Academic Visitor Visa UK

As a foreigner who wants to visit the UK for academic purposes, you will need an Academic Visitor Visa.

To get advice from our dedicated team of immigration lawyers on how we can help with your application? Reach out to us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online for consultation.

Call Us

Read our 1983 reviews

Request a call back from our immigration experts

What are the benefits of choosing IAS’ Advice Package?

Our Advice Package is the ideal option if you are looking for expert immigration legal advice. With this service, you will have a one-on-one session with one of our immigration lawyers.

Your immigration lawyer will consider your case and offer bespoke advice, and they will advise you on the optimum route to take to achieve your desired result.

During your advice session, you will be able to discuss your case and get detailed information about your options to proceed with your case. We will:

Review your situation and explore your opportunities to get your desired immigration results.

Advice on the most appropriate documentary evidence required to support your case.

Discuss the requirements that you need to meet to qualify for your visa.

Outline the expected time frames to process your application.

Services we Provide

What is an Academic Visitor Visa?

The Academic Visitor visa is a visa for those involved in teaching or research roles within higher education or research institutions in the UK.

This route allows highly qualified academics to visit the UK for up to 12 months in total for specific activities, such as research or formal exchanges. This is a key exception to the usual 6-month limit for standard visitors.

This Academic Visitor visa is designed for research professionals, excluding students engaged in research activities. This includes academic visitors who, during leave from their overseas academic institution, visit to conduct private study, such as research for a book.

It also includes visitors attending non-profit seminars or conferences. Also, renowned senior physicians or dentists at the top of their profession qualify as academic visitors when engaging in clinical practice, teaching, or research.

Individuals on sabbatical leave from private research businesses, researchers on grants, recent graduates, and sponsored researchers should take a different immigration path, as they are not eligible to be academic visitors in the UK.

Academic Visitor Visa — Key Takeaways

Permitted	Details
Eligible activities	Research, lecturing, examining, short teaching, attending conferences, private study (e.g. research for a book)
Maximum stay	Up to 6 months (standard) or up to 12 months (in some cases)
Extension allowed	Yes (extend from 6 mo → 12 mo for eligible academics)
Dependent allowance	Partner / children must apply separately on Standard Visitor route
Work / paid work	Not allowed
Frequent/successive visits	Not allowed
Frequent / successive visits	Should not be used for long-term stay via many visits
Visa application method	Online application + biometric appointment
Processing time (standard)	Up to 3 weeks
Priority / super-priority	Available in some application centres (faster decisions)

What You Can and Cannot Do as an Academic Visitor

Permitted Activities

It is essential to understand the strict limitations on your activities in the UK when holding an Academic Visitor visa or an ETA. As an academic visitor, you are permitted to:

Conduct personal research or independent study (e.g., for a book)
Take part in formal exchange arrangements with a UK university
Deliver lectures or presentations, provided this is not a long-term teaching role
Examine students and participate in viva examinations
Use university facilities for your research
Attend meetings, conferences, or seminars
Stay for up to 12 months on an Academic Visitor visa or up to 6 months on an ETA

Prohibited Activities

As an academic visitor, you cannot:

Do paid work, unless it is a permitted paid engagement (see above table)
Fill a long-term teaching or research post
Appear to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits
Claim public funds or benefits
Marry or form a civil partnership

Academic Visitor Eligibility

The Home Office has strict definitions for a qualifying academic. To be eligible to visit the UK as an academic, you must be:

Highly qualified in your field of expertise, this usually means you hold a PhD or an equivalent qualification, generally understood to be at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 8 or internationally recognised doctoral-level qualifications.
Currently employed in that field at an academic or higher education institution overseas.

This ensures that only individuals with advanced academic standing, similar to the UK doctoral level or higher, qualify for the academic visitor route.

Who is Not Eligible?

You are not eligible to visit as an academic visitor and must apply through a different route (such as the Skilled Worker or Government Authorised Exchange visa) if you are:

A recent graduate
A researcher on sabbatical from a private, non-academic research company
A researcher who is named on a grant
Sponsored by a UK organisation
Intending to take up a permanent or long-term post in the UK

If you are unsure which visa route is correct for your research, our lawyers can assess your situation. Contact us today for advice.

When You Can Use an ETA Instead of an Academic Visitor Visa

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission for certain non-visa nationals visiting the UK.

