Types of Visas

Our immigration lawyers offer Application Packages to guide their clients through the visa application process. Find out more about the wide variety of UK, US and Irish visas that our lawyers can help you to apply for.

Call us on 0330 828 4126 for immediate help & assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

Services we Provide

IAS Visa Application Assistance

Here at the Immigration Advice Service, our lawyers provide application assistance for every type of UK visa. Whether you want to live, work, study, start a business or even just visit the UK, our immigration specialists will be able to recommend the best visa type for you and can help you to apply.

Although we are based in the UK, we also have offices located in the US and Ireland where our immigration specialists offer assistance with visa applications for these countries.

If you want to apply for a UK, US or Irish visa but cannot make it into one of our offices, we can still assist you. We also offer all of our services remotely, our lawyers can arrange an appointment to be conducted over the phone or via Skype call to discuss your visa options with you.

Below are the full lists of the visa types that our immigration lawyers can help you to apply for.

UK Visas

Visa type	Purpose
Skilled Worker Visa	Skilled Workers with a job offer in the UK
Temporary Worker Visa	Temporary work of various kinds
Health and Care Worker Visa	For qualified healthcare and social care workers
Youth Mobility Visa	2 year work permit for young people aged 18-35 from participating territories
Paid Permitted Engagement visa	Short-term entry for individuals invited to the UK as experts in their field
International Sportsperson Visa	Work permit for elite sportspersons or qualified coaches
Minister of Religion Visa	Work permit for religious workers
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa	Employees from multi-national companies transferring to work in a UK branch
Business Visitor Visa	Travel to the UK for up to 6 months for business activities
Student Visitor Visa	Studying in the UK on a temporary basis
Tourist Visa	Travel to the UK for up to 6 months for leisure or other purposes
Adult Student Visa	Studying in the UK
Graduate visa	Work permit for international students who have studied a bachelor’s or master’s course in the UK
Child Student Visa	Children aged 4-17 to study in the UK
Spouse Visa	Spouses of British Citizens/settled persons
Fiancé Visa	Fiancés of British Citizens/settled Persons
Unmarried Partner Visa	Long-term partner of British Citizens/settled persons
Adult Dependent Visa	Foreign nationals requiring care from a UK relative
Child Dependent Visa	Child of a British citizen/settled person not living an independent life
Ancestry Visa	Citizens of commonwealth countries with a British grandparent
Innovator Founder Visa	For those looking to set up a new, innovative business
Global Talent Visa	For international leaders in specific industries
High Potential Individual Visa	For graduates of certain high-ranking international universities
Scale-up Visa	Workers partnering with high-growth businesses
Global Business Mobility Visas	Work visas for companies looking to expand operations into, or engage in business in the UK

Our immigration team has helped hundreds of cases around the world successfully obtain a visa.

Following Brexit, the UK government has introduced a new points-based immigration system. This new system contains many visa options that are available to both EEA and non-EEA nationals.

Under the new system, you will need to score a certain number of points to secure a visa. The points required vary depending on the visa category that you are applying for. To score these points you will need to prove to the Home Office that you can meet the relevant requirements.

EU citizens are not required to apply for a visa if they plan to visit the UK for 90 days or less, but now that free movement has ended between the UK and EU, they must apply for a visa if they plan on staying for more than 90 days, working, studying or if they wish to join a family member long term here.

Our expert immigration lawyers offer application assistance for a variety of visas. Get in touch for more information – call us on 0330 828 4126 or reach out to us online.

Our expert immigration lawyers offer application assistance for a variety of visas, get in touch for more information

US Visas

Visa Type	Purpose
E1	Treaty Traders
E2	Treaty Investors
E3	Australian professionals
H1B	Specialty workers
H2B	Temporary workers
H3	Exchange visitors
H4	Dependents family members of H visa holders
01	Entry for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in specific fields
03	Dependent family members of 01 visa holders
I Visa	Entry for journalists and members of the media
L1	Foreign specialized workers transferring to their company’s branch in the U.S
L2	Dependents of L1 visa holders
P1	Work permit for nationally and internationally recognized athletes and performers
P3	Temporary work permit for artists, entertainers and support personnel
R1	Work permit for religious workers/foreign members of non-profit vocational associations
TN	Citizens of Canada and Mexico with a job offer from an American employer
K1	Fiancés of American citizens/residents
K2	Dependents of K1 visa holders
K3	Spouses of American citizens/residents
K4	Dependents of K4 visa holders
B1	Business visitors
B2	Tourist visitors
F1	Academic students
F2	Dependents of F1 visa holders
M1	Vocational students
J1	Cultural exchange
J2	Dependents of J1 visa holders

Unless you are from a country that is part of the US Visa Waiver Programme, then you will need a visa to enter the United States. The Visa Waiver Programme only applies to stays of up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism or business. If you plan to stay for longer than this, or do other activities such as work or study, then you will need to apply for a visa even if you are a resident of a visa exempt country.

