Our initial consultation meetings offer an opportunity for an in-depth discussion of your immigration issue with a specialist immigration lawyer with expertise in UK and/or Swiss immigration law. The aim is to provide you with a clear understanding of your options, the requirements involved, and the steps you need to take, whether you are considering UK immigration matters or Swiss residency and work permits.

Whether you are applying for a UK visa from Switzerland, seeking Swiss residency or work permits, navigating business immigration in the UK or Switzerland, or contemplating challenging an immigration decision, our lawyers will use their extensive knowledge and experience to provide tailored advice suited to your needs.

Meetings typically last for 1 hour and can take place at our office in Montreux, via Google Meet or telephone.

Our initial consultation meetings include the following scope of work: 

1. Pre-Consultation Document Review

• Document Assessment: Before the consultation, your lawyer will review any relevant documents you have provided (such as correspondence from the Home Office or Swiss immigration authorities, refusal letters, or supporting documentation). This will ensure they are fully informed of your situation.

• Preliminary Case Understanding: A preliminary assessment of the key issues in your case, allowing the lawyer to provide focused and effective advice during the consultation.

  
  

2. Legal Assessment and Case Strategy Discussion

• Case Background and Objectives: An in-depth discussion of your case background, current status, and your desired outcomes, whether for Swiss or UK immigration matters.

• Legal Requirements and Eligibility: Clear, concise advice on the specific requirements you must meet based on the relevant immigration category, the applicable immigration laws, and any relevant policies or case law for either UK or Swiss routes.

• Strategic Options and Next Steps: Exploration of potential options available for your case, with tailored guidance on the most suitable pathway to achieve your goals in either the UK or Switzerland.

• Risks and Challenges: Identification of any potential risks, challenges, or obstacles you may face, along with strategies for mitigating these issues.

  
  

3. Documentary and Evidence Guidance

• Supporting Documentation Advice: General guidance on the types of documents or evidence needed to strengthen your application or appeal, whether for Swiss residency, UK visas, or immigration compliance (specific advice on supporting documentation is provided as part of our full application or appeal preparation service).

• Further Evidence Recommendations: Recommendations on additional evidence that may support your case, such as expert reports, witness statements, or financial documentation.

  
  

4. Timeline and Process Clarification

• Expected Timeframes: Explanation of the typical timelines involved in your chosen immigration route, including processing times for both Swiss and UK applications, submission deadlines, and any appeal deadlines if applicable.

• Procedural Guidance: A step-by-step overview of the application or appeal process, covering all necessary formalities to ensure compliance with immigration procedures in either the UK or Switzerland.

  
  

5. Q&A and Final Guidance

• Clarifications and Additional Queries: An opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your case, options, or the legal process for UK or Swiss immigration matters.

• Summary of Key Points: A recap of the most important points covered in the consultation, providing you with a clear, actionable path forward for your UK or Swiss immigration needs.

  
  

6. Follow-Up and Next Steps

• Written Summary of Advice: After the consultation, you will receive a written summary of the key advice and recommendations provided during the meeting, whether for your UK visa, Swiss residency application, or business immigration matters.

• Further Instructions (if required): Guidance on the next steps if you decide to engage our services for further representation, including a potential timeline and cost estimate for additional services.

Our application preparation and submission service offers a thorough, strategic approach backed by specialist expertise in both UK and Swiss immigration law. We ensure that your immigration application is not only complete but also optimally presented to maximise its prospects of success, whether you are applying for a UK visa or a Swiss residence or work permit.

The comprehensive scope of work and tasks included in our application preparation and submission service are as follows:

1. Strategic Application Planning and Initial Advice

• Application Strategy Consultation: Personalised expert advice from a specialist immigration lawyer to determine the optimal type of immigration application based on your specific circumstances, eligibility, and objectives—whether for the UK or Switzerland.

• Case Structuring for Success: Strategic guidance on structuring your application to align closely with UK Home Office or Swiss immigration authority expectations, maximising persuasiveness and reducing risks.

• Regulatory and Policy Insights: Comprehensive advice on the relevant Immigration Rules, Swiss migration policies, and recent case law applicable to your case to ensure your application is legally sound and compelling.

