Q: Can you help me get a Schengen visa?
A: Our firm specialises in assisting people who wish to come (or stay) in the UK. We are unable to provide advice regarding travel to other countries. However, if you wish to get a Schengen visa, there is advice here and each country’s website is listed here. Free resources and advice is offered at www.ShchengenVisaInfo.com.
Q: What’s the difference between a BRP and a BRC?
A: Both the BRP and BRC cards are identity cards. You’ll usually receive a biometric residence permit (BRP) card if you get permission to come (or stay) in the UK longer than 6 months. By showing your BRP card, you can confirm your identity, right to study, and right to any other public services or benefits you may be entitled to.
However, if you were an EEA national, you may have received a biometric residence card (BRC) instead. You cannot use this card to confirm your right to live, work, or rent in the UK. You need to apply instead for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Q: My BRP card says it’s expiring on 31st December 2024, but I should be able to stay for longer.
A: Don’t worry – only your physical card will expire on this date. You can check the letter and/or email you received from the Home Office to find out when your leave expires.
Eventually, no BRP cards will be needed. The Home Office is currently in the process of creating an online portal where you will be able to view your immigration status online.
Q: I submitted my application, but I need my passport back urgently (e.g. because of a sick family member, international conference, etc).
A: You may be able to ask for your passport and other documents to be returned early if you need them urgently. However, you may need to cancel your application first. You can find more information here.
Q: Are you the Home Office?
A: Descartes Solicitors is not linked to the Home Office. We are an independent firm offering immigration advice and support to you – our clients. While we cannot control the Home Office or guarantee a certain outcome, we will work with you to ensure that your application is as detailed and persuasive as possible. We will work hard to give you, our client, the best chance of success.
Q: Can you contact the Home Office for me?
A: Unfortunately, the Home Office is difficult to contact. However, their phone numbers for general immigration enquiries is here. There may be a long queue. If you are our client, we will call them on your behalf.
Q: I want to apply for the Skilled Worker visa. Can you help me find a Sponsor?
A: You will need to find a Sponsor on your own. Once you have found an employer who wishes to hire you, we can guide you through the whole process of applying for a Skilled Worker visa. Not all jobs are eligible for this visa – you can find the list of eligible jobs here.
To hire you, your employer must hold a Sponsor license. If they do not have a license yet, we can help them apply.
Q: Do I need to register with the police?
A: After 4 August 2022, this is no longer required. If you already have an appointment to register with the police, you don’t need to go to the appointment. If you already registered with the police, you don’t need to tell them any of your information changes (for example, if you change your address).
Q: Do you offer legal aid?
A: We work on a privately funded basis, meaning that we do not undertake legal aid work. However, you can find a solicitor on the Law Society’s website here. You will need to click “Select more search options” and then check the box “Accepts legal aid.”
Q: How can I change my name?
A: We are happy to assist you with completing a change of name deed.
Q: How can I update my address with the Home Office?
A: You can do this online here (and you’re our client, we will gladly do it for you.) You will need to upload a document that proves your identity (such as a passport or BRP card) and a document dated within the last 3 months that shows your new address.
Q: How do I prove that I have the right to work in the UK?
A: There are different ways to prove that you have the right to work. For example, your employer may request to see original documents such as your passport.
If you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme or applied for a visa and used the UK Immigration: ID Check smartphone app, you can view your right to work online by logging into your UKVI account here.
If you did not apply to the EUSS or use the identity app, then you will need to generate a share code here. You will then need to give the code to your employer, who can verify it here.
If you’re not able to get a share code and/or you recently submitted an application, your employer can contact the Home Office using the Employer Checking Service.
Q: How much will it cost for Descartes Solicitors to prepare my application?
A: The answer depends on what type of application you will make, how many dependent family members (if any) you will be including, and the complexity. After the initial one hour consultation, we can provide you a quote for our fees and you can decide if you would like to proceed.
Q: Can you guarantee that my application will be successful?
A: No lawyer can guarantee 100% success. However, we have years of expertise and many successful applications. We recommend that we prepare your application for you, so that your documents, cover letter and other submissions are carefully checked by our team of experts. It’s important to get everything right the first time around to save yourself money, time, and headaches in the future. With Descartes Solicitors, you can enjoy peace of mind now.
Q: What happens if my application is refused?
A: If your application is refused, it may be possible to appeal the decision. For some applications, such as a visit visa, there is nothing you can do except submit a new application.
Q: If my application is refused, do I get my legal fees back?
A: We cannot refund fees, as it compensates our lawyers for their time preparing your application.
Q: Do you certify and witness documents?
A: Absolutely. However, please call our office at 0208 995 3556 to arrange a day and time. Certification is £10 per page and witnessing is £5 per page. Please note that no advice is given.
Q: Do you charge per hour?
A: No. To provide the best service to you, we charge a fixed fee which covers preparing your documents, preparing the application, writing the cover letter, uploading documents, liaising with the Home Office, and anything else which may need to be done. You’ll never have to worry if you have a question, need us to update your address or chase up the Home Office – there are no extra fees.
Q: How long will it take to get a decision on my application?
A: The estimated timeframe is listed on the UK Government webpage for each visa (ie spouse, student, etc.). However, the Home Office has been dealing with severe delays, and it is not uncommon for the Home Office to take longer to make a decision. If it is taking too long, we will chase them up on your behalf to request a timeframe.
By Tiffany