All US visa applications made will be subject to the judgement of the US consular officer overseeing your arrival.

The duration of time that you can spend in the US on a visa varies depending on the type of visa you choose, but all of them are temporary permits. If you want to become a permanent resident of the United States then you will need a Green Card. Whilst you must apply for a visa prior to your entry in the US, a Green Card can only obtained after you have arrived in the country. There are various Green Cards available including the Workers Green Card and Family Based Green Cards.

Irish Visas

Visa Type	Purpose
Business Visa	Travel to Ireland for business purposes for a period of up to 90 days
Conference or Event Visa	Travel to Ireland to attend a conference or event
Critical Skills Employment Visa	Employment permit for highly skilled workers
Employment Visa (Atypical Working Scheme)	Short-term work visa for applicants with approval from the Atypical Working Scheme
Exam Visa	Entry to Ireland for up to 3 months to undertake an exam
Child Dependent Visa	Entry for the Child of a person living in Ireland
De Facto Partner Visa	Entry for genuine and long-term partners of Irish citizens/residents
Internship Visa	Work permit for full-time students with paid work experience in Ireland
Working Holiday Visa	Program for young people of certain countries to visit Ireland to work
Marriage Visa	Short stay visa for the partner of an Irish citizen or resident who wishes to marry their partner in Ireland
Medical Treatment Visa	Short-stay visa for those with an appointment at a private hospital in Ireland to receive medical treatment
Retirement Visa	Long-term retirement for individuals with an income of at least €50,000
Spouse Visa	Entry for spouses/civil partners of Irish citizens/residents
Study Visa	Entry to study in Ireland, long-term and short-term options available
Tourist Visa	Short-term visits of up to 90 days
Training Visa	Entry to partake in a training course in Ireland, short-term and long-term options available
Volunteer Visa	Volunteering in Ireland for a period of over 90 days
British-Irish Visa Scheme	Freedom to travel through the Common Travel Areas (UK & Ireland) for Chinese and Indian nationals

The Irish visas are split into two categories, C Visas and D Visas. C Visas refer to short-term stay visas whilst D Visas refer to long-term stay visas. Some visa categories have both short-term and long-term options. If you choose a C Visa, you will only be allowed to enter the country for up to 3 months, whereas you can stay for longer than this on a D Visa.

Citizens of both the EU and UK are not required to hold a visa to enter the country. Ireland also has a Visa Waiver Programme with a number of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries. This programme allows nationals from the participating countries who hold a Short-Stay UK visa to travel to Ireland without having to apply for a separate Irish visa.

Stays in Ireland exceeding 90 days will require registration at an immigration office or Garda station and obtaining a residence permit.

Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to receive assistance on your visa application.

How can IAS help me with my visa application?

Here at the IAS, we have immigration lawyers that specialise in UK, US and Irish visas. Applying for a visa is usually a complex process, as well as filling in a detailed application form you will need to put together a substantial portfolio of evidence to prove that you meet the relevant requirements. With so many visa options available, it can also be difficult to know which visas you could be eligible for, and which would suit your circumstance the best.

Our immigration lawyers are passionate about making your immigration journey easier. This is why we offer an Application Package that will provide you with guidance throughout the entire visa application process. Our Advice Package is also included within the full application package.

If you choose our Application Package, one of our lawyers will first arrange an advice session with you. During this session they will discuss your circumstances for you and can assess your eligibility for a visa for either the UK, US or Ireland. They can also answer any questions that you may have about the application process.

Once you have decided on the right visa for you, our lawyers will get you started with your application. They can fill in and submit any application forms on your behalf and will help you to gather all of the supporting documents that you will need. Your lawyer will also write you a Letter of Representation to support your application.

It can be easy to make a mistake in a visa application, and doing so can result in it being refused. By getting the assistance of our professional immigration lawyers, you can be sure that your visa application will have the best possible chance of success. To get started on your application, get in touch with our immigration law experts today on 0330 828 4126

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

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Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

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

Yes, as well as offering assistance with the initial visa application, our lawyers can also help you to extend a visa, if eligible.

To be eligible for a visa extension, you will need to be able to meet the original requirements for that visa and you should apply before your current visa expires.

