How to Choose an Immigration Solicitor in the UK: A Complete Guide

Choosing the wrong immigration solicitor can cost you months of delay and thousands of pounds in wasted fees — or worse, a refused application. Here's what to actually check before you instruct one.

1. Confirm they're SRA-regulated

Every solicitor practising in England and Wales must be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Ask for their SRA number and look it up yourself on the SRA's public register — never take it on trust from a website.

2. Ask for a fixed fee, not an hourly estimate

Most straightforward visa applications (spouse visas, work visas, ILR) should come with a fixed fee quoted upfront. An open-ended hourly rate is a common source of bill shock, especially if your case gets complicated.

3. Check they specialise in your visa route

Immigration law covers very different processes — a solicitor who mostly handles asylum claims isn't necessarily the right fit for a straightforward spouse visa, and vice versa. Ask how many cases like yours they've handled in the last 12 months.

4. Red flags to walk away from

• Guarantees of visa approval — no solicitor can guarantee a Home Office decision
• Pressure to pay the full fee immediately, before a consultation
• No written engagement letter or client care letter
• Reluctance to give you their SRA number

If you'd rather skip the research and just describe your situation, our free enquiry form gets your case in front of a verified UK immigration solicitor with no obligation to instruct them.