  
  

2. Document Preparation and Management

• Supporting Document Advice: Detailed advice on the required and recommended supporting documents, including content, format, and any mandatory certifications or translations for UK visa or Swiss permit applications.

• Immigration Document Status Sheet: A personalised, itemised checklist to simplify your document gathering process, tailored to the specific requirements and recommendations of UK or Swiss immigration authorities.

• Secure Client Portal Access: Provision of a secure client portal for efficient, confidential, and organised document submission, accessible at your convenience.

  
  

3. Document Review and Compliance Checks

• In-Depth Document Review: Comprehensive analysis of each document for strict compliance with Home Office or Swiss immigration authority guidelines, including timely feedback on required updates or adjustments.

• Amendment Recommendations: Expert guidance on any recommended changes to enhance clarity, compliance, and completeness of your documentation.

  
  

4. Application Form and Statement Preparation

• Completion of Application Form(s): Accurate and thorough completion of all relevant application forms for the UK Home Office or Swiss migration authorities.

• Personal Supporting Statement Drafting: Creation of a tailored, compelling statement outlining the factual basis of your application, designed to clearly communicate your eligibility.

• Additional Statements: Preparation of additional personal statements for any family members or third-party supporters, as applicable.

• Supporting Letters for Third Parties: Drafting of supporting letter templates for third parties, meeting UK Home Office or Swiss authority standards to strengthen your case.

  
  

5. Specialist Legal Submissions

• Legal Opinion: Preparation of a detailed legal opinion from a specialist immigration lawyer, addressing the Immigration Rules (UK) or Swiss residency/work permit criteria, and supporting the approval of your application.

  
  

6. Final Application Preparation and Submission

• Application Bundle Preparation: Assembly of a structured application bundle, including a professionally prepared schedule of all documents for ease of reference by decision-makers in the UK or Switzerland.

• Mock Review: An independent, final check of your complete application by a second specialist immigration lawyer.

• Application Submission Support: Guidance and support through the submission process, ensuring correct submission to the Home Office or Swiss migration authorities.

  
  

7. Additional Submission Support and Communication

• Biometrics Appointment Assistance: Assistance in scheduling your biometrics appointment, ensuring timely compliance with UK or Swiss requirements.

• Document Uploads to Authorities: Uploading all supporting documents in alignment with Home Office or Swiss specifications, avoiding any technical or procedural errors.

• Designated Legal Representative: Acting as your legal representative, handling all correspondence with the Home Office or Swiss immigration authorities, providing updates, and addressing queries until a decision is received.

  
  

The exact scope of work will be set out in a client engagement letter, which you will have an opportunity to review and approve before instructing us to prepare your UK visa or Swiss permit application.

You may also wish to prepare your application yourself and have it checked by an immigration barrister before submission—this service can be arranged based on your needs.

How long will my UK immigration application take?

The time required to prepare your immigration application depends on factors such as:

• The nature of the application (UK visa or Swiss residence/work permit).

• The amount of supporting evidence required.

• Whether you are applying with dependents.

• Your immigration history.

  
  

We generally recommend allowing 6–8 weeks for proper preparation, but we can often complete the work more quickly if required. We will discuss your target application date at an early stage and will only take your case if we are confident we can meet your deadline.

UK Home Office Processing Times:

• In-country UK applications:

  
  

  • Standard processing: 8 weeks

  • Priority service: 5 working days

  • Super priority service: 1 working day

    
    

• Applications submitted outside the UK:

  
  

  • Standard processing: 3 weeks

  • Family visas: up to 12 weeks

  • Priority and premium services may be available at certain visa application centres to expedite processing.

    
    

Swiss Immigration Processing Times:

• Work Permits & Residence Permits: Processing times vary depending on the canton but typically range from 4 to 12 weeks after submission.

• Swiss Business & Investor Applications: Processing times depend on canton-specific requirements and can take several months.

• Fast-track Options: Some Swiss cantons offer accelerated processing for certain business or investment-based applications.

If you require a quick decision, we would be happy to discuss available priority services for both UK and Swiss applications.