It allows multiple journeys of up to 6 months at a time over a period of 2 years (or until passport expiry) for tourism, business, short-term study, or academic visits.

If your academic stay is over 6 months, you must apply for an Academic Visitor visa, even if you are eligible for an ETA.

If you’re from an ETA-eligible country and plan to stay for less than 6 months, you can use an ETA for your academic visit. However, you cannot extend your stay or switch to a visa whilst in the UK.
Academics requiring stays longer than 6 months must apply for an Academic Visitor visa under the Standard Visitor visa route, specifying academic purposes. This allows up to 12 months for research or formal exchanges.

Academic Visitor Visa Requirements

You must fulfil the conditions required for a standard Visitor Visa in order to be qualified for an Academic Visitor Visa.

Additionally, if you are an academic visiting the UK for a period longer than six months, you must meet additional qualifying conditions.

The requirements for eligibility for visitors are:

Having the ability to support yourself financially all through the duration of your stay in the UK without engaging in any paid work or using public funds
Genuinely seeking to visit the UK for the purpose of academics as permitted by the rules
Not seeking to live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or consecutive trips
Not planning to engage in any prohibited activities while in the UK
Willingness to leave the UK once the allowed stay expires

For academics hoping to spend more than six months in the UK, there are additional qualifying requirements:

You intend to engage in one or more of the activities that are allowed as an academic visitor for about 12 months
You are extremely qualified in your field of expertise, typically holding a PhD or higher
You are presently employed in that field at a university or a higher education institution overseas

Requirements summary

Requirement	Typical evidence	Applies to
Must meet Standard Visitor rules	Intend to leave after visit; genuine temporary visit; meet financial and accommodation requirements. See gov.uk for full list. GOV.UK	All applicants
Invitation from UK host	Formal invitation letter from UK university/HEI specifying purpose, dates, activities and (if relevant) funding/expenses. Include PI contact details.	All applicants
Academic standing	Evidence of high academic standing (e.g. PhD, contract with overseas HEI, recent publications, grants). Strengthens >6 months cases.	All applicants (especially >6 months)
Permitted activities only	Activities must fall within permitted list (research, lecture, examine, short teaching, attend conferences). See permitted activities table below.	All applicants
ATAS certificate	If research/subject requires ATAS for postgraduate-level work in certain subjects: applicant must obtain ATAS and include certificate. GOV.UK	Applicants in ATAS subjects
TB test	Applicants coming for more than 6 months from listed countries must submit TB certificate. Check gov.uk TB list. GOV.UK	>6 months applicants from TB countries
Additional qualifying criteria for 12-month academic visitor	Demonstrate exceptional qualifications (often PhD), employment at overseas HEI, activities remain short-term/not long-term teaching.	Applicants seeking >6 months up to 12 months

Our immigration lawyers help you obtain the visa you need as a visiting academic to the UK. We can advise, check or apply on your behalf.

How to Apply For Academic Visitor Visa

You must apply online with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), pay the applicable fee, and provide proof of identification in the form of a valid passport or other travel document in order to be considered for this visa type.

In order to register your biometrics you will need to make a scheduled appointment with a visa application centre if you are applying for a visa that will stay longer than six months.

To show that you fulfil the necessary requirements for being an academic visitor, you will have to provide a variety of supporting documents which must all be in English or a certified translated copy.

Before beginning your research, you will need to get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate if you plan to study a given subject at the postgraduate level or above.

If you are coming to the UK for a period longer than six months, you might additionally require a negative tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.

Application Steps:

Step	What to do	Typical timing / notes
1. Check route & gather documents	Confirm academic visitor is correct route; gather invitation, CV, evidence of employment/funding, travel plan, accommodation.	Start early
2. Apply online (UKVI application)	Complete the Standard Visitor online form (select visiting academic / 12 months if applicable).	Up to 3 months before travel; earliest recommended 3 months.
3. Pay fees and book biometric appointment	Pay application fee (see fee table). Book biometric appointment at visa application centre.	Biometric appointment required for most applicants; mandatory for >6 months applications.
4. Attend appointment & submit documents	Attend visa centre for biometrics and submit supporting docs; provide certified translations if needed.	If applying from outside UK, applications must be made to a post accepting visit visas. GOV.UK
5. Decision & travel	Receive decision; if granted, travel within visa validity period.	Typical decision ~3 weeks (see processing table). Priority/super-priority options may be available in some posts.
6. If extending in-country	Apply before current leave expires; paying extension fee (see fees). UKVI treats it as a fresh application.	Extension to total 12 months allowed for eligible academics; fee and processing rules apply. GOV.UK

