Our specialist immigration solicitors in Bolton answer the most frequently asked questions about UK immigration law. If you cannot find the answer you need below, please contact us for a confidential consultation.
General Immigration Questions
What does an immigration solicitor do?
An immigration solicitor provides specialist legal advice and representation on all matters relating to UK immigration law. This includes advising on which visa route is appropriate for your circumstances, preparing and submitting applications to the Home Office, drafting legal representations, and representing clients at immigration tribunal hearings and appeals. A regulated solicitor is subject to professional oversight by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and is legally accountable for the advice they give.
Do I need a solicitor to make a visa application?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor to apply for a UK visa. However, immigration law is highly technical and applications are frequently refused due to avoidable errors in documentation or legal submissions. Using a qualified immigration solicitor significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome, particularly for complex cases or where a previous application has been refused.
How much does an immigration solicitor cost?
Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the type of application required. We offer fixed-fee services for many straightforward applications and provide a clear costs estimate at the outset of every matter. Please contact us for a no-obligation quotation.
How long does a UK immigration application take?
Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of application and whether you pay for a priority service. As a guide, out-of-country spouse visa applications currently take 8 to 12 weeks; skilled worker visa applications typically take 3 to 8 weeks; ILR applications can take 6 months or more at standard service. Current processing times are published on the gov.uk website.
Visa Questions
What is the minimum income requirement for a spouse visa in 2026?
As of April 2024, the minimum income threshold for a spouse or partner visa is £29,000 per year. This threshold applies to the UK-based sponsor. The requirement may be met through employment income, self-employment income, pension income or a combination of sources. Our spouse visa solicitors can advise you on how to meet and evidence this requirement.
What is the difference between ILR and British citizenship?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants you the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely without any time restriction on your visa. It is also referred to as settlement or permanent residence. British citizenship (naturalisation) is the next step — it grants you a British passport, full voting rights and the right to pass British nationality to children born abroad. You typically need to hold ILR for at least 12 months before applying for naturalisation. Our ILR solicitors and citizenship solicitors can guide you through both processes.
Can I work in the UK on a visitor visa?
No. A Standard Visitor Visa does not permit you to work in the UK. Working on a visitor visa constitutes a breach of your visa conditions and may result in removal, a ban from re-entering the UK and refusal of future applications. If you wish to work in the UK, you will need an appropriate work visa, such as a Skilled Worker Visa.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), request an Administrative Review, or submit a fresh application with improved evidence. The route available to you depends on the type of application and the reason for refusal. Our immigration appeals solicitors can advise you on the best course of action following a refusal.
Asylum and Refugee Questions
How do I claim asylum in the UK?
You should claim asylum as soon as possible after arriving in the UK if you fear persecution in your home country. Claims are made to the Home Office, which will conduct a screening interview followed by a substantive asylum interview. The process can be lengthy and the outcome is not guaranteed. Our asylum solicitors provide specialist advice and representation throughout the process.
Can my family join me if I am granted refugee status?
If you are granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, your immediate family members (spouse or partner and dependent children under 18) may be able to join you in the UK through the refugee family reunion route. There are strict eligibility criteria and time limits. Please contact us for specific advice.
Business Immigration Questions
What is a Sponsor Licence and does my business need one?
A Sponsor Licence is a permission granted by the Home Office that allows a UK employer to recruit workers from outside the UK (or outside the EEA/Switzerland for certain routes). If you wish to hire a worker who needs a visa to work in the UK, you must hold a valid Sponsor Licence before you can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Our sponsor licence solicitors advise businesses throughout Bolton and Greater Manchester on obtaining and maintaining their licence.
What are my obligations as a sponsor licence holder?
Sponsor licence holders have extensive ongoing compliance obligations, including maintaining accurate records of sponsored workers, reporting certain changes to the Home Office within specified timescales, and co-operating with Home Office audits. Failure to meet these obligations can result in the suspension or revocation of your licence. We provide compliance training and ongoing support to sponsor licence holders.
Local Questions
Where are you based and do I need to visit in person?
We are based in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Many clients prefer to meet us in person at our office, but we also offer telephone and video consultations for clients across the UK and overseas. We cover cases from across Greater Manchester and the North West.
Are you regulated?
Yes. We are a regulated legal services provider. Our immigration solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You can verify our regulatory status on the SRA’s public register at sra.org.uk.
Have a Question Not Listed Here?
Every immigration case is different. If you have a specific question about your situation, please get in touch. Our specialist immigration solicitors in Bolton offer a confidential initial consultation.
