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UK immigration laws state all the legal rights and duties governing immigration into and deportation from the UK. Recently, the UK has imposed stricter controls over it, making the immigration journey all the more challenging. Immigration solicitors in Manchester can make this journey a bit easier by providing expert legal immigration assistance.

Why You Need the Best Immigration Lawyers in Manchester

At times, there will be many challenges involved in a case due to its legal complexity. These challenges may be within the bounds of law, and navigating through them would require professional legal guidance.

Here, we will discuss why expert legal guidance is important for your immigration case and how the best immigration lawyer in Manchester will assist in overcoming the common immigration issues:

The Importance of Expert Legal Guidance

Let us say you have applied for a visa. One of the outcomes could be denial of your application, or it could be unreasonably delayed due to various underlying reasons. These reasons could be inaccurate information in the application or incomplete documentation.

Denial could also be possible if the decision requires more time due to complexity. Such problems must be nipped in the bud to avoid delays or denials.

Additionally, the case may require immigration solicitors to represent you whenever necessary. This happens mostly in deportation defence cases. This is why immigration lawyers assess your case deeply and assist you throughout the journey as well as post-decision.

Common Immigration Issues in Manchester

UK immigration law has undergone some changes in recent times, especially after Brexit. UK introduced a new points-based system and EU settlement scheme. These have directly impacted EU citizens and non-citizens. As a result, many legal complications arise during immigration, some of which are discussed as under:

Legal Framework and Documentation: Lengthy paperwork will often be required at the initial stage of your application process. An expert Manchester immigration solicitor will know of complex and changing regulations and assist with the elaborate paperwork.
Linguistic Barriers: You may face difficulties in handling legal and administrative services due to language barriers. These barriers can also hinder your social integration within the community. Immigration solicitors will provide clear guidance on legal processes and may advocate on your behalf in dealings with authorities or at courts.
Employment Difficulties: You may be subject to working overtime or being underpaid if you are unaware of the UK laws. You may also face discrimination or racism in the workplace, leading to unstable employment. An immigration lawyer will work towards safeguarding your rights, helping you overcome such issues.
Access to Medical Benefits: You may struggle to find the medical facility you need due to a lack of ties with a local health system or less awareness of your rights. A top Manchester immigration lawyer will educate you about healthcare services and connect you with the area’s medical services.

All in all, immigration law solicitors will assist in overcoming any and every aligned barrier in your immigration case. From understanding complex legal requirements to safeguarding your rights, immigration lawyers provide extensive support.

Services Offered by Immigration Lawyers in Manchester

Here are the services one can expect from an immigration lawyer in Manchester, including, but not limited to:

Visa Applications and Extensions

The visa application process has many legal disclaimers to understand, which is why it can be challenging without professional guidance. Immigration solicitors provide visa application assistance in Manchester to ensure your visa application is filled out completely and accurately in all respects. A neat application can increase the chances of approval.

If you have a visa near to its expiry but need to remain longer in the UK, you can apply for an extension. Usually, the duration of visa extension is 6 months, but different rules apply to different types of visas.

Student Visa: If you are above 16 years of age, you can apply for a Student Visa (former name- Tier 4 (general) student visa). You can apply three to six months before your course starts, depending on whether you are applying from within the UK or outside the UK. You can stay for up to 5 years in the UK for a degree-level course and up to 2 years for one below degree level.

You can extend your current student visa to continue and complete your studies or to apply for another course. You will need to switch to a graduate visa to stay for up to 2 years in the UK after completing the current course. Immigration solicitors in Manchester can guide you through the eligibility criteria, requirements, and the best path forward for your case.

Work Visa: Immigration law solicitors in Manchester also provide assistance with work visa applications for skilled worker visas, graduate visas, youth mobility scheme visas, global talent visas, or other temporary work visas. A graduate visa will allow for an added 2 years of stay in the UK only if you have completed the course with your current Student visa. If you have a doctoral qualification, the Graduate visa will last for up to 3 years.

There are certain conditions for the extension of work visas. A graduate visa cannot be extended but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa (former name- Tier 2 (general) work visa). You may be able to apply for a skilled worker visa if you fulfil the necessary conditions, like your job must be listed in the eligible jobs, you must be paid a minimum set amount, and you have a certificate of sponsorship from the employer, among others. This visa allows you a 5-year stay in the UK. To extend your stay beyond that, you need to apply for ‘indefinite leave to remain.’ Your immigration lawyer will assist you with applications and extensions, ensuring you meet all eligibility conditions.