Required Documents Needed to Apply For an Academic Visitor Visa

Valid passport
A letter confirming that the offer to do research was received from a UK University, this must include the length of the project and the nature of the study
Evidence that the academic visitor is highly qualified in their field and is employed in that field at a university or other academic institution abroad
Information about their intended accommodation and travel schedule
Provide proof of their ability to sustain themselves while travelling, such as pay slips or bank statements for the last six months
Documents showing intention to return to their home country following the study term. For example, a mortgage statement or verification of family-related links

The visa holder is not allowed to work for pay or without pay, register in classes, or engage in any other activities that need a separate visa.

Required Documents List:

Document	What it shows	Acceptable formats
Valid passport or travel document	Identity / travel validity	Must cover duration; include previous passports if relevant
Invitation letter from UK institution	Confirms purpose, dates, host, funding	Must include nature of work, host contact
Academic qualification / evidence	Demonstrates academic standing	PhD certificate, publications, awards, employment contract
Employment / engagement letter (home institution)	Shows current academic employment	Contract, letter from HEI
Proof of accommodation and travel	Plans while in the UK	Acceptable: booking confirmations, itinerary, hotel, host letter
Financial evidence	ability to support self without recourse to public funds	Bank statements, pay slips (last 6 months)
Evidence of ties to home country / intention to return	Supports genuineness of visit	Mortgage title, family links, employment contract, assets
ATAS certificate	For research in ATAS‐mandated subjects	Must be official certificate
TB test certificate	For applicants >6 months from TB-required countries	Must be from approved clinic
Certified translations	Translating non-English documents	Must include translator certification, original + translated copy

Academic Visitor Visa Application Fees

The usual cost of a six-month Academic Visitor visa is £135.

You will be charged a £1,172 extension fee if you choose to request to remain longer once you are in the UK -up to a total of 12 months.

If you initially apply to stay in the UK for 12 months when outside the country the cost is £234, however you should ensure you meet the qualifying criteria for this longer-stay visa including:

Possess exceptional qualifications in your field of study, such as a PhD or higher
Be employed by a foreign academic institution in that field of competence before coming to the UK
Not being hired for a long-term teaching position

Our immigration experts can help you with all aspects of your Academic Visitor visa application, from eligibility checks to application submissions.

How Much Time Does it Take to Process an Academic Visitor Visa?

It can take up to 3 weeks for a visa application to be processed. However, depending on where you submitted your application, you may be able to pay for a quicker decision.

The fee is £500 for a priority decision made in less than five working days, and £1000 for a super priority decision made before the end of the next working day.

It is recommended to wait for the processing of the visa application before making any travel arrangements.

In the event that you have paid for faster processing, this does not ensure a favourable result; you will still need to fulfil the requirements for an Academic Visitor visa.

Three months before planned arrival is the earliest you should submit an application for an Academic Visitor Visa.

Processing Options & Typical Timings

Processing Option	Typical Decision Time	Additional Cost	Notes / Conditions
Standard	Up to 3 weeks	Base application fee only	Default; depends on visa office
Priority	< 5 working days	+£500	Available in some centres
Super priority	By next working day	+£1,000	Highly expedited, where offered

How Long Can an Academic Visitor Spend in the UK?

You can apply to stay for a maximum of 12 months if you are currently in the UK with an authorisation to visit for a shorter period of time than 12 months.

Each applicant needs to submit an application and pay the £1,172 cost.

Unless you pay for a speedier decision, any extension application will normally be decided within 8 weeks.

You are prohibited from leaving the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man during this period unless you get a decision from UKVI.

You face the possibility of having your application revoked if you do not follow this condition.

Long-Term Visitor Visas for Academics

For academics who plan to visit the UK frequently, applying for a long-term Standard Visitor visa may be a convenient option. These are valid for 2, 5, or 10 years.

The 6-Month Stay Limit Applies to Long-Stays

A long-term Visitor visa does not allow you to stay in the UK for 2, 5, or 10 years.

