Personal Immigration Services
Personal immigration encompasses a wide range of applications, each governed by its own set of Rules, evidential requirements, and eligibility criteria. The consequences of an error or omission can be significant — including delays, refusals, and restrictions on re-entry. At Britlaw Solicitors, we take a thorough and structured approach to every personal immigration matter.
Family Visas
Family visas allow individuals to join or remain with family members in the UK. The principal routes include applications from spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners of two or more years, fiancés or proposed civil partners, and dependent children. Each route has specific eligibility requirements, including financial thresholds, accommodation requirements, and an English language requirement.
Applications can be made from overseas (entry clearance) or within the UK (leave to remain or further leave). The evidence required is extensive, and applications are frequently refused where documentary evidence is insufficient or where the relationship has not been adequately evidenced.
- Spouse and civil partner visas (entry clearance and leave to remain)
- Unmarried partner visas (two years cohabitation required)
- Fiancé and proposed civil partner visas
- Dependent children under 18
- Adult dependent relative applications
- Applications following previous refusals
EU Settlement Scheme
EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 were required to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Late applications may still be made where there are reasonable grounds for the delay. Family members joining EU nationals settled in the UK may also be eligible for EUSS family permits. Britlaw Solicitors advises on late EUSS applications, appeals against refusals, and applications by family members.
Visit Visas and Refusals
Standard Visitor visas allow individuals from outside the Common Travel Area to enter the UK for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or medical treatment. Visit visa applications are frequently refused on grounds of insufficient evidence of ties to the home country or concerns about intention to leave. We advise on visit visa applications and assist with fresh applications addressing the reasons for previous refusals.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain is the UK form of permanent residence and represents an important milestone for individuals on temporary visas. Common routes include five years as a Skilled Worker, ten years continuous lawful residence, and settlement as a spouse or partner. All ILR applications require the Life in the UK test and usually an English language requirement.
- ILR after five years as a Skilled Worker
- ILR on the basis of ten years continuous lawful residence
- ILR as a spouse or partner following a qualifying period
- Long Residence applications
- ILR for those with refugee status or humanitarian protection
British Citizenship
British citizenship can be acquired by naturalisation, registration, or descent. The most common route is naturalisation, available to those who have held ILR for at least twelve months and meet the good character requirement. We advise on eligibility including in cases with previous immigration issues, periods of absence, or other complicating factors.
Complex Cases
We regularly advise on cases involving previous refusals, periods of overstaying, leave obtained by deception, and applications under discretionary or exceptional routes. If your situation falls outside the standard Immigration Rules, we can advise on whether an out-of-rules application may be appropriate and on what grounds it might be made.