Our application checking service is designed for individuals who have prepared their own UK or Swiss visa or immigration application but seek a professional review before submission. A specialist immigration lawyer will conduct a thorough assessment of your application form and supporting documents, identifying any risks and ensuring compliance with the relevant immigration authority’s requirements—whether the UK Home Office or the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

What Our Application Checking Service Includes:

1. Application Form Review

• Detailed Review: A meticulous check of your completed UK or Swiss immigration application form to ensure all fields are correctly filled in accordance with the relevant visa category and immigration rules.

• Verification of Information: Cross-checking details for accuracy and consistency to prevent discrepancies that could raise concerns with the UK Home Office or Swiss immigration authorities.

• Identification of Missing Information: Highlighting any incomplete or incorrect sections that need amending before submission.

  
  

2. Document Review

• Required Documents: Assessment of your supporting documents to confirm compliance with UK Home Office or Swiss SEM guidelines, including format, certification, and translation requirements.

• Recommended Documents: Suggestions for additional documents that, while not mandatory, may strengthen your application.

  
  

3. Cover Letter Review (If Provided)

• Detailed Feedback: Review of your draft cover letter with feedback on clarity, accuracy, and relevance to ensure it effectively supports your application.

  
  

4. Risk Assessment and Recommendations

• Grounds for Refusal: Identification of potential risks or weak points in your application that could lead to refusal under UK or Swiss immigration law.

• Strategic Advice: Guidance on how to address any concerns and maximise your chances of success.

  
  

5. Consultation Meeting

• Single Consultation (Google Meet/In-Person): A dedicated session with an immigration lawyer to discuss recommendations, clarifications, and any risks identified.

• Final Questions: An opportunity to ask any outstanding questions to ensure you are fully prepared before submitting your application.

  
  

6. Post-Consultation Summary (Optional)

• Written Summary: A concise document outlining the feedback provided, recommendations made, and any final steps required to complete your application.

  
  

What This Service Does Not Include:

Our application checking service is a one-time review and does not include:

• Ongoing legal representation or communication with UK or Swiss immigration authorities.

• Drafting of legal submissions in support of your application.

• Submission of your application.

• Advice on the decision outcome.

  
  

If you require additional consultations or legal assistance beyond the initial review, these can be arranged for an additional fee.

Our appeal preparation and representation service provides dedicated, expert guidance and legal advocacy from a specialist UK immigration lawyer to ensure your appeal is thoroughly prepared, strategically supported, and professionally presented.

The comprehensive scope of work and tasks that are undertaken and included as part of our appeal preparation and representation service are as follows: 

1. Initial Appeal Assessment and Strategic Guidance

• Merits Assessment: Accurate and honest assessment of the merits of your appeal by a specialist UK immigration lawyer, with specific reference to the requirements of the Immigration Rules, relevant Home Office policies, and applicable case law.

• Strategic Appeal Plan: Tailored advice on how to approach the appeal based on the facts of your case, identifying the strongest grounds to challenge the initial decision and maximise the likelihood of success.

  
  

2. Appeal Lodging and Case Management

• Appeal Lodging via MyHMCTS: Lodging your appeal on your behalf through the MyHMCTS online system, ensuring that all formalities are correctly followed and that your appeal is processed efficiently.

• Case Management and Communication: Acting as your appointed legal representative to handle all communication and documentation exchanges with the Home Office and Tribunal.

  
  

3. Respondent’s Bundle Review and Evidence Preparation

• Respondent’s Bundle Review: In-depth review of the Home Office’s evidence bundle to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, and areas for rebuttal.

• Documentary Evidence Guidance: Detailed advice on the documentary evidence required to support your appeal, including specific guidance on content, format, and relevance based on legal standards.

• Expert Instructions and Report Review (if required): Drafting detailed letters of instruction for relevant experts, coordinating any required reports, and reviewing these for accuracy and relevance. (Please note that you will be responsible for any expert fees).

  
  

4. Witness Statements and Evidence Preparation

• Witness Statements Drafting: Drafting precise and compelling witness statements for individuals who will provide testimony at the appeal hearing, ensuring statements align with the appeal grounds and enhance the case’s credibility.