You are still subject to the Standard Visitor rules, which means you can only stay for a maximum of six months per visit.

The extended 12-month stay for academics can only be applied for on a specific visit and does not apply automatically for long stays; therefore, you can only stay for up to 6 months on any stay using the long-term Visitor visa.

Pros and Cons

Pros: It is more convenient, as you do not need to apply for a new visa for every short trip.
Cons: The upfront cost is significantly higher. You must also be cautious that your frequent visits do not give the impression that you are “living” in the UK, which could lead to questions at the border or a refusal of a future visa. Your trips cannot exceed 6 months as this visa can only be granted as a Standard Visitor visa.

Our experts help academics find the right option for their stay in the UK. Whether you need an advice session, our document checking service, fast-track services or application services – we are here to help.

Bringing Dependants as An Academic Visitor Visa Holder

It is possible for the partner or children to accompany the academic visitor to the UK but they must apply for their own separate UK visitor visa and pay all associated applications fees.

It is important to note the Academic Visitor Visa and the partner/child Visitor Visa are not directly linked.

In most cases, this Standard Visitor Visa is issued for an initial period of six months and can be extended, for a fee, to 12 months once in the UK.

If the Academic Visitor Visa is initially issued for 12 months then it may be possible for partner or child to be issued a Visitor Visa to cover this period when applying from outside of the UK.

Any dependent children of a Academic Visitor, who are in the UK on a Visitor Visa, are permitted to attend public or state-funded school during their time in the country.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and NHS Use

A common point of confusion is whether to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Visitors, including academics on the 12-month route, do not pay the surcharge
Because you do not pay the IHS, you are not entitled to free, routine NHS treatment. You will be charged for any NHS services you use, often at 150% of the standard cost.
It is a critical requirement of your visit that you have sufficient private travel and health insurance to cover all potential medical costs during your stay.

Extending Your Stay in the UK

Unlike most visitors, eligible academics who are already in the UK on a 6-month visitor permit can apply to extend their stay up to a total of 12 months. The extension process is as follows:

You must continue to meet all the academic visitor requirements (highly qualified, employed overseas, etc.).
You must complete the in-UK extension application online before your current 6-month leave expires.
You will be invited to a UKVCAS centre to provide your biometrics.
You must pay the extension fee of £1,100

If You Are Refused a Visitor Visa – Appeals and Administrative Review

A refusal of a Standard Visitor visa application (including for academic purposes) does not confer a right of appeal or a right to Administrative Review (AR). Your options are:

Submit a New Application: This is the most common route. You must carefully read the refusal letter and address every reason for the refusal with new evidence in a new application.
Judicial Review (JR): This is a complex and expensive legal challenge. A JR does not challenge the decision itself, but argues that the Home Office made an error in law or procedure (e.g., they failed to follow their own policy). This is a last resort and should only be considered with specialist legal advice.

If your application is refused, the first step is to seek legal advice to review your refusal letter and determine the best course of action.

How Can IAS Help with Academic Visitor Visas?

Embarking on an academic visit to the UK entails navigating a complex process, and IAS is dedicated to making this journey smoother for both individual scholars and businesses facilitating academic visits.

Our team of immigration experts is well-versed in Academic Visitor Visa applications. We will ensure a seamless experience tailored to meet specific needs.

Navigating the intricacies of the online application process becomes more manageable with IAS by your side.

The team offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application. Additionally, support is extended to scheduling and preparing for biometric appointments at visa application centres.

For cases requiring a visa interview, thorough preparation is provided to enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome.Should the need arise to extend your academic visit, IAS is able to assist.

Our immigration lawyers will guide you through the extension application process, facilitating a seamless transition for an extended stay in the UK. Contact us today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or visit us online.

Our experienced immigration lawyers have helped hundreds of academics gain the permissions they need for their planned activities in the UK. We can help you too.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents will appear here.

Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Academic Visitor Visa is for short-term academic or higher education engagements, such as research or lectures, lasting six or twelve months. It targets scholars from higher education institutions overseas and researchers with a formal invitation from a UK institution. On the other hand, the Student Visa is for those pursuing full-time courses, requiring an offer from a recognised overseas institution in the UK and proof of financial capability for the entire study period.

With a Visitor Visa, you are able to study in the UK for a maximum of six months. This could be taking a quick course at a recognised university or conducting a quick study abroad that is related to your coursework.

