HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL IMMIGRATION APPLICATION

By  Arshid Idris  Solicitor   11^th January 2012

In my office, I am often asked to advise on refusals of immigration applications. So, I thought it would be useful to share how I approach making an application. 

Satisfy the rules 

An application cannot succeed unless the rules for that particular case are met. Many applications fail because of a disregard of the rules. The complexity of the law cannot be underestimated. Even experienced lawyers can find it challenging to make sense of the rules. If the law was as simple as some people assume, clearly the courts would have no work to do. 

Preparation and presentation 

Having an understanding of the rules allows you to prepare the application with the correct details but this is not enough. Information has to be backed up with documents, which must be originals or atleast certified copies. Of course, your papers must be presented in an orderly, easy-to-follow form.

Arguing your case

It has been my experience that you stand a better chance of success if you make it easy for the UKBA or entry clearance officer to make a decision in your favour. This can be achieved by explaining the case in a covering letter which refers to your file of papers. Your argument is that you’ve got everything covered and that the only sensible decision is to allow your application. 

I hope you can see that making a successful application is not simply a form-filling-exercise. Rather it depends on a thorough and considered approach. Of course, you can make an application without legal advice but almost all refusals which I have come across are from such cases. Hiring a lawyer will increase your chances of success and avoid the disappointment and additional expense of a fresh application or an appeal. 

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