At Currington & Co Solicitors in Leeds, we understand that the journey through the UK immigration system can feel like navigating a maze — full of complexities, regulations, and evolving requirements. Whether you’re applying for a work visa, a family visa, settlement, or British citizenship, the process can be daunting, especially if you attempt it alone.
As experienced immigration solicitors, we’ve helped countless individuals and families secure their right to live, work, or study in the UK. In this guide, we offer expert tips to help you understand the system, avoid common pitfalls, and give your application the best possible chance of success.
Understand Which Visa Route Fits Your Circumstances
One of the first — and most important — steps is understanding which visa route best matches your personal situation. The UK offers a wide range of immigration categories, including:
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Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) for sponsored employment.
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Student visa for full-time study at a licensed institution.
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Spouse or Partner visa for joining a British or settled partner.
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Family reunion visas for dependants or relatives.
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Start-up and Innovator visas for entrepreneurs.
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Global Talent visa for exceptional individuals in research, arts, or technology.
Choosing the wrong route or misunderstanding the eligibility criteria is a frequent cause of refused applications. Always read the most up-to-date Home Office guidance, and if in doubt, seek legal advice before proceeding. At Currington & Co, we routinely review clients’ personal and professional circumstances to recommend the most appropriate and viable visa pathway.
Gather Strong Supporting Evidence
Your application is only as strong as the evidence you provide. This is one area where applicants often stumble — not because they don’t qualify, but because they fail to supply sufficient or correct documentation.
For example, if you’re applying under the Skilled Worker route, you’ll need:
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A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer.
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Proof that the job meets salary and skill thresholds.
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Evidence of English language ability (often a test certificate or academic qualification).
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Financial documents showing you can support yourself (if applicable).
Family and partner visas typically require:
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Proof of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, photos, joint bank accounts).
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Evidence of meeting the financial requirement, which can vary depending on how you meet it (salary, savings, or self-employment income).
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Accommodation details showing you have a place to live in the UK.
Every visa category has its own checklist, but the general rule is clear: never assume the Home Office will “fill in the gaps” or make favourable assumptions. Provide precise, well-organised, and complete evidence — and keep copies for your own records.
Be Meticulous With Deadlines and Requirements
Immigration applications are time-sensitive. Missing a deadline can mean losing your legal status, invalidating your application, or forcing you to leave the country.
Make sure you:
✅ Apply before your current visa expires (if applying from inside the UK).
✅ Respond promptly to any Home Office requests for further information or biometrics.
✅ Meet minimum residence requirements if applying for settlement or citizenship.
✅ Book and attend any required appointments, such as English language tests or tuberculosis screening.
At Currington & Co, we carefully track key dates for all our clients to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, especially when juggling work or family pressures, so having professional oversight can be invaluable.
Understand the Financial Side
Many applicants are caught off guard by the financial aspects of immigration applications. Visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payments, legal costs, translation fees, and priority processing charges can all add up.
For example, the IHS currently costs £1,035 per year for most adults (subject to change). A five-year visa could require an IHS payment exceeding £5,000 — and that’s before you pay the visa application fee itself.
Ensure you factor in these costs early so they don’t delay your application or put you in a difficult position. Also, be aware that for family applications, there are specific minimum income requirements (e.g., £29,000 for a spouse visa, as of April 2024), which may increase depending on the number of dependants. We can help assess whether you meet these thresholds and advise on alternative ways to demonstrate eligibility, such as combining income sources or using cash savings.
Don’t Underestimate English Language and Life in the UK Tests
For many immigration routes, especially settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and British citizenship, you’ll need to prove both English language ability and knowledge of UK life.
The English requirement can often be met through:
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A passed Secure English Language Test (SELT).
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A recognised English-taught degree.
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Nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
The Life in the UK test is a separate requirement, involving a computer-based test on British history, culture, government, and law. While some people dismiss this as a “simple quiz,” many fail on the first attempt because they don’t prepare adequately.
We always recommend taking both requirements seriously, booking your tests early, and ensuring you study using official resources. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Watch Out for Immigration Rule Changes
UK immigration rules change frequently — often with little warning. Requirements that applied last year (or even last month) may no longer apply today.
For example, recent years have seen:
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The closure of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor routes.
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The introduction of the Global Talent and Scale-up visas.
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New, higher salary thresholds for Skilled Workers and family sponsors.
Relying on outdated advice from internet forums, friends, or even old Home Office documents can be risky. Our team at Currington & Co stays up to date with the latest regulations and policy updates, so you can be sure the advice you receive is current and accurate.
Seek Professional Advice When Needed
Many people attempt to handle immigration matters themselves — and sometimes this is perfectly acceptable, especially for straightforward applications. However, more complex cases (or anything involving refusals, overstays, or appeals) often require expert legal support.
Our immigration team regularly helps clients with:
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Applications for visas, settlement, and naturalisation.
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Appeals and administrative reviews for refused applications.
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Judicial reviews where legal errors may have occurred.
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Sponsor licence applications for businesses hiring non-UK workers.
We offer tailored advice and representation, reducing the risk of costly mistakes and delays. Remember: correcting an error after a refusal is usually far more expensive and stressful than getting it right the first time.
Take Care When Using Priority or Premium Services
Many visa routes now offer priority or super-priority processing for an extra fee, promising a faster decision (sometimes within 24 hours). While these services can be valuable, they are not guaranteed — and a faster decision does not necessarily mean a favourable outcome.
In some cases, rushing an application can backfire if you submit incomplete or weak evidence just to meet an accelerated timeline. We always advise balancing speed with thoroughness and ensuring your case is as strong as possible before submitting it, regardless of the processing speed you choose.
Keep Records and Stay Organised
Even after your visa or residence permit is granted, it’s important to keep copies of your application, evidence, and Home Office correspondence. You may need these documents in the future, especially when:
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Applying for visa extensions or settlement.
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Applying for a new job or renting a property (where right-to-work or right-to-rent checks apply).
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Proving continuous residence.
At Currington & Co, we help clients build clear document files and maintain proper records, making future applications or status updates much smoother.
We Can Help
Navigating the UK immigration system is rarely straightforward, but with expert guidance and careful preparation, you can greatly improve your chances of success. From selecting the right visa route to gathering persuasive evidence and meeting key deadlines, every step matters.
At Currington & Co Solicitors in Leeds, we combine years of legal experience with a client-focused approach to deliver reliable, tailored immigration advice. Whether you’re planning a move to the UK, joining family, pursuing settlement, or facing an immigration challenge, we are here to help.
If you need assistance or want to discuss your immigration options, contact our specialist team today for a confidential consultation. Together, we’ll help you master the immigration maze and secure the future you deserve.