Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom Attorneys in related practice areas.
Browse our 3 legal questions about Immigration in United Kingdom and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Immigration Law in Edinburgh is the same as for the rest of the United Kingdom and falls under the jurisdiction of the UK government. This body of law governs the legal status of people, in relation to entry, residing and seeking to gain citizenship in the UK. It involves rules established by the Home Office which regulates visas, asylum, citizenship, and removals.
Immigration laws in the UK can be complex and difficult to navigate. You may require a lawyer for issues including but not limited to, applying for a work visa, bringing family members to the UK, seeking asylum or refugee status, disputing a deportation order, or if you are wanting to acquire or renounce UK citizenship. An Immigration lawyer can provide guidance on all these aspects, helping to speed up processes and increase the chances of a favourable outcome.
The central laws regulating immigration in Edinburgh include the UK Borders Act of 2007, the Immigration Act of 2014, and the Immigration Rules. As immigration law is not devolved, Scottish Parliament has no control over the guidelines. Key aspects of the Immigration Rules include stipulations for points-based system migrants, family and private life, protection and refugee claims, deportation, and detention. One important local point is that the Scottish Government supports a more liberal approach to immigration given Scotland's specific socio-economic needs.
The main visa categories include Work Visas, Student Visas, Family Visas and Visitor Visas.
It depends on your circumstances but in most cases, you can apply for citizenship after five years of lawful residence in the UK.
A lawyer can help you fight a deportation order and possibly avoid being removed from the UK.
As an asylum seeker, you cannot work in the UK. However, once granted refugee status, you are allowed to work.
You are generally allowed to bring dependents (spouse and under-18 children) but there are numerous requirements to fulfill. An immigration lawyer can guide you through this process.
For those seeking legal advice or assistance with immigration law, it is recommended to contact the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), the independent regulator of the immigration advice industry. The Scottish Refugee Council also provides support to refugees and asylum seekers. Other resources include Citizens Advice Scotland and the Law Centres Network.
If you need legal assistance with immigration, your first step should be to identify and contact an immigration lawyer or advisor regulated by the OISC. You can also seek advice from charities such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. Remember to gather all relevant documents and be open about your circumstances to help your legal representative provide you with optimal advice.