Family Visas: Immigration lawyers provide assistance with visa application as a spouse/partner, child, or parent, or EU settlement scheme for dependents. They offer family visa services and guide you on the eligibility criteria based on your relationship with the family member and any other personal situations like divorce or separation from your partner or if the partner dies.

You may be able to extend your stay with the family member if you are currently on a family visa in the UK. If you want to stay with the same family member for longer, your new visa will have only 28 days added from your current visa stay. You must live in the UK for a certain period of time to be eligible for ‘indefinite leave to remain.’ You may also be able to stay on the basis of your private life if you have already lived for many years in the UK.

Citizenship and Naturalisation

You can apply for naturalisation and citizenship, if you have lived for 5 years in the UK. There are certain other conditions like having indefinite leave to remain, settled status, and indefinite leave to enter the UK, each for 12 months. There are certain other conditions, including your age, and languages known, among others. An immigration solicitor will suggest the best path forward, depending on your situation and needs.

Asylum and Human Rights Cases

To deal with the complexities of special cases like asylum and human rights, you will need the legal assistance of an immigration solicitor. The solicitor will work towards safeguarding your human rights and may also assist in applying for ‘indefinite leave to remain’ in the UK.

If your case is not approved, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Appeals & Judicial Reviews

An appeal or judicial review allows you to challenge the decision of a public body in the respect of correctness and justness. As both deal with the reviewing and challenging of decisions, the need for an immigration lawyer is emphasised for careful preparation and strategic planning at every step.

Business Immigration Services

Immigration lawyers provide assistance to businesses who wish to recruit a workforce from around the globe. Here are two prime services being offered to businesses:

Sponsor Licence: This licence allows businesses to sponsor their employees to legally work in the UK for up to a period of 4 years. Business immigration lawyers will ensure the legal requirements to work in the UK are met.
Tier 2 Visa: Now replaced by Skilled Worker Visa, this allows skilled workers to work for a period of up to 5 years. Immigration solicitors can guide you through the legal procedures to be followed in skilled worker visa applications.

To sum up, the best immigration solicitors will not only offer expert legal advice for immigrants in Manchester for specific immigration service but also help you in coping with legal issues with ease.

How to Choose the Best Immigration Solicitor in Manchester

If you are looking for the best immigration solicitor for your immigration journey, you can check out the solicitors listed on Lawyersorted. They have listed all credible law firms, and you can book your consultation here directly. To help you choose among the various options, here’s a checklist of factors to consider:

Check for a Multilingual team: Consider a law solicitor who is able to communicate in your native language. This will benefit from effective communication between you and your lawyer.
Check Reputation: Check for client reviews and testimonials for the law firm under consideration. A law firm with a strong track record and client satisfaction can help you achieve a favourable outcome.
Check for Accreditations: Check the firm’s accreditations to ensure that you get highest standard of professionalism and quality. You can rely on an accredited law firm as they are more credible.
Check for Fee Structure: Clearly state your goals to get a clear price estimate for the legal services you seek. Discuss the fee structure upfront to avoid paying any hidden charges. Consider getting everything in writing for more safety.

FAQs

What should I expect during the immigration process?

During the immigration process, you can expect document preparation with translations (if necessary), detailed application filing, in-person interviews, and long waiting periods. Even if the decision of your case is not favourable, managing financial and emotional stress is easier with extensive guidance from your lawyer.

How much does it cost to hire a Manchester immigration lawyer?

Your lawyer should give an estimate of the required service in the initial consultation which usually has a fixed price. Depending on complexity and processing times, some services like visa applications and citizenship are provided on a fixed rate basis, while complex cases may be charged hourly. So, you must discuss the estimated hours with your lawyer and get everything in writing to avoid hidden charges.

How do I know if a solicitor has a good reputation?

Excellent client reviews and testimonials speak volumes about a solicitor’s reputation. Check the accreditations of the law firm to ensure the solicitors are credible and highly professional. You can ask acquaintances for recommendations who have an experience in a similar case to make an informed decision.

How can I prepare for my consultation with an immigration solicitor?

To begin with, gather all important documents including passports, visas, financial and employment records, and correspondence documents, if any. Write all your questions regarding the immigration process and your case in particular. State your requirements straight out as this will help with tailored and focused advice from your lawyer.

How long does the immigration process take in Manchester?

If you are applying for a basic study or work visa, it will take you somewhere between a few weeks and a few months. In case of an indefinite stay or citizenship, the process may take up to 6 months. It may take more than a year for cases like asylum or judicial reviews, considering the legal challenges involved.

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