How to Choose the Right International Immigration Lawyer for Your Business Expansion : 6 Major Attributes To Watch Out For
by Ankita Tripathy Business Development 21 January 2025
Who Is An International Immigration Lawyer and Why Do I Need to Hire One?
An international immigration lawyer is a qualified and experienced professional in Immigration law that has been trained to assist and provide all the help you may need in navigating immigration laws and regulations. If you are foreign national or business trying to migrate into a country for whatever reasons, they will help you;
- Easily navigate through the endless paperwork for your visa application, compile, complete and even send them on your behalf.
- Simplify the immigration laws and visa requirements so you are well informed on what to do
- Decide the best visa category for your travel purpose and duration of stay.
- Prepare adequately ahead of visa interviews or appointment so you don’t hinder your chances of being approved for a visa
- Manage your visa applications for business or employment based visas
Whether you are seeking to employ foreign professionals, get advice on Immigration visas, applications and eligibility or you simply want to expand your business, work or partner with a UK business, an international immigration lawyer can always provide the support you need from start to finish.
What If My Business Needs To Start Up In The UK?
That’s very valid and achievable too. However, you need to work with an international immigration lawyer for adequate advice on your business visa application.
There are typically 6 major categories you can explore but with varying visa requirements and eligibility -consulting with an international immigration lawyer is the only way to accurately determine which one suits you best as a business seeking expansion.
Check the category that works best for your business in the table below:
| Visa Category | Who It Is Meant For? |
|---|---|
| The Global Business Mobility Visa | Registered businesses that already exist outside the UK and wish to establish presence in the UK |
| The Self-Sponsorship Business Visa | Investors who want to partner with a UK based business or individuals who want to receive sponsorship for their skilled worker visa. |
| The Service Supplier Business Visa | Foreign nationals who want to offer a paid professional service to a UK business. |
| The Innovator Business Visa | Entrepreneurs who wants to begin a new business idea or establish their already existing business in the UK |
| The Global Talent Visa | Industry experts, experienced leaders in any niche who wish to start up a business in the UK |
| The Graduate Trainee Visa | Foreign skilled employees who need to work or participate in a graduate trainee program of a business with an existing branch in the UK |
How To Choose The Right International Immigration Lawyer; 6 Attributes To Look Out For
1. LICENSE & CERTIFICATION
While we have many expert international immigration lawyers that are professionally recognized and trained to support you on your immigration journey, there are equally charlatans who pose as professionals and prey on the desperation of immigrants.
You need to watch out for that when consulting with one. Ask if they or the firm is regulated by a professional body and licensed to offer legal advice on immigration. You can check here to verify and immediately report if proven to be a falsified record.
2. LEGAL COSTS AND CHARGES
Legal immigration support is never cheap, no matter what firm or country you are hiring from. However, one trait to look out for during consultations with them or a visit to their website is how honest and transparent they are in listing out all likely costs and charges.
You should not feel like there are hidden fees being withheld from you so ask as many questions to allay your fears and if they sound dodgy or unyielding, that’s a huge red flag right there and your cue to run! All legal fees must be clearly listed either onsite or on their website.
3. EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE & TRACK RECORD
The immigration process can be quite complex and very challenging, you don’t want a newbie or inexperienced immigration lawyer advising you on something as vital as that. Research on international immigration lawyers who are experts at business immigration and find out their track record on previous similar cases.
How many similar immigration cases like yours have they handled and won for other businesses? You can ask them directly to help inform your decision. The right international immigration lawyer for you will have no problem taking you through their successful track records.
4. FREE CONSULTATION POLICY
Some immigration lawyers/ law firms offer a free consultation to businesses or individuals who wish to talk about their immigration needs before making a decision while others don’t.
It’s best to find out ahead of the appointment so you don’t end up spending too much on consulting different immigration lawyers you won’t be going ahead with eventually. Remember you might have to consult with two or 3 immigration lawyers to properly evaluate your stance and make a decision
5. TESTIMONIALS
One very important factor you don’t want to skip! Beyond what they may say about themselves or their firms, what do other people (actual real-life past clients) have to say about them and their services? Take your time to do a thorough research on client reviews and testimonials about them online.
You can also ask the people you know to find out if they are widely recognized and approved by others. It’s a strong point if they come through recommendations and referral by others -that proves that they have a track record of excellence.
Don’t proceed if all you find about a law firm or immigration lawyer are dummy fabricated testimonials. It must be from real people who can attest their services.
6. FIXED OR HOURLY PRICING
This is another factor to consider especially if you are on a limited budget for your immigration process. You need to find out if their legal support comes at a fixed rate from start to finish or you have to pay per hour you consult their services.
The pay per hour pricing might not be exactly cost-effective for someone on a limited budget since you can’t predict how often you would have to meet with them until the process ends.
If you are on a limited budget, try sourcing for an immigration lawyer with a fixed rate from start to finish so you know how much to budget without future surprises.
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