• Appeal Bundle Preparation: Preparing, indexing, and paginating a comprehensive appeal bundle that is professionally organised, scanned, and ready for submission.

  
  

5. Legal Argument and Advocacy

• Appeal Skeleton Argument: Preparation of a detailed, persuasive skeleton argument that sets out the legal grounds for your appeal, fully compliant with Tribunal directions and specifically structured to address the decision-maker’s reasons for refusal.

• Legal Analysis and Precedent Application: Highlighting key legal precedents and case law that support your position, reinforcing the legal basis for approval.

  
  

6. Appeal Submission and Tribunal Correspondence

• Appeal Bundle Submission and Service: Submitting the completed appeal bundle to the Tribunal and serving it on the Home Office, ensuring compliance with Tribunal guidelines and procedural deadlines.

• Communication Management: Handling all communication with the Home Office and Tribunal on your behalf, including providing timely updates on any responses or new developments.

  
  

7. Home Office Review and Outcome Advice

• Review Outcome Assessment: Analysing any outcomes from the Home Office review, providing clear advice on the implications for your appeal.

• Next Steps Guidance: Professional advice on your options following the Home Office review, including further appeal rights, if applicable.

  
  

8. Tribunal Representation and Expert Advocacy (If Required)

• Specialist Barrister Representation: Representation by an experienced, specialist immigration barrister who will advocate on your behalf before the Immigration Tribunal, presenting your case with precision and clarity.

• Advocacy and Examination: Conducting examinations of witnesses where required, and effectively managing evidence presentation to highlight the strengths of your case while addressing any areas of concern.

• Expert Legal Submissions: Preparation and delivery of oral and written legal submissions to persuasively present your case, addressing all relevant legal points and responding to any arguments raised by the Home Office.

• Responding to Tribunal Directions: Ensuring that all Tribunal directions are fully complied with, including any procedural requirements for document submission, scheduling, or further submissions during the hearing process.

• Post-Hearing Advice: Following the hearing, a detailed review of the Tribunal proceedings and guidance on the next steps, including potential further appeals or judicial review options if necessary.

  
  

In addition to preparing and presenting immigration appeals before the First-tier Tribunal, our immigration lawyer also regularly provide the following services:

• Advice as to the merits of appealing against immigration decisions of the First-tier Tribunal;

• Applications for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal against immigration decisions of the First-tier Tribunal;

• Preparation and presentation of immigration appeals before the Upper Tribunal;

• Advice as to the merits of appealing against immigration decisions of the Upper Tribunal;

• Applications for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal against immigration decisions of the Upper Tribunal;

• Preparation and presentation of immigration appeals before the Court of Appeal;

• Advice as to the merits of applying for Administrative Review;

• Applications for Administrative Review;

• Advice as to the merits of applying for Judicial Review;

• Drafting of Pre-action Protocol letters / Letters before claim in advance of Judicial Review proceedings;

• Applications for Judicial Review;

• Representation at Oral Permission Hearings in Judicial Review matters;

• Representation at Judicial Review hearings;

• Representation at immigration bail hearings;

How long will my immigration appeal take?

We will ensure that your appeal is lodged within any time limits set out in law.  We cannot guarantee how long it will take for your appeal to be heard. It is possible that the Home Office may decide to withdraw their refusal decision based on our representations.  If they do not then, if you are appealing to the First-tier Tribunal, it is likely to take between 6 and 12 months for your appeal to be listed for hearing. Different timeframes may apply to different stages and types of appeals.

Appealing is not always the most appropriate way of challenging an immigration decision.  If we think that a fresh application would be a quicker and/or more cost-effective solution then we will let you know.

Our Sponsor Licence application preparation service provides dedicated legal guidance and meticulous preparation to help businesses meet Home Office requirements and secure a Sponsor Licence for hiring overseas talent. The service covers the full application process, HR compliance, and expert support at every stage.

