Immigration Fees & Funding

Where factors exist with your matter that may result in additional work, such as the need for a higher degree of attention, care, mitigation, representations, etc… this will be indicative of the hours we will need to spend on your case and may result in higher fees being charged. Our experience has shown that the following scenarios may result in a higher fee being charged in accordance with the level of skill, experience and input of time required on our part.

• Where your matter does not meet the immigration requirements and will require discretion to be exercised by the deciding authority.
• The complexity of legal or procedural issues involved.
• Where the application is being made and any particular additional services you wish to use.
• Previous criminal or civil convictions.
• If we are required to liaise with third parties in support of your matter.
• Adverse immigration history – previous overstaying, refusals or breach of conditions, non-compliance with Immigration, etc…
• Previous behaviour that raises good character issues.
• Whether the application is an initial one, an extension or an application for indefinite leave to remain.
• The urgency of the matter with deadline and working unsociable hours.
• Any undisclosed information that was not revealed to our firm and/or the relevant authorities.
• The level of documentation available and any issues in obtaining or providing this.
• Exceptional circumstances that require mitigation (particularly in protracted matters that require extensive examination and representation).
• Whether there are any dependants and their personal circumstances which may affect the matter.

We have set out the hourly rates for our lawyers within a three-tier system that is reflective of the different levels of seniority, expertise, experience and knowledge our clients benefit from.

Our standard starting hourly rates are as below and may be higher depending on the individual case:

• (Tier 1) – Senior Partner – Paul Turner: £350 plus VAT
• (Tier 2) – Partners, In-house Counsel and Senior Solicitors: £300 plus VAT
• (Tier 3) – Junior Lawyers & Senior Paralegals: £150 plus VAT

Our senior partner with over 15 years immigration experience is recognised by the Legal 500 as a leading individual within the immigration field. Our partner, in-house counsel and senior lawyers also individually hold over 15 years immigration experience while our junior lawyers and senior paralegals range from trainees to experienced personnel with many years immigration experience; also highly competent and able to handle your matter. Further details of individual experience and qualifications of our lawyers can be found under our About Us page.

All matters are supervised by a partner of the firm and therefore all matters will require the involvement of a partner. In some instances your matter may be crossed between the tiers at different stages depending on the complexity of the matter.

We offer competitive hourly rates but understand the wish of clients to have certainty as to their total liability in respect of costs. Therefore, in many cases we are willing offer a fixed fee in respect of our costs and this will be tailored, according to the work that we anticipate will be involved, the complexity of the case and the seniority of the lawyer required.

The time spent on each case van vary from 5 hours to 60 hours depending on the nature, history, compliance and complexity of your background, circumstances and documents. It is impossible to confirm the fixed fee or hourly rate and total anticipated costs your case may incur, until we complete the initial consultation stage and obtain a clearer picture and plan of action with all your required documents forwarded to us. Our fixed fees as indicated are more achievable for a client where you satisfy the immigration criteria and can provide all required documents, with there being no obvious obstacles in your case that could result in an unsuccessful application or appeal.

Where fixed fees are not possible to charge, our time is charged at hourly rates that comply with professional guidance and depend upon the seniority of the lawyer involved.

Clients contact the office by phone, email or enquiry via our website. This leads to a direct conversation or email communication with one of our lawyers.  At this stage we communicate with you to review your case and understand the issues, your immigration history and objectives going forward. The aim here is to work out the best level of lawyer suited to your case and arrange thereafter the main initial consultation at our offices or via video conferencing. It is also important to establish an understanding of your needs, issues and any concerns you have at this stage regarding your matter, the rules, guidance and process.

Following the initial communication, every case continues with a fixed fee consultation at a time and date agreed with you. The fixed fee consultation is important to work out the best strategy and direction of your case, allowing us to work out the most suitable plan of action and how to achieve this.

Cost for Initial Consultation:

• Senior Partner – Paul Turner: £400 plus VAT
• Partners, In-house Counsel and Senior Solicitors: £250 plus VAT
• Junior Lawyers & Senior Paralegals: £150 plus VAT

The consultation will allow for 1 hour and we will advise you of your rights and any course of action that is available to you. We will advise you as to the merits of pursuing the matter and the prospects for success, with an estimate of the costs that will be incurred in the case.
During this consultation we will review any previous refusals, identify any difficulties and complexities with your case, to work out the best course of action. We will apply the law to your case and on agreeing fees, we will open your file and formally accept you as a client of the firm.

Should you choose to instruct our firm, as have many thousands of previous clients, you will benefit from a high level service divided into the following:

• Taking initial (full) instructions from you and to provide an assessment and advice on the requirements that you will need to meet, and whether you meet the criteria; if you do not satisfy the criteria, we will discuss whether and how this can be best overcome.
• Providing advice on which documents and information will be needed to support your case.
• Advising on the application submission options and procedure, including likely timescales.
• Reviewing the documents that you will provide in support of your case.
• Where necessary, liaising with third parties to obtain further documents in support of your case.
• Drafting representations, grounds of appeal and witness statements in support of your case.
• Preparing the relevant forms and documents and submitting the application, representations and supporting evidence to the UKVI and booking the required appointment.
• Representing you at the tribunal hearings/appeals.
• Attendance at the Home Office interview or assisting with mock interview practise; if the Home Office ask you to attend an interview, we will give you clear advice (and discuss the possibility of us attending with you, where applicable).
• All communication between the UKVI and other agencies concerning your application/appeal until we receive a written decision in your case.
• Giving you advice on the outcome of the application and any further steps required. Also explaining your new immigration or nationality status, including information about how to remain compliant with your visa conditions and the eligibility criteria for extensions, indefinite leave to remain and nationality.

Please note that the prices quoted below do not include additional costs that may be incurred on your matter. Any such fees can include the following. You will be notified of such fees or anticipated fees at the start of your matter:

• Appeal fees
• Counsels Fees
• Home Office fee
• Immigration Health Surcharge
• Immigration Skills Charge
• Independent Expert Reports
• Independent Medical Reports
• Interpreter/Translation Fees
• Courier/Postage Charges

All rates and fee estimates may be listed on this page as inclusive or exclusive of VAT. Where applicable, fees will be subject to VAT at 20%.