Citizen Law Associates ×
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Immigration Law

Expert Immigration Law Services for Pakistan & UK

Immigration law governs who can enter, stay, work, and become citizens of a country. In an increasingly globalized world, immigration legal services are essential for individuals seeking to build lives across borders, families separated by international boundaries, and businesses requiring international talent. Our immigration law practice provides comprehensive services for immigration matters in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Our Immigration Law Services

1. UK Immigration Services
Work Visas and Employment-Based Immigration

Skilled Worker Visa:

  • Certificate of Sponsorship applications
  • Skilled Worker visa applications for UK employment
  • Employer sponsor license applications and compliance
  • Intra-company transfers
  • Maintenance of sponsorship duties

Other Work Routes:

  • Global Talent visa for exceptional individuals
  • Innovator Founder visa for business innovation
  • Scale-up visa for high-growth companies
  • Health and Care Worker visa
  • Temporary Worker visas (various categories)
  • Representative of Overseas Business visa
Family Immigration

Spouse and Partner Visas:

  • Family visa applications for spouses and partners
  • Financial requirement calculations and evidence
  • English language requirement compliance
  • Adequate accommodation evidence
  • Extension and settlement applications

Other Family Routes:

  • Dependent children visas
  • Parent visas for elderly dependent relatives
  • Adult dependent relative visas
  • Fianc??(e) and proposed civil partner visas
  • Bereaved partner applications
Student Immigration

Student Visas:

  • Student visa applications for UK universities
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • Maintenance fund requirements
  • Dependent visas for family members
  • Post-study work opportunities (Graduate Route)
  • Switching to work visas after studies
Business and Investment Immigration
  • Innovator Founder visa for entrepreneurs
  • Start-up visa (where applicable)
  • Sole representative visa
  • Business expansion strategies
  • Investor route guidance (historical context)
Settlement and British Citizenship

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

  • Settlement applications after 5 or 10 years
  • Long residence applications
  • Continuous residence calculations
  • Absences and their impact
  • Life in the UK test preparation guidance

British Citizenship:

  • Naturalization applications
  • Registration applications for children
  • Citizenship by descent
  • Dual citizenship considerations
  • Ceremony arrangements
Asylum and Human Rights
  • Asylum applications for refugees
  • Human rights claims under Article 8 (family life)
  • Protection from persecution claims
  • Fresh claims and further submissions
  • Appeals to First-tier and Upper Tribunals
  • Humanitarian protection applications
Administrative Review and Appeals
  • Administrative review of refused applications
  • Appeals to Immigration Tribunals
  • Judicial review proceedings
  • Emergency injunctions to prevent removal
  • Bail applications for detained individuals
  • Pre-action protocol letters
2. Pakistan Immigration Services
Pakistan Visas for Foreign Nationals

Visit Visas:

  • Tourist visa applications
  • Business visit visas
  • Family visit arrangements
  • Multiple entry visit visas
  • Visa extensions in Pakistan

Work Permits:

  • Employment visas for foreign workers in Pakistan
  • Board of Investment (BOI) work permits
  • Overseas Employment Corporation registrations
  • Professional and technical visa categories
  • Dependent visas for family members

Student Visas:

  • Student visa applications for Pakistani universities
  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from educational institutions
  • Study permit extensions
  • Conversion to other visa categories

Business and Investment Visas:

  • Business visas for entrepreneurs
  • Investment-based immigration
  • Company director visas
  • Trade and commerce facilitiation
Pakistan Citizenship and Nationality
  • Pakistani citizenship applications
  • Citizenship by descent (for children of Pakistani parents)
  • Naturalization for long-term residents
  • Dual nationality applications
  • National Identity Card (CNIC) applications
  • Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for foreign nationals of Pakistani origin
  • Renunciation of Pakistani citizenship
Overseas Pakistanis Services
  • NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
  • Property rights and ownership in Pakistan
  • Inheritance matters for overseas Pakistanis
  • Overseas Pakistani Foundation assistance
  • Repatriation and return to Pakistan
3. Cross-Border Immigration Matters
Pakistan-UK Immigration
  • Pakistani nationals seeking UK immigration
  • UK nationals seeking Pakistan visas or residency
  • Family reunion cases spanning both countries
  • Dual nationality management
  • Document authentication and legalization
  • Translation and attestation services
Third Country Immigration
  • Immigration to other countries from Pakistan or UK
  • Transit visa requirements
  • International travel documentation
  • Schengen visa applications
  • Middle East work permit assistance

Specialized Immigration Services

Business Immigration Support

For employers needing international talent:

  • Sponsor license applications and management
  • Immigration compliance audits
  • Right to work checks and documentation
  • Immigration policies and procedures
  • Training for HR personnel
  • Home Office compliance visits
  • Rapid response to immigration issues
Immigration Detention Matters
  • Representation for detained individuals
  • Bail applications and hearings
  • Immigration Removal Centre visits
  • Judicial review of detention decisions
  • Unlawful detention compensation claims
  • Emergency legal representation
Immigration Enforcement and Compliance
  • Defense against immigration violations
  • Illegal working allegations
  • Civil penalties appeals
  • Employer sanction defenses
  • Removal and deportation challenges
  • Travel bans and entry refusals
Document Preparation and Verification
  • Comprehensive visa application preparation
  • Supporting document compilation and organization
  • Financial evidence preparation
  • Employment and educational document verification
  • Background checks and police certificates
  • Medical examinations and reports
  • Biometric enrollments

Immigration Law Expertise

UK Immigration Rules and Legislation

Comprehensive knowledge of:

  • Immigration Rules (Statement of Changes)
  • Immigration Act 1971 and amendments
  • British Nationality Act 1981
  • UK Borders Act 2007
  • Immigration Act 2014 and 2016
  • Nationality and Borders Act 2022
  • Home Office policy guidance
  • Case law and tribunal decisions
Pakistan Immigration Regulations

Expert understanding of:

  • Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951
  • Foreigner's Act 1946
  • Pakistan (Control of Entry) Act 1952
  • Immigration and Passport Rules
  • Directorate General of Immigration & Passports procedures
  • Ministry of Interior policies
  • Federal and provincial regulations

Common Immigration Challenges

Application Refusals

We handle:

  • Understanding refusal reasons
  • Administrative review or appeal strategies
  • Reapplication with strengthened evidence
  • Challenging unlawful refusals
  • Fresh submissions and further representations
Priority and Expedited Processing
  • Priority visa services when available
  • Super priority applications (UK)
  • Urgent and compassionate cases
  • MP representations and constituency inquiries
  • Emergency travel documents
Complex Immigration History
  • Previous visa refusals or overstays
  • Immigration fraud allegations
  • Deception findings and 10-year bans
  • Criminal convictions and character issues
  • Failed asylum claims
  • Switching between visa categories

Why Choose Our Immigration Practice

Dual Expertise: Rare combination of deep knowledge in both Pakistan and UK immigration law, enabling seamless cross-border services.

Personalized Service: We understand immigration is deeply personal. We provide compassionate, client-centered representation.

Strategic Approach: We develop comprehensive immigration strategies aligned with your long-term goals.

Regulatory Updates: Immigration law changes frequently. We stay current with latest rules, policies, and procedures.

Success Rate: Strong track record of successful applications, appeals, and complex case resolutions.

Transparent Communication: Clear explanations of processes, realistic assessments of prospects, and regular updates throughout your case.

Emergency Response: Available for urgent immigration matters requiring immediate legal intervention.

Begin Your Immigration Journey

Whether you're seeking to work abroad, reunite with family, study internationally, establish a business in another country, or obtain citizenship, immigration law is complex and consequences of mistakes can be severe???including refused applications, deportation, and lengthy bans.

Don't navigate immigration processes alone. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide the expert guidance you need for successful outcomes in Pakistan and UK immigration matters. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you achieve your immigration goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a UK visa is refused, your options depend on the type of refusal and visa category: (1) ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW: Available for certain visa categories (work, study, some family visas) if decision contained case-working error. You have 14 days if applying from within UK, 28 days if applying from outside. This is not an appeal - it only corrects administrative errors, not discretionary decisions. (2) APPEAL RIGHTS: Very limited now - generally only available for human rights claims and some family/protection cases. If you have appeal right, you must file notice within 14 days. Appeals can take 6-12+ months. (3) JUDICIAL REVIEW: If no appeal right, you may challenge the decision through judicial review if it was unlawful, irrational, or procedurally unfair. This has strict time limits (3 months) and high legal costs but can be successful for flawed decisions. (4) FRESH APPLICATION: You can reapply, but CRITICAL - you must address the reasons for refusal with new evidence or changed circumstances. Simply resubmitting the same application will result in another refusal. If refused for deception, you face 10-year ban and cannot reapply during this period. BEFORE REAPPLYING: (1) Obtain and carefully review the detailed refusal notice; (2) Understand exactly why you were refused; (3) Determine if you can overcome those issues; (4) Gather stronger evidence addressing each refusal reason; (5) Consider if a different visa category might be more appropriate; (6) Consult with immigration lawyer - we can assess whether appeal/review or fresh application is best strategy. Multiple refusals damage your immigration history and can affect future applications. We analyze refusal decisions, advise on prospects of success for different options, and prepare strong applications or appeals to maximize chances of approval.
Yes, if your employer has a valid Sponsor License and the job meets requirements. The process involves: EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS: (1) Must hold valid Sponsor License from Home Office (if they do not, they must apply - takes 8-12 weeks); (2) Job must meet minimum skill level (RQF Level 3 or above - roughly A-level equivalent); (3) Salary must meet minimum threshold - generally ??38,700 per year OR the "going rate" for the occupation code, whichever is higher (lower thresholds for some shortage occupations, new entrants under 26, PhD roles); (4) Employer must conduct resident labor market test for some roles or prove role cannot be filled domestically. SPONSORSHIP PROCESS: (1) Employer assigns you Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - electronic record, not physical document; (2) CoS includes job details, salary, sponsor details, and unique reference number; (3) You then apply for Skilled Worker visa using CoS reference; (4) Provide evidence: CoS, job offer letter, English language test (IELTS or equivalent - CEFR B1 level minimum), maintenance funds (usually ??1,270 unless employer certifies maintenance), tuberculosis test if from certain countries, criminal record certificate if required; (5) Pay application fee (??719-??1,423 depending on circumstances) and Immigration Health Surcharge (??624-??1,035 per year); (6) Attend biometrics appointment; (7) Decision typically within 3 weeks if applying from outside UK, 8 weeks from within UK (faster paid options available). IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: Employer has ongoing compliance duties - must report changes, maintain records, can lose license for breaches. You are tied to sponsoring employer initially - switching jobs requires new sponsorship. After 5 years on Skilled Worker route, you can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). We assist both employers (obtaining sponsor licenses, compliance) and employees (visa applications, switches, settlement). Many applications are refused for easily avoidable errors - professional guidance significantly increases success rates.

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  • info@citizenlawassociates.com
  • +92-42-99214245
  • Lahore Office: 4-5 First Floor, Al-Useed Center, 6-Fane Road, Opposite Best Western Hotel, Lahore, Pakistan

    London Office: Cranbrook House, Suite 3A, 61 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, London, IG1 4PG, UK

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