Immigration and Asylum
If your home, children or long-established life are in the UK, an immigration problem can have consequences far beyond a form. SJS can assess whether the private life rules or a human rights application are relevant. The strength of a case depends on the facts and evidence, not simply the length of time you have been here.
Understanding your next steps
The private life route concerns people already living in the UK and includes specific provisions for children, young adults and some longer residents. Age, continuous residence and the circumstances of a possible return matter. Each family member is assessed on their own position.
Article 8 protects respect for private and family life, but does not create an automatic right to remain. The legal assessment considers the individual circumstances and the public interest. We can identify the evidence relevant to the particular application or challenge.
An older grant described as discretionary leave needs to be read in full. It should not be assumed to follow the current private life rules. Bring all previous decisions so we can check the basis of permission and any relevant transitional arrangements.
A clear way forward
List arrival dates, permission held, time abroad, applications and decisions. Include the circumstances of children and other close family members.
School, health, care and residence records may be relevant. We help identify which documents address the legal issues and which gaps require explanation.
We assess the route, possible fee waiver questions and any risks or deadlines, then agree the work required for an application or challenge.
Planning ahead
We will explain the fees for the agreed work. Home Office charges and any healthcare surcharge are separate. Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver, which requires its own financial evidence.
Gathering a long residence history can take time. Tell us immediately about removal directions, a refusal or an expiring visa. A general enquiry does not extend a deadline or create immigration permission.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
No. The relevant private life provisions include additional requirements, including whether it would be reasonable to expect the child to leave. The evidence and circumstances must be assessed.
No. Article 8 is a human rights provision. The former Surinder Singh arrangements arose from EU free movement law and require separate consideration of any preserved rights.
The private life route described here is for people already living in the UK. Someone overseas may need to consider a different application.
Personal statements can help explain circumstances, but usually need supporting records. The evidence should address the legal requirements rather than rely only on general expressions of support.
General information about UK immigration. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham
