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UK immigration law is complex and highly procedural and mistakes can have serious repercussions for individuals ability to come to or remain in the UK.

We offer a full legal visa service and act as our clients’ representative to ensure you don’t fall foul of the rules.

Our team of dedicated, specialist immigration solicitors work in partnership with our clients to secure a range of visas, dependent on each individual circumstance.

For many entrepreneurs and founders we secure Global Talent visas, Start-up visas and Innovator visas to allow them to establish their businesses in the UK.

For individuals with a job offer from a UK based company, we obtain Skilled Worker Tier 2 General and Intra Company Transfer (ICT) visas to allow them to commence employment. Where there employer doesn’t already have a sponsor licence required for the visa, we assist the business with obtaining this and have a 100% success rate for sponsorship licence applications.

Our significant experience covers advising on securing the right to remain in the UK permanently through Indefinite Leave to Remain and settled status as well as becoming a British citizen.

Due to the complexity of immigration law, no two issues are the same. So when you need bespoke advice, tailored to ensure you are applying for the most appropriate visa and that you meet the eligibility criteria , trust our experts, you’re in capable hands.

Our services
  • Advise on applications for points based visas including:
    • Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2 General) visas for individuals with an offer of employment and sponsorship in the UK
    • Global Mobility visas for individuals transferring from an overseas office to the employer’s UK based office
    • Student visas for those looking to study at UK universities and Graduate visas for those wanting to work in the UK after graduation
    • Switching visa types from within the UK
  • Expertise of applying for endorsement and visas for entrepreneurs and founders in respect of the Start-Up and Innovator visas
  • Experts in advising on the Global Talent visa (previously known as the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa) having advised on over 100 endorsement applications for exceptional talent and exceptional promise, primarily in the digital technology sector (Tech Nation visa), arts and culture (including film and fashion) and engineering, science and medicine
  • Specialism in handling applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Points Based System and 10 year route as well as subsequent applications for naturalising as a British citizen
  • Experience of advising on family visas for dependants, spouses and children both under the Points Based System and Appendix FM
  • Advising individuals EU nationals on their right to work in the UK post-Brexit
  • Advising individuals on suitable visa options depending on their circumstances
  • Transparent and flexible pricing structures to suit your requirements including fixed fee arrangements
Free visa guidelines resource

We have recently launched a dedicated visa guidelines hub which is full of clear, useful guidance to help those wishing to live, work and recruit into the UK navigate the complex legal territory that is immigration law.

Applying for a visa is a complex process. On this dedicated website, our immigration experts have cut through the mountains of regulation. We present clear answers to the frequently asked questions of those who want to move to the UK to work or study, and of businesses wishing to recruit individuals from overseas.

Pricing

For details in relation to certain immigration applications, please click here.

Contact a specialist

Flora Mewies

Partner | Employment & Head of Immigration

+44 (0) 330 137 3156

+44 (0) 752 522 5480

Email Flora Mewies

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Laura Darnley

Partner | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3190

+44 (0) 751 519 9143

Email Laura

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Gillian Burns

Managing Associate | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3152

+44 (0)773 846 2372

Email Gillian Burns

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Natalie Payne

Associate | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3174

+44 (0) 7725 757 256

Email Natalie Payne

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Isabelle Cernis

Solicitor | Employment

+44 (0) 330 137 3170

+44 (0) 791 257 8938

Email Isabelle

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Jessica Hurwood

Solicitor | Employment

+44 (0)330 137 3181

+44 (0)784 525 6482

Email Jessica

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Claire Hutchinson

Solicitor | Employment

+44 (0)330 137 3180

+44 (0)759 578 1841

Email Claire

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What people say

  • Many thanks for your excellent work on my behalf. You were so thorough, persistent, fair and transparent. I shall always say, “I had the best possible solicitor” to represent my cause.

    Client quote
  • Recently, I used the services of Ward Hadaway LLP for my British Citizenship application. Entire process felt very efficient from start to end. All the costs were layout to me at the beginning so I knew what I was getting for my money. Constant two way communication was smooth and concise. During my application journey, all the action points given to me by my assigned solicitor were easy to understand and actionable in a timely manner. I would recommend Ward Hadaway LLP in my network for their services.

    Client quote
  • I am grateful for your meticulous work in creating the application and submitting all the necessary supporting documents. Because of your hard work, the application was approved in a matter of days. Thank you again for your support and assistance, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

    Client Quote
  • With Natalie Payne's help, we were able to complete a spouse visa application successfully in 2021 despite its complexity and a subsequent successful extension in 2023. She has been quite professional and timely in examining and offering her conclusions and recommendations. We are grateful for all of her insightful immigration counsel and her diligent work on each of our visa applications.

    Client Quote
  • Laura Darnley’s spotlight was excellent, being very informative and helpful in breaking down what options employers have when it comes to employing EU nationals and breaking down the differences between workers with settled/pre-settled status and those without.

    Legal 500
  • What I like about Ward Hadaway LLP is their straightforward quality advice and approach. They are not a ‘stuffy’ firm and work with clients to build relationships and understand their business. They also have good sector knowledge within our industry.

    Legal 500
  • Flora Mewies is an exceptional immigration advisor, always at hand to give excellent advice at a moments notice, if she is unable to reply immediately then she will set expectations on timing of replies or ask one of her colleagues to assist.

    Legal 500
  • One of the strongest employment teams in the north east. Excellent strength in depth and a well deserved stellar reputation.

    Legal 500
  • Roisin Patton has provided excellent employment advice and support on a variety of HR issues. The advice is given within context of our business needs with full support given throughout. I would recommend Roisin to other HR professionals without hesitation.

    Legal 500

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