Many immigration routes now require sponsorship, but by way of example, the comprehensive scope of work and tasks that are undertaken and included as part of our Skilled Worker sponsor licence application service are as follows:

1. Initial Assessment and Application Strategy

• Eligibility and Compliance Assessment: A dedicated UK immigration lawyer will conduct an initial assessment to confirm eligibility for the Sponsor Licence and to advise on any necessary pre-application steps for compliance.

• Application Structuring for Success: Strategic guidance on structuring your application to meet Home Office expectations and maximise the likelihood of approval.

  
  

2. Regulatory and Documentary Requirements Guidance

• Comprehensive Requirements Review: Expert advice on the specific requirements of the Immigration Rules for Sponsor Licence applications, including guidance on relevant Home Office policies and applicable case law.

• Documentary Evidence Guidance: Detailed advice on the documentary evidence needed to support the Sponsor Licence application, with a focus on content, format, and accuracy to ensure full compliance with Home Office standards.

  
  

3. Role Descriptions and HR Policy Preparation

• Role Description Drafting Assistance: Support in drafting precise role descriptions that align with Home Office expectations, ensuring they meet the Skilled Worker route and other sponsorship criteria.

• HR Policy and Procedure Package: Provision of a tailored HR compliance package, including:

• Sponsorship Duties Guide: Detailed written guidance on the duties and responsibilities of a Skilled Worker Sponsor.

  • Right to Work Checks Guide: Step-by-step guidance on conducting compliant right-to-work checks for sponsored employees.

  • Record-Keeping Checklist: A comprehensive checklist of documents that must be maintained on record.

  • HR Template Forms: Customisable templates to streamline record-keeping and reporting obligations for sponsor compliance.

    
    

4. Application Form and Questionnaire Support

• Application Form Completion: Assistance with completing the Home Office online application form and any supplementary questionnaires, ensuring consistency with other application materials. (Note: due to Home Office regulations, the form must be submitted by the business, but all required information will be prepared and reviewed by the lawyer).

• Application Bundle Preparation: Assembly and organisation of all application materials into a complete bundle, with a full index, ensuring a professional and compliant submission.

  
  

5. Sponsor Licence Support and Compliance Preparation

• Compliance Review and Gap Analysis: An in-depth review of current HR and record-keeping systems, identifying any gaps in compliance and providing recommendations to rectify these before the submission.

• Final Document Compliance Check: Full review of all supporting documents by a specialist UK business immigration lawyer, with feedback on any recommended or required amendments to ensure compliance with the Immigration Rules and Guidance.

• Legal Opinion in Support of Application: Drafting of a comprehensive legal opinion by the immigration lawyer, providing a structured argument on how the application meets the Immigration Rules and why the Sponsor Licence should be granted.

  
  

6. Submission Process Management

• Application Submission Assistance: Professional guidance on submitting the completed application form and transmission of the finalised bundles to the Home Office Sponsor Licence Team by email for processing.

  
  

7. Ongoing Compliance Advice and Support

• Pre-Decision Compliance Consultation: Continued guidance to address any additional Home Office queries or requests for information that may arise prior to a decision (attendance at a compliance visit can be arranged but would be subject to an additional fee).

• Ongoing Professional Advice: Regular updates and clear advice on sponsor responsibilities, provided via email, telephone, or in-person consultations as needed throughout the application process.

  
  

8. Post-Decision Support and Next Steps

• Outcome Analysis and Next Steps Guidance: Professional advice on the next steps based on the outcome of your Sponsor Licence application, including guidance on meeting ongoing sponsor compliance requirements if the application is successful.

  
  

Once your sponsor licence application has been approved, our UK immigration law specialists can assist you to comply with your duties and responsibilities as a licensed sponsor, ensuring that your business maintains its sponsor licence in compliance with Home Office requirements.

We assist our business clients with a range of corporate immigration services including:

• Sponsor licence compliance audits

• Sponsor licence change of circumstances requests

• Annual CoS allocation requests

• Defined Certificate of Sponsorship allocation requests

• In-year CoS allocation increase requests

• Assigning Certificates of Sponsorship

• Withdrawing Certificates of Sponsorship

• Adding Sponsor notes to Certificate of Sponsorship

• Adding or removing an additional Level 1 or Level 2 user

• Reporting changes to the Home Office

• Job description analysis