sign.
If the lawyer doesn't answer your calls, emails, or seems to be evasive or non-responsive, this could be a warning sign.
Remember, it's important to do your homework before hiring a lawyer. Check their qualifications, ask for references, and consider seeking advice from a trusted source if you're unsure.
If you believe you have been the victim of a rogue immigration lawyer, you should report them. You should contact the organisation that regulates them.
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates advisors and contact details can be found their website.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates solicitors, and information about reporting rogue solicitors can be found on their website.