You cannot be employed or do paid work. The only exception is if you are undertaking a pre-arranged Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE), such as a single lecture, which must be declared and completed within 30 days of your arrival.

What our clients are saying

Immigration Advice Service4.7

Based on 1984 reviews

Nesrine Shalabi

22 hours ago

My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

Stephanie Shoemaker

2 days ago

My experience with IAS has been fabulous so far Laura Christian was very helpful in taking the time to research what my options were based on my needs and wants can’t recommend her enough

Man Chung CHAU

3 days ago

Staff are nice, solicitors are reliable and helpful.

Tawanda Matonga

5 days ago

I spoke with Saima Jabeen about the areas where I needed assistance. She was very helpful and provided me with clear and useful information. I was satisfied with the support and guidance she provided.

Nicholas Peasgood

7 days ago

Very positive professional experience. My immigration advisor Mariam Adebayo helped my wife successfully obtain her Spouse visa extension. At the very start we had a face to face meeting at their Oldham office to discuss our needs, explain the process and what evidence we would need. We later received a written confirmation of advice laying out everything from timeframes, fees and documentation needed. Through out we had video calls and regular emails for updates and when our input was needed, Mariam even uploaded all of the extensive evidence as part of the application process which I was very happy with as I know from my own experience this can take a while. I would definitely use IAS again, don't be fooled in to opting for cheaper options, I came to IAS after a poor experience with a different company and so came back as I'd had a good experience with IAS way back in the 90's so know that they have been around for a years. Thank you IAS Oldham and Mariam Adebayo.

Fatima Babar

7 days ago

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Abdul Mutee for everything he has done throughout my visa process. The past year was incredibly stressful, especially after facing two Canada visa refusals. During this difficult time, Abdul Mutee did not simply provide guidance; he actively worked on my case and supported me every step of the way when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. Thanks to his dedication, hard work, and continuous support, my UK visa has now been approved. This approval allows me to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. I truly believe that this achievement would not have been possible without his assistance and commitment. Abdul Mutee played a significant role in making this outcome possible, and I am deeply thankful for the relief, hope, and opportunity he has given me. His efforts have made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done. I will never forget the support, encouragement, and professionalism he showed throughout this journey. Abdul Mutee's help has made a real difference in my future, and I sincerely appreciate all of his hard work and dedication.

Elizabeth chuks

7 days ago

I had a great experience with Anna Claridge. She was professional, friendly and very helpful throughout our consultation. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions and made sure we understood the options available to us. I really appreciate her support.

Sami Abdi

1 week ago

I would like to say a huge thank you to Lauren Blommel for all her help and support with my case. She has been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Lauren was very kind, professional and patient. She explained everything clearly and always made sure I understood what was happening. She worked very hard on my case and did everything she could to help me. I am extremely grateful for everything Lauren has done for me. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend Lauren to anyone who needs immigration advice and support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for everything. I truly appreciate all your hard work and support. I wish you all the best for the future!

Norrian

1 week ago

We like to express our deepest thanks to Saimah Razzap. She helped us through our immigration matter with total professionalism; she took the time to explain every step clearly, returned our calls and emails promptly when we contacted her, and, with this, we ultimately won our first case with a great outcome. We felt supported the entire time, and we highly recommend her services.

Anna Downie

1 week ago

I would highly recommend Jason Griffiths, he was incredibly understanding of our situation and had very constructive ideas.

Lee Mcpherson

1 week ago

Great service! efficient, quick and available to answer any queries! Our application went seamlessly.. I would highly recommend!

Claudia T

1 week ago

I used IAS for my first visa and I must say it wasn't a pleasant experience. We didn't receive all the information, we would find out about things along the way and it made it all very stressful even though the application was successful. We were a bit reluctant to do it again for the renewal but went for it anyway due to lack of time. Anne Liu was out caseworker and she was terrific! Super on top of the case! She would review the docs very quickly after we submitted it and would immediately tell us what would be missing. She made herself available when we needed her all the way up to the appointment. Definitely made the experience more stress free!

yu zheng

2 weeks ago

Alice Jackson

2 weeks ago

Anne has been nothing short of exceptional throughout mine and my husbands immigration query. From the very start, she was informative, diligent, understanding, compassionate and helpful. Any immigration matter is delicate and stressful for those involved and Anne met us with patience and kindness throughout, keeping us well informed and calm when everything felt tricky. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better advisor and we are so grateful for everything that she did for us to get my husbands spousal visa approved. Her dedication and commitment proved enormously valuable and I will be welcoming my husband home tomorrow because of her. Without a doubt we will use her again in 2029 when required and we cannot recommend her enough for anyone going through a similar matter. Thank you Anne, from the bottom of our hearts, we will always appreciate you and remember your engagement fondly.

