Fees


It is important to us that before we start any case our clients understand how we charge for our time and service. All fees are confirmed in writing before each stage. 


The following sets out our approach to charging for our work and gives an idea of our fees for some of the common types of applications which we frequently assist clients with. 


All work at Lighthouse Solicitors is undertaken only by qualified solicitors with 20+ years’ experience in UK Immigration law and practice. Our casework is supported by skilled barristers who we instruct to represent cases in the tribunal and courts.  












General information

  • Fixed fees

    We normally charge for our time on a fixed fee basis. This means that we quote a fixed fee for agreed work to be completed so you always know exactly what you are paying before you start your case with us. 



    Cases in the Higher Courts


    In some cases, for example, judicial review claims in the High Court or Upper Tribunal where the work required is more difficult to anticipate, we may charge for our time on an hourly rate. Our hourly rate for a solicitor (Partner) with 20+ years’ experience is £250/hour (+VAT where applicable). 


    Again we will inform clients in advance where hourly rates are to be charged.  

  • How to make payment

    CHEQUES  : Please make payable to “Lighthouse Solicitors”. 



    ON-LINE / BANK TRANSFERS  :  

     

    Account Name:            Lighthouse Solicitors

    Account Branch:          HSBC [Harrow Branch]

    Account no.                  61713442       

    Sort Code                    402313

     

    Enter the client name as a reference and inform us once any payment is made so we can issue you with a receipt and then begin work. 


  • Additional Services / Work

    If after completing specified work under a  fixed fee, additional work is required we will always contact you to agree the work and any further fees. 

     


    Common examples where further work may arise :



    • Corrective work due to errors by the Home Office or other third parties;

    • Preparation of additional representations and evidence after submission of an application - e.g. due to a change in circumstances or arrival of new documents.  Similarly, where a case is refused, further work in challenging the decision. 

    • Changes in law or policy.  

    • Errors, omissions or misrepresentations in information provided by clients or those assisting them

    • Writing explanatory letters / corresponding with third parties – e.g. doctors, schools and colleges, employers, MPs.

    • Where an appeal hearing is cancellled or we are  required to make an adjournment application. This will also attract addional fees for the barrister where required to attend additional hearings.    

Different levels of service

To ensure the best service for our clients we offer a number of different services to suit all clients.   


  • FIRST STAGE WORK - ensuring the right advice & approach from the start

    To ensure our clients are always properly advised right from the start, we start each case wih a face-to-face meeting or a telephone conference and first stage service as detailed below.  



    £200 to £450 depending on complexity and/or the volume of documents to review. 


    The fees quoted above do not include VAT. We will inform  you if you are liable to pay VAT. 

     


    Our service includes: 


    • Taking your full instructions and reviewing documentation. 

    • Addressing all questions, advising on strengths / weaknesses of your case in light of the current law and policy, how to improve chances of success, and considering alternative options. 

    • Confirmation of our advice in writing. 

    Fees paid for this first stage will not be deducted from fees quoted for further work in the 'Preparaton Stage' unless we have set this out in our advice. This will depend on the complexity of the case.  

  • PREPARATION STAGE** - presenting the strongest possible case

    After the first meeting, once we have understood all aspects of your case, we will confirm as part of our written advice our further charges to represent you. 



    We have provided in the next section a list of 'average costs' to give an idea of our fixed fees for comon types of applications we assist on. 



    Our services will typically include: 


    • Advising on the current law and process 

    • Preparing supportive written representations and completing relevant applciation forms.  

    • Advising on supporting documentation

    • Corresponding with third parties (see note on disbursement costs above)

    • Advice after receiving a decision -  including a person's future rights on a successful outcome and on challenging a negative outcome. 


    We will sometimes  divide work into several smaller stages in more complex cases or longer proceedings. This also helps clients to plan their payments, payable at the beginning of each smaller stage.


  • APPLICATION CHECKING SERVICE - be sure nothing is missed

    We offer a service this check application forms and supporting documents prepared by clients. 


    All applications (except Tier 1 category) £350 



    Tier 1 application (Entrepreneur or Investor) £950 



    The fees quoted above do not include VAT. We will let you know before the first meeting if you are liable to pay VAT. 



    This work  is undertaken in a single meeting. We will provide a written advice note following the meeting on how else the application can be improved on. 



    Any additional advice or assistance required after the meeting will be chargeable so it is important all information is provided before you contact us.


