Frequently asked questions
Questions, answered.
The questions clients ask me most often — on fees, timelines, consultations and the specifics of each practice area. If yours isn’t answered here, just get in touch.
General
- How much does a consultation cost?
- Your first consultation is completely free. I'll assess your situation and provide initial advice on the best way forward.
- How long does an ILR application take?
- ILR applications typically take 6–8 months via the standard route. Priority services are available for faster processing.
- Can you help with sponsor licence applications?
- Yes. I handle the full sponsor licence process from eligibility assessment to Home Office compliance and ongoing management.
- What documents do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
- You'll typically need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language ability, maintenance funds evidence, and a valid passport.
- What languages do you speak?
- English, Urdu, Arabic and French. Client conversations can take place in any of these — by phone, video or in person.
- Where is your office?
- Mermaid House, 2 Puddle Dock, London EC4V 3DB. Consultations can also be held by phone or video for clients anywhere in the UK or abroad.
- What is the Immigration File Check service?
- A fixed-fee (£500 + VAT) review of an immigration application you're preparing yourself. I check your form, supporting documents and representations, then send you a written report and a 30-minute follow-up call. Ideal if you want a qualified solicitor's eyes on your file before you submit.
- Do you offer fixed fees?
- Wherever possible, yes. You'll receive a written quote before any work begins, and the fee doesn't change unless the matter becomes materially more complex. Where hourly billing is unavoidable, I'll give you a realistic estimate up front.
- How much does a consultation cost?
- A free initial call is always available to confirm the right route. Paid consultations start at £35 for a quick question (10 minutes) or £80 for a full consultation (30 minutes) by video or phone.
- What is the Immigration File Check service?
- A fixed-fee (£500 + VAT) review for anyone preparing their own application. I review your completed form and supporting documents, flag errors and risks in a written report, then talk you through it on a 30-minute call. Turnaround is 5 working days.
- If I use the File Check and want you to take over, is the £500 wasted?
- No. If you'd like me to take over and submit the application, the £500 File Check fee is credited against my standard fee for that work.
- How long does an ILR application take?
- ILR applications typically take 6–8 months via the standard route. Priority services are available for faster processing.
- What documents do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
- You'll typically need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language ability, maintenance funds evidence, and a valid passport.
- What are disbursements?
- Third-party costs such as the Home Office visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, biometric fees, translation of documents, English language exam fees, and external barristers' fees. These aren't included in my fee and are paid by you directly to the relevant authority or passed on at cost.
- How long does a purchase take?
- Typically 8–12 weeks from instruction to completion for a straightforward freehold purchase. Leasehold often takes longer because of management pack and lease review.
- What are disbursements?
- Third-party costs we pay on your behalf — Land Registry fees, search fees, SDLT, bank transfer fees. All itemised and passed on at cost.
- Do you offer fixed fees?
- Yes — wherever possible. You'll get a written quote before we start, and the fee doesn't change unless the transaction itself becomes materially more complex.
- Why is commercial work typically charged hourly?
- Because every matter is genuinely different — a two-week sponsor licence doesn't look like a four-month corporate restructure. Hourly billing keeps the fee proportionate to the work done, with full transparency on what time was spent where. For defined pieces of work, I'm happy to agree a fixed fee up front.
- Can you help with sponsor licence applications?
- Yes. I handle the full sponsor licence process from eligibility assessment to Home Office compliance and ongoing management — typically on a fixed fee from £2,000 + VAT.
- Do you act for start-ups?
- Yes. I regularly advise founders on company formation, shareholder agreements, IP assignment and early-stage investment documentation.
- Which programmes do you cover?
- Caribbean CBI (Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua), European golden visas (Portugal, Greece, Malta), UK investor routes where available, and other jurisdictions on request.
- How long does a citizenship-by-investment programme take?
- Typically 4–9 months depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of due diligence.
Didn’t find your question?
Ask me directly. All initial enquiries are confidential and the first consultation is free.