Specialists in UK immigration law
Our experienced immigration lawyers in Huddersfield have extensive knowledge across a wide range of immigration matters. Whether you are applying for entry clearance to come to the UK, or you are already in the UK and need to apply for your first grant of leave or an extension, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
Immigration rules have undergone significant changes recently, with further reforms expected. We understand how challenging and stressful it can be to keep up to date with these developments. Our team is committed to providing clear advice tailored to your individual circumstances, giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout the process.
Here are some of the areas we can help you with:
Eligibility to apply for your spouse or partner to join you in the UK depends on your status in the UK, there are also strict Home Office requirements relating to relationship, finances, accommodation and English language ability. Ridley & Hall offers fixed-fee, step-by-step support, starting with a free initial consultation, so you can apply with confidence.
Fixed-fee advice and a free initial consultation to get started.
Call the Immigration Team There are various routes to join your family in the UK, but only certain relationships are eligible. Family visa applications can be complex and difficult to understand, apply to bring your family to the UK with tailored advice, helping you to submit the right evidence and giving you confidence and peace of mind from start to finish.
Child visa eligibility often depends on a parent’s status, and a separate family visa may not be needed if a parent is British or has settled/pre-settled status. Ridley & Hall provides clear, up-to-date advice to help your child’s application meet current Home Office rules.
Call the Immigration Team Settlement (ILR) lets you live in the UK permanently with no time limits. With major changes proposed for April 2026, Ridley & Hall will guide you through the current rules and evidence to help you avoid costly refusals.
British Citizenship offers long-term security and allows you to apply for a British passport. Eligibility to register as a British Citizenship is set out in the British Nationality Act 1981, for example by descent. You may also be eligible to apply for naturalisation if you hold settlement/ILR providing you meet the Home Office requirements. These include, continuous residence, English language, passing life in the UK test and satisfying the good character requirement. Ridley & Hall will guide you through your options and evidence to help you apply with confidence.
Call the Immigration Team Children’s immigration matters can be time-sensitive, and it’s important to get the application right to protect your child’s stability in the UK. Because the rules differ from adult routes and decisions must focus on a child’s best interests, Ridley & Hall will help you understand your options, prepare the correct evidence, and plan ahead for future settlement or citizenship.
UK work visas include routes like Skilled Worker, Global Talent and Health & Care Worker, each with its own rules on sponsorship, job role, salary and English language. Ridley & Hall will advise you on the requirements that apply to your situation. Whether you’re applying from overseas or extending in the UK, so you can avoid delays and costly mistakes.
Call the Immigration Team Pre-settled status under the EU settlement Scheme had a deadline of 30 June 2021, but those applying to join family members already in the UK by 31 December 2020, who were part of that family by this date (with the exception children or those adopted after this date) may still be eligible to apply. Ridley & Hall can confirm whether you can still apply, including late applications with certain exceptions.
Immigration
We help people applying for entry clearance to come to the United Kingdom, and those already here who need a first grant of leave or an extension. This includes settlement (ILR), spouse/partner visas, wider family applications, children’s applications, work visas (including Skilled Worker/Health & Care routes), EU Settlement Scheme matters, and British citizenship applications.
Refusals are usually made because the application doesn’t meet a specific rule or the evidential requirements aren’t met, for example gaps in evidence to prove the relationship, insufficient evidence to show you meet the salary threshold, gaps in continuous residence or not meeting the English language requirement specifically set for that category of visa. Even small oversights can leave to delays or refusals, and some refusals may not have a right of appeal or right to challenge the decision.
It depends on the route, but most applications require a clear bundle of supporting documents such as identity documents, immigration status documents, proof of relationship (where relevant), financial or employment evidence, accommodation information, and any required English language or test certificates. For children, supporting evidence required is usually surrounding parental responsibility, schooling, and what is in the child’s best interests.
The proposed reforms are expected to make some routes more complex and may affect timelines -particularly where settlement and later citizenship are part of your long-term plan. Because the rules can change depending on whether you’re applying from overseas or extending in the UK, the safest approach is to get advice based on the requirements in force at the time you apply. Ridley & Hall will explain your options clearly, plan the most suitable route, and help you submit an application that meets the correct rules and evidence standard.
“We understand how overwhelming immigration rules and policies can feel for individuals and families, we are therefore committed to being empathetic to your needs, giving clear and supportive advice. We’re easy to reach and easy to talk to.”
Misbah Mohammed
Solicitor
From April 2026, there will be major changes to the UK immigration rules, including increasing the standard route to settlement from 5 to 10 years for most applicants.
Contact our Immigration team today to find out if you are eligible to apply for settlement under the current regulations before the changes take effect.
info@ridleyandhall.co.uk
