Starting your UK immigration enquiry: what to prepare

Contacting an immigration adviser for the first time can feel like a lot. You may not know which details matter, or whether you are "ready" to ask. The good news is that you do not need a perfect file. You need a clear picture of where you are now, where you want to be, and what has happened along the way.

This short guide explains what is helpful to have to hand before you send an enquiry. It is general information, not advice on your own circumstances.

1) Start with your goal and your timing

Write one or two sentences about what you are hoping to do in the UK, such as living, working, studying, joining family or visiting. Add any dates that matter: when you plan to travel, when a job or course starts, or when your current permission ends. A clear timeline helps an adviser see how much time there is to work with.

2) Know your current status

Tell us what permission you hold now, if any, and when it expires. The UK has moved to digital immigration status, and GOV.UK explains that eVisas have replaced physical immigration documents. If you have a UKVI account, you can view your status there and create a share code. If you are not sure what you hold, say so. That is a perfectly good starting point.

3) Gather your key documents

Which documents matter depends on your situation, but these are usually useful to have close by:

• Your current passport or travel document, and any previous ones

• Details of your UKVI account or current immigration status

• Decision letters or emails from the Home Office

• Anything you have already submitted or started

Please do not send documents until you are asked. For a first enquiry, knowing what you have is enough.

4) Be complete about your history

Think about previous visa applications, any refusals, time spent in the UK, and time spent abroad. Even details that feel awkward or unimportant can affect which options are suitable, so it is better to mention them early than to have them surface later. A full and honest picture protects you.

5) List the people involved

If a partner, family member, employer, sponsor or university is part of your plans, note who they are and how they are connected. You do not need to share personal details about them at this stage.

6) Write down your questions

What is worrying you most? What would you like to understand after the first conversation? Starting with your questions keeps the discussion focused on what you actually need.

What happens after you send an enquiry

When you complete our free initial assessment, we review it manually to see whether we can help within the scope we are authorised to cover. Submitting the form is an enquiry, not an automatic acceptance as a client, and it does not guarantee any outcome. If we can help, we may invite you to a consultation. If your matter falls outside our authorised scope, we will tell you so, so that you can look for suitably regulated help elsewhere.

Ready to take the first step? Start your initial assessment.

This article provides general information only and is not immigration advice. UK immigration rules and guidance change, so please check GOV.UK for the latest position. Information checked on 29 October 2026.