Average Costs (**Preparation Stage)


The list of average costs below provides an idea of our what we charge for different types of applications where an individual's case meets the immigration rules. Every case is different and the fixed fee which is set for each case will vary depending on the time we expect to spend.  


Fixed fees will be higher where more time is required: For example, where there is a complex immigration history, where there are other family members included, or where the case does not meet all the immigration rules or involves complex legal points. 


These costs do not include VAT or disbursement costs. We will let you know at the first meeting if these apply to you. The standard rate of VAT is 20%. Examples of disbursements: Home Office application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, interpreting/translation fees, tribunal/court fees, and expert fees (medical reports or country reports). 


  • British Citizenship Applications

    Naturalisation as a British citizen : £600


    Registration of a child as a British citizen : £600


    Reconsideration Request : £750

  • Long Residence Settlement applications ('10-year rule')

    Applications for indefinite leave to remain  : £750


    Applications for further leave to remain : £750

  • Partner and child(ren) based applications

    This covers applications made under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules both within the UK and abroad.  



    From within the UK



    Leave to remain initial application 5 year partner or parent of a child route : £800

     


    Further leave to remain/Indefinite Leave to Remain 5 year partner route : £750



    Leave to Remain initial application 10 year partner route or 10 year parent of a child route : £1500



    Further Leave to Remain/Indefinite Leave to Remain – 10 Year partner route : £750




    From Abroad


     

    Entry clearance as a spouse/unmarried partner/fiancé(e)/parent of British Child : £1500



    Entry clearance as pre-flight spouse or child of recognised refugees : £950


    ________________________________



    Applications which are more complex, for instance for overstayers and those requiring consideration under Article 8 ECHR will require more time: £1500



  • Points Based System (PBS) applications – business, work and studies

    Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) : £5000



    Tier 2 initial application / further leave or ILR : £1500



    Tier 4 initial application / extension of stay: £950


    PBS Dependant visa (applying separately from/with the main applicant) : £800



  • EEA applications

    Applications for EEA residence card by spouse or child of EEA national : £800



    Application for EEA Residence card by EEA nationals other than spouse or child : £950



    Applications for EEA Registration Certificate : £700



    Applications for documents confirming EEA permanent right of residence or settled status : £800



  • Visit visa applications

    Preparing an on-line application : £500



    Challenging a refusal decision (pre-action letter) : £750



  • Adult Dependant Relative applications

    Dependant Relative visa :  £1250

  • Immigration appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (non-Asylum)

    The following sets out the common stages in an immigration appeal. 



    Stage 1: Filing the Appeal


    Completing the Notice of Appeal and Grounds and related advice : £300 to £600

    (Appeal fee – currently £140 for an oral hearing)



    Stage 2: Case Preparation 


    Preparation of Witness statements and evidence in the form of a paginated bundle to be served on the tribunal and Home office presenting Officer. Review of Respondent’s papers filed at tribunals :  £1200 to £2500



    Stage 3: Representation at the hearing


    Representation of your case by a barrister at your Tribunal hearing. £700 to £1200 

    ____________________________



    The above stages cover work up to and including the appeal hearing before the First-tier Tribunal. 



    If there are any other unforeseen circumstances such as the adjournment of the hearing for circumstances beyond our control then there may be additional costs which we will always advise you of in advance.

     

  • Asylum / Humanitarian Protection – initial claims, fresh claims, Appeals

    We will quote a fixed fee after taking detailing client instructions on each case. 



    Every case is different and only after we have properly understood the requirements of the case will we understand how much time is required 

      


    Initial Consultation fee: £200



  • Deportations, detention, removals and judicial review work

    We will quote a fixed fee after taking detailing client instructions on each case. 



    Every case is different and only once we have properly understood the requirement of the case will we understand how much time is required 


      

    Initial Consultation fee: £200


  • Examples of Additional work after submitting an application

    Preparing a response and documents to a ‘further information request’ by the Home Office : £150



    Further work where an application is rejected as invalid due to circumstances beyond our control : £100 

    (For e.g fee payment not processed, or mandatory section of form not completed)



    Requesting return of passport/documents from Home Office while an application is under consideration: £50  



    Notifying the Home Office of a change of address: £25



    Writing to the Home Office for an update or expedited consideration : £50



    Providing a letter a to third party (e.g. employer) at your request confirming status of your application : £50  


    ___________________



    Forwarding correspondence to you received from the Home Office or Tribunal : No charge



    Writing to the Home Office for progress report at 6 monthly intervals : No charge



    Notifying you of the decision on your application :  No charge



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