Some visas are not eligible for extension, if this is the case our lawyers can work with you to find an alternative immigration route that suites your circumstances.

For more information get in touch today on 0330 828 4126

Yes, as well as offering visa application assistance, our lawyers in the UK, US and Ireland also assist with a range of other immigration applications. This includes citizenship and permanent residence applications as well as corporate immigration applications such as sponsor licence applications.

The other types of immigration applications that our lawyers can help with include, but are not limited to:

The UK has a wide variety of visas available to overseas nationals. The UK visa categories include:

Work visas
Business visas
Family visas
Student visas
Visitor visas

Each category has a number of different visas that vary in their requirements, the activities they allow you to do whilst in the UK, and the duration of leave that they grant you.

If you want to come to the UK, speak to our immigration solicitors today on 0330 828 4126, they can advise you about the best visa options available to you.

What our clients are saying

Immigration Advice Service4.7

Based on 1996 reviews

David C

24 hours ago

Ms Saimah Razzaq assisted me in successfully obtaining my wife's settlement, having helped on her prior visas also. She has always been professional, efficient and helpful in advising exactly what documents and other information is required that she then checks prior to finally submitting the application. She will answer any questions that you you may have, and gives feedback along the way. I can highly recommend Saimah to assist you.

David Morley

2 days ago

Carina gave me great advice and guidance, really easy to talk to

King Hashim

2 days ago

5/5 Stars — Exellant service "I cannot thank Saima Razzaq enough for all her hard work and support throughout our ILR application process. From start to finish she was professional, patient, and kept us updated every step of the way. We faced delays and extra checks due to being self-employed, which made the process longer and more stressful than expected. Saima was there through it all — giving clear advice, helping us chase things up, and guiding us on making formal complaints and claiming a refund when the service took far longer than promised. She fought our corner properly and never gave up. My husband has now had his application approved and we are absolutely over the moon. We couldn’t have got here without Saima’s help. If you need assistance with immigration applications, Saima Razzaq is the person to go to. Thank you so much!"

C.M. Jacob

3 days ago

Han Wei was an incredible source of knowledge, support and expertise for my settlement application. I could not have acheived a positive outcome without her and her team

Robert Scheer

3 days ago

I would like to say thank you so much for all your help and support. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

Hilary LeFur

5 days ago

My immigration enquiry was rather unusual and complex. I spoke to Mark Rigby an Immigration Advice Lawyer who was patient, understanding and offered clear, detailed advice. A comprehensive explanation of future procedures required and associated fees was given. This conversation was helpful and reassuring.

Adenike

6 days ago

Rachel was really attentive, calm and encouraging. She took the time to listen and explain everything clearly. I definitely recommend this service; it was worth the investment.

Vanshika Agrawal

7 days ago

Working with Abdul on our spouse visa extension has been an absolute pleasure. He’s been incredibly professional and meticulous with our paperwork. He helped us navigate the complex process of visa extension and moved so quickly whenever we needed extra help - even drafting custom letters to prove my right to work and rent while we wait for the decision. His warm, collaborative approach made this process incredibly easy. I can't thank him enough and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a brilliant immigration lawyer!

Ahmed Mansoor

1 week ago

I did my Spouse Visa Application inside the UK with the help of IAS and my case worker was Abdul Mutee who helped me throughout the process from documentation to the application and finally after the application I got a positive response from the home office.

Nesrine Shalabi

1 week ago

My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

Stephanie Shoemaker

1 week 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

Katende Moses

2 weeks ago

I appreciate the professional handling and advice by counsel Shazia Ershad and the Immigration advice service as a whole.

Man Chung CHAU

2 weeks ago

Staff are nice, solicitors are reliable and helpful.

adeniyi esther oluwatobi

2 weeks ago

Shazia Ershad, was very helpful and informative while she stayed very professional during the consultation.

Josephine

2 weeks ago

I am so grateful to Immigration Lawyer Saimah Razzaq and the team at Immigration Advice Service (IAS) for helping me secure my ILR! From our very first consultation, they were professional, patient, and completely clear about what documents I needed. ILR applications can feel overwhelming, but Saimah Razzaq went through everything with incredible attention to detail and kept me updated at every step. Thanks to thier hard work and expertise, my application was approved immediately a day after my biometrics! I coudn't recommend them enough to anyone navigating the UK immigration system!

Tawanda Matonga

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks ago

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

Lee Mcpherson

2 weeks ago

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

Claudia T

3 weeks 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

3 weeks ago

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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.