Immigration FAQs

We provide affordable immigration advice and representation across a wide range of services, including consultations, a document checking service, fee waiver applications, human rights applications, extensions, work visas, settlement, registration and naturalisation applications.

We assess each client’s circumstances carefully before agreeing to take on a case. This allows us to understand the merits of your application and ensure you receive support that is appropriate to your situation. We will only advise you to proceed where we believe your application has a reasonable prospect of success.

We operate a transparent fixed-fee model, providing clear pricing information so clients can budget for their immigration needs without hidden costs.

Archway Migration Advisory reserves the discretion to allow payment plans and issue discounts in exceptional circumstances. Please let us know you are low income or experiencing financial difficulties.

Archway Migration Advisory ensures full compliance with UK law through its regulation by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at Level 3 in Immigration, Asylum and Protection, alongside a solicitor-led structure that brings additional professional oversight. We strictly adhere to the IAA Code of Standards, maintaining robust systems for client care, record-keeping, and quality assurance. Our approach combines legal precision with up-to-date knowledge of immigration law and policy, supported by experience across both complex human rights matters and corporate immigration practice. This ensures that all advice is accurate, ethically grounded, and aligned with current legal requirements, while being delivered with transparency, diligence, and a clear focus on each client’s circumstances.

We manage your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Your details are kept strictly confidential and are only shared where you provide explicit consent or the law requires it. All case files are stored securely, and access is restricted to authorised staff involved in your matter.

Current processing times for a UK spouse visa application made from outside the UK are approximately 24 weeks. A priority service may be available at some visa application centres, which can reduce this to around 5 weeks. We recommend checking the current processing times at your specific application centre and planning well in advance

In most cases where a visitor visa application was made outside the UK, there is no right of appeal against a refusal. However, you may be able to request an administrative review in some circumstances, or submit a fresh application that addresses the specific reasons for the refusal. We can advise on which option is most appropriate for your situation.

This depends on your current immigration status and the type of application you have made. In some cases, you may be permitted to continue working on the basis of your existing leave; in others, working would be a breach of your immigration conditions. We would always recommend confirming your right to work before taking up any employment while an application is outstanding.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and EU Settled Status are both forms of settled immigration status in the UK, but they arise through different routes. ILR is granted to non-EU nationals after meeting the continuous residence requirements. EU Settled Status was granted to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were living in the UK before 1 January 2021 and applied under the EU Settlement Scheme. Both allow you to live and work in the UK indefinitely and can lead to British citizenship.

If your appeal has been dismissed by the First-tier Immigration Tribunal, you may be able to apply for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal on the grounds that the First-tier Tribunal made an error of law. Time limits apply and are strict — you should seek legal advice as quickly as possible after receiving the determination. In some cases, a fresh application or further submissions to the Home Office may also be an option.

To apply for naturalisation as a British citizen, you will generally need to have lived in the UK for at least five years, hold Indefinite Leave to Remain or EU Settled Status, have met the continuous residence and absence requirements, passed the Life in the UK test, and met the English language requirement. Applications are made online to the Home Office. We can advise on your eligibility and prepare your application for submission.

The good character requirement is assessed by the Home Office as part of every naturalisation and registration application. It takes into account a range of factors including criminal convictions (including those that are spent), civil penalties, immigration breaches and other conduct. If you have any concerns about your history and whether it might affect your application, we would strongly recommend taking advice before you apply.

Yes, but you cannot simply change jobs without first obtaining a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and, in most cases, making a new visa application. You cannot start working for a new employer until a new visa has been granted. We advise both individuals and employers on the process of changing employment on the Skilled Worker route.

The Destitution Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) is an emergency measure for people whose immigration status in the UK depends on a partner who has subjected them to domestic violence or abuse. It provides a short period of temporary leave and access to public funds, allowing a person to seek refuge and take legal advice without being tied to their abuser's sponsorship. Following this, an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the domestic violence rules can be made.

We understand that immigration advice can represent a significant cost, particularly at an already stressful time. In appropriate cases, we are happy to discuss payment arrangements. Please raise this with us at the outset of your matter and we will do our best to find a workable solution.