Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will discover helpful tips and tricks about how to maximize the effectiveness of an immigration solicitor in Bristol’s services. Seeking legal advice is extremely valuable, but also costly. Therefore, it is key that you follow the tips below to squeeze the most out of your time.
Tips and Tricks before seeking legal advice
Tip 1: Read Henleaze Law’s blogs
Before you book an appointment with an immigration solicitor it is important that you have an idea of what application or appeal you will be making. Henleaze Law has an abundance of blogs on varying applications which you should read as they will set out eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and costs. So, when you do eventually make an appointment with an immigration solicitor, this is not all new information to absorb.
Tip 2: Take notes
Once you have read Henleaze Law’s blogs on the specific application or appeal you wish to make ensure that you are taking notes on any questions or necessary documents you wish to ask your immigration solicitor about in your first appointment.
You can note these down in lists on your phone or bring a piece of paper with them written on.
Tip 3: Choose an immigration Immigration Solicitor Bristol
Once you know exactly which application or appeal you wish to make now is the time to select the immigration solicitor you wish to get advice from. Read our blog on how to choose one that suits your needs: How to Find an Immigration Solicitor in Bristol.
Ensure that they are experts in the application or appeal you are making. Also, have a look at their reviews to ensure that they are a trusted firm and have provided a high success rate for their clients. You want to be in the best hands possible and get the best outcome quickly.
Tips and Tricks during and after an appointment with an Immigration Solicitor Bristol
Tip 1: Bring necessary documents to your appointment
For every immigration application or appeal you make there are an abundance of necessary evidence which must be submitted. If this is not done correctly your application will be refused which wastes time and money. So, ensure that if your solicitor asks you to bring anything to your first appointment, such as a national insurance number or passport that you follow these instructions.
Tip 2: Honest disclosure
Be honest with your lawyer and do not make any omissions when discussing your situation. This ensures that the solicitor has a true picture of your situation because if you fail to make an honest disclosure there may be complications with your application in the future. Or there may be extra application costs to pay.
Honest disclosure works both ways and so your solicitor should likewise be honest with you as their client about their capabilities in this area and whether they have time to take on your case.
Tip 3: Establish a deadline
During your appointment ensure that your immigration solicitor communicates to you what the timeframe of your application or appeal looks like. This will allow you to plan ahead and also let them know of any unavailability you have.
Be open and honest about when you can provide certain documents if you do not already have them in your possession. For instance, some documents may need to be translated into English or Welsh if not already in these languages.
Make sure that you decide on a form of communication that works, such as physically coming into the office, email, or a phone call (through WhatsApp for instance).
Tip 4: Discuss fees
Ensure that you are clear on how much the full process will cost you. By coming to your appointment with some background knowledge you will have a rough idea of the application cost and any additional charges, such as for biometric information to be taken or for booking a citizenship ceremony.
A reputable solicitor will provide transparent information about their fees and billing process.
In some instances, you may be eligible for legal aid for immigration matters. Discuss this option with your immigration solicitor to see if this is a viable option and how to apply for this legal aid.
By the end of your initial appointment, you should have come away with a written estimate or an estimate by email which sets out the predicted application costs. This will ensure that you do not have to pay any surprise costs at the end of the process.
Tips and Tricks after an appointment with an Immigration Solicitor Bristol
Tip 1: Make a choice
Double check after your appointment that you are happy to choose this specific immigration solicitor. If you are unhappy with the way in which they answered any of your questions, then you do not have to go with them. There are plenty other immigration solicitors in Bristol to choose from.
Tip 2: Maintain regular communication
Throughout your application process ensure that you are communicating using the agreed method. This will allow your solicitor to get in touch with you quickly when they have any news on your progress update.
FAQs about ‘Immigration Solicitor Bristol’
How do I schedule an appointment with an immigration solicitor in Bristol?
Scheduling an appointment is simple. Open a web browser and search the immigration solicitor’s name, it should give you a link to their website or will provide you with an address, email, and phone number. You may then use any of these provided contact methods to book an appointment.
How prepared should I be for my first appointment with an immigration solicitor?
There is no correct amount of preparation. However, by following the tips and tricks above, such as researching your specific application through reading Henleaze Law’s blogs. This will prepare you with some basic knowledge about what your solicitor will want to ask you and perhaps even documents to bring to the appointment.
How do I know that I am not being overcharged for my immigration application?
Trusted and well-respected immigration solicitors should never overcharge for their work. To ensure against this situation do your research on different firms in Bristol and when you receive a written estimate the fees should be broken down coherently.
I am currently not living in the UK; will this stop me from working with an immigration solicitor based on Bristol?
This depends but nowadays most immigration solicitors in Bristol have adapted to communicating remotely with their clients, such as on the phone. Before booking an appointment with an immigration solicitor ask if they use remote forms of communication.
What should I bring to my first appointment with my solicitor?
Most of time when you book an appointment with an immigration solicitor in Bristol, they will let you know if there are any documents you must bring with you. If they do not mention any documents which you should bring it is recommended that you bring a form of identification, such as a passport.
Can all immigration solicitors in Bristol help with visa applications?
Yes, immigration solicitors will help you with these applications, such as Souse, Skilled worker, and other visas. They can advise you on what evidence to provide for the strongest application, as well as handling the application process on behalf of you.
Is the information that I share with my immigration solicitor private and confidential?Definitely. This is one of the pillars of ethical legal practice and will be practised by all well respected and trusted immigration solicitors.
Summary
In this blog we have discussed tips and tricks to bear in mind before, during and after your appointment with an immigration solicitor Bristol. This will ensure cost efficiency and a successful application experience.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance on UK visas, British citizenship application, appeals and other immigration matters.
