Legal Aid Services

Whilst under the new rules (April 2013) there has been a reduction in the types of immigration and asylum cases eligible for Legal Aid. As a general rule, the following matters will qualify for some advice, assistance and/or representation:

• Detention & Bail cases;
• Applications for Leave to Remain under the domestic violence rule;
• Applications for leave by those identified as victims of trafficking;
• Proceedings before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. This includes deportation and deprivation of citizenship cases where information is to be kept confidential for reasons of national security;
• Many asylum cases & appeals;
• Applications for Leave to Remain or settlement as a refugee with humanitarian protection/discretionary leave under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, ie: freedom from torture or inhuman and degrading treatment;
• Some Judicial Review Applications, in limited circumstances.

Unfortunately, most mainstream non-asylum immigration cases are no longer eligible for Legal Aid.

This includes Entry Clearance Visas eg, for a spouse/partner or family member.

It also includes applications made under Article 8 of the ECHR (right to a family or private life).

Try our Visa Wizard for free immigration advice

If you are unsure whether you qualify for publicly funded immigration assistance then contact the team at IAS to speak to one of our Legal Aid specialists, many of whom are immigration solicitors.

Even if you are not eligible for Legal Aid, our specialist immigration lawyers can advise, assist and represent you at very competitive rates. One of our experienced lawyers can spend time assessing your case to see if you are eligible for Legal Aid or an alternative. They will:

• communicate with the Home Office and other appropriate authorities;
• arrange bail if necessary;
• organise family visitations where appropriate;
• assess your best options according to the details of your individual case;
• represent you at a Tribunal or hearing, should this be necessary.