UK Immigration Applications: Secure Your Status with Expert Guidance
If you are already in the UK, you may need to apply to switch to a different visa category, extend your current leave, or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting the residence requirement. These applications are known collectively as “immigration applications” or “leave to remain” applications.
At K&A Solicitors, we help individuals and families navigate the full range of UK immigration applications. Whether you are a student switching to a work visa, a worker extending your Skilled Worker leave, or a long‑term resident applying for settlement, we provide clear, strategic advice and meticulous preparation.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about UK immigration applications. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules are complex and subject to change. For advice specific to your situation, please book a consultation with our immigration solicitors.
Types of Immigration Applications We Handle
Switching Visas (Change of Category)
If you are in the UK on a valid visa, you may be able to switch to another category without leaving the country. Common switches include:
- Student → Skilled Worker
- Graduate → Skilled Worker
- Dependant → Skilled Worker
- Visitor → Spouse/Partner (if you marry or form a partnership while visiting)
- Tier 2 (General) → Innovator Founder
- Spouse/Partner → Skilled Worker (if you secure a job offer)
Switching is not always permitted; some categories require you to leave the UK and apply for entry clearance. We assess your current status and advise on the safest, most efficient route.
Extending Leave (Renewal)
Most UK visas are granted for a limited period (typically 2–5 years). Before your visa expires, you must apply to extend your leave if you wish to remain lawfully. Common extensions include:
- Skilled Worker Visa extension
- Spouse/Partner Visa extension (2.5 or 5 years)
- Student Visa extension
- Innovator Founder extension
- Global Talent extension
- Health & Care Worker extension
Timing is critical: you must apply before your current leave expires to maintain lawful status and avoid becoming an overstayer.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Settlement
After a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence (usually 5 years, sometimes 3 or 10 years depending on route), you can apply for ILR. ILR grants you permanent residence in the UK, free from immigration time limits. Common ILR categories include:
- ILR as a Skilled Worker
- ILR as a Spouse/Partner
- ILR as an Innovator Founder
- ILR on the basis of Long Residence (10 years of lawful residence)
- ILR as a Victim of Domestic Violence
- ILR as a Bereaved Partner
- ILR under the EU Settlement Scheme (for eligible family members)
ILR applications require you to meet strict residence, financial, language and “Life in the UK” test requirements. We help you prepare a comprehensive application that addresses every criterion.
Other Immigration Applications
- Leave to Remain as a Stateless Person
- Private Life applications (for those with strong UK ties but no other route)
- Applications under the EU Settlement Scheme (family members, late applications)
- British citizenship applications (naturalisation or registration)
Who Can Apply for an Immigration Application?
Switching or Extending
You can apply if you:
- Are currently in the UK with valid leave (or have overstayed for less than 14 days in some cases)
- Meet the eligibility requirements for the new or extended category
- Have not breached immigration rules (or can explain any breaches)
- Apply before your current leave expires (for extensions)
ILR (Settlement)
You can apply if you:
- Have completed the qualifying period of continuous lawful residence (usually 5 years)
- Meet the financial requirement (if applicable)
- Pass the Life in the UK test
- Meet the English language requirement (or have an exemption)
- Have not spent excessive time outside the UK during the qualifying period
We assess your eligibility in detail and advise on any issues (gaps in residence, financial shortfalls, previous refusals, criminal convictions, etc.).
Our Immigration Application Process
Step 1: Status & Eligibility Review (Week 1)
We:
- Review your current visa, expiry date and immigration history.
- Identify the most appropriate application (switch, extend, ILR).
- Check for any issues: gaps in residence, financial shortfalls, previous refusals, criminal records, and compliance breaches.
- Explain the process, timeline and costs.
Step 2: Document Gathering & Evidence Building (Weeks 1–3)
We provide a tailored checklist, which may include:
For Switching/Extending:
- Current passport and BRP
- Evidence of meeting the new category’s requirements (job offer, relationship evidence, financial documents)
- Proof of continuous residence (if extending)
- English language and maintenance evidence
For ILR:
- All passports and BRPs covering the qualifying period
- Evidence of continuous residence (tenancy agreements, utility bills, employment letters, payslips)
- Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
- Life in the UK test pass certificate
- English language evidence (or degree certificate)
- Details of any absences from the UK
We review each document for consistency and completeness.
Step 3: Application Form & Legal Representations (Weeks 3–4)
We:
- Complete the online application form (FLR, SET, or other relevant form).
- Draft legal representations explaining:
- How you meet each eligibility requirement
- Any exceptional or compassionate factors
- Why refusal would be disproportionate (human rights arguments where relevant)
- Organise evidence in a clear, logical order.
Step 4: Submission & Biometrics (Week 4)
We:
- Submit the application and pay the Home Office fee (varies by category; ILR is currently £2,885 per person).
- Book your biometrics appointment (UKVCAS or visa centre).
- Upload supporting documents.
Step 5: Processing & Decision (Weeks 4–16+)
Processing times vary:
- Switching/extending: typically 8–12 weeks
- ILR: typically 6 months (though priority services may be available)
We:
- Monitor your application status.
- Respond to any Home Office requests for further information.
- Notify you as soon as a decision is made.
If approved, you will receive a new BRP or e‑visa confirmation. If refused, we advise on next steps.
Typical Documents for Immigration Applications
- Passport and BRP
- Evidence of meeting category requirements (job offer, relationship, financial)
- Proof of continuous residence (for extensions and ILR)
- English language and Life in the UK test certificates (for ILR)
- Details of any absences from the UK
- Previous immigration correspondence and decisions
We tailor the list to your specific application type.
Why Choose K&A Solicitors for Immigration Applications?
- Specialist Immigration Team – Experienced in switching, extending and settlement across all major visa categories.
- Manchester‑Based, National Reach – We assist clients across the UK and overseas via remote consultations.
- SRA Regulated – Professional standards, indemnity insurance and ethical obligations protect you.
- Fixed‑Fee Options – Transparent pricing for most applications (government fees separate).
- Complex Case Expertise – We handle cases with previous refusals, compliance issues, long absences and other complications.
- Strategic Planning – We plan your route from initial entry through to settlement and citizenship.
Take the Next Step: Secure Your UK Status
If your visa is expiring, you are considering a switch, or you are approaching ILR eligibility, early advice can avoid last‑minute stress and compliance issues.
Your Initial Consultation Will Cover:
- Assessment of your current status and options
- Review of your eligibility for switching, extending or ILR
- A clear checklist of documents you will need
- Explanation of processing times and fees
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