About Grace:
Grace is an experienced practitioner in immigration, nationality and refugee law and has specialised in this area since 1995. She has extensive experience in all aspects of UK immigration law.
When managing UK and cross-border M&A, investments and restructurings, immigration challenges may arise, particularly where there are key employees that need to be retained. Our business immigration solicitors can help you identify the risks early, protect key talent and keep your transaction on track.
Recognised as leaders in our field in all major directories
How we can help
Our role is to ensure immigration considerations are identified early, managed effectively and aligned with the commercial objectives of the transaction through:
Identifying key risks
We'll work with you to identify any issues that might arise throughout the transaction, including sponsor licence exposure, critical talent retention, right to work compliance, corporate risk mitigation, regulatory readiness and more.
Deal structuring and execution
To ensure