Roger Hall

2 weeks ago

Everybody at IAS has been professional and helpful. In particular my case worker, Elena Ampova simply could not have been more patient, friendly and approachable and knowledgeable. Nina and I found it difficult to supply information in the file formats required and Elena spent hours helping us. And the end result has been that my fiancée, Nina's visa application has been approved. Perfect service and a perfect result.

Julian Everett

2 weeks ago

Dina's explanations were clear and she took time to make sure we understood. The only small worry we now have is that there may be hidden fees which were not specified. However, I'm just checking that through an email.

Chaimae Dr

2 weeks ago

I received excellent advice from Safa Ali. She was patient, thorough, and took the time to make sure I understood everything. Highly recommended for anyone going through the asylum process.

Siraw KEBEDE

3 weeks ago

I have had amazing results in a short period of time with Lauren Blommel at Immigration Advice Services. She was very professional and supportive every step of the way, always answering my questions and addressing my concerns quickly. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for immigration assistance.

Lili Ayele

3 weeks ago

I am extremely grateful for the excellent support and professional service I received from Immigration Advice Service, especially from my caseworker, Lauren Blommel. Lauren supported me throughout my asylum case and kept me informed and reassured during what was a very difficult and stressful process. Thanks to her professionalism, dedication, patience, and hard work, my case was handled with great care and I successfully received my refugee status. I truly appreciate everything Lauren has done for me and all the support she provided from beginning to end. I highly recommend Immigration Advice Service to anyone who needs immigration support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for your outstanding service and for helping me through such an important journey in my life. I will always be grateful.

Othman Khunji

3 weeks ago

I cannot recommend Mariam Adebayo at IAS highly enough. She supported me thoroughly from A–Z throughout my UK Global Talent Visa journey, ultimately helping me successfully obtain my visa through the Exceptional Talent route. From the very beginning, Mariam was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, patient, and attentive. She guided me through every stage of the process with clarity and reassurance, always making sure that my application was as strong and comprehensive as possible. What stood out most was how consistently she went above and beyond her dedication, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me were evident throughout the entire journey. Thanks to Mariam’s exceptional support and hard work, I now have the incredible opportunity to continue developing and practicing my talent in the UK. This is a truly significant milestone in my professional and creative journey, and I am extremely grateful for the role she played in making it possible. Mariam is an outstanding caseworker and a true asset to IAS. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking immigration support, particularly those applying through the UK Global Talent route. Thank you, Mariam, for your dedication, guidance, and for helping turn this opportunity into a reality.

Roy Williams

3 weeks ago

Re: Kurshida Begum My wife and I cannot thank our immigration lawyer, Kurshida Begum enough for the professional help and support she gave us to obtain a successful outcome to my wife’s application for her extension visa. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services to anyone seeking help on immigration matters.

Scott Graham

3 weeks ago

Daniel Lugo Pino

3 weeks ago

Saima Maqsood was super helpful in my father's visitor visa application. Very communicative and supportive - we had low odds of a favourable outcome and yet with her guidance we were able to succeed.

Virginie

4 weeks ago

I had a good exchange with Saima Jabeen, she helped me and it was useful.

Peter Welch

4 weeks ago

My case worker Mariam Adebayo guided my fiancee, a Belarusian national and me on what documentation and translations were required and checked through everything at every stage. She then made the application on our behalf for a fiancee visa. The application was 100% successful with no other documentation required or any queries raised by UKVI. Mariam further assisted in getting our spouse visa after our marriage in May 2026. Again 100% successful. Mariam has been extremely thorough in every part of our fiancee and spouse visa. Everything went through without a hitch! I have no hesitation in recommending her. Peter and Teresa Welch.

We are the UK’s leading immigration specialists

IAA Accredited UK Immigration lawyers

We’ve had over 25,000 applications approved

We are open Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8pm & Sat–Sun, 10am–4pm.

How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help

At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.