Leave to remain solicitors in West Hampstead, London

Leave to remain applications are usually made by people who are already in the UK with permission and want to stay longer or settle.

• People whose current permission to stay is due to expire and who want to extend it
• People who want to apply for indefinite leave to remain at the end of their qualifying period
• People whose circumstances have changed and who want to know if they can switch route without leaving the UK
• Applicants with a previous refusal, a gap in their immigration history or long absences from the UK

• Extending your permission to stay

  Applications to extend limited leave on your current route before it expires. The requirements can change between grants, so they are checked afresh for each application.

• Switching to a different route

  Applications to move to another route from inside the UK, where the Immigration Rules for that route allow it. Where switching is not allowed, an application from outside the UK may be needed instead.

• Indefinite leave to remain

  Applications to settle once the qualifying period on your route is complete. Among the matters usually assessed are continuous residence, absences from the UK and, for most adult applicants, the Life in the UK test and an English language requirement.

• Complex applications

  Applications where there has been a previous refusal, a gap in lawful residence, long absences from the UK or a change in circumstances, and the evidence needs particular care.

• After a refusal

  Advice on whether the decision can be challenged by administrative review, appeal or judicial review, or whether a fresh application is the better course. The refusal letter usually says which challenge is available and the deadline.

1. Initial review

   We look at your current permission, immigration history and plans, and confirm whether a leave to remain application is the right step and when it can be made.

2. Checking the requirements

   We check your circumstances against the Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance in force for your route, and explain the main risks we identify before you apply.

3. Evidence

   We explain the evidence your route requires and review your documents before submission, as applications are usually decided on the evidence provided with them.

4. Submitting the application

   The application is usually made online before your current permission expires. As part of the application, you will usually need to confirm your identity, either with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a biometrics appointment. The Home Office fee and, where it applies, the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid when the application is made.

5. While the application is decided

   If the Home Office asks for further information, we can advise on the response. Leaving the Common Travel Area before a decision usually means the application is treated as withdrawn.

6. Decision

   If the application is granted, your status is usually held as an eVisa in your UKVI account. If it is refused, we explain the reasons and the options for challenging the decision or applying again.

Visa and citizenship matters are typically billed on an hourly rate basis. We will provide an estimate of the likely total cost at the outset of your matter. Our Pricing page sets out our hourly rates. Home Office application fees are payable directly to the Home Office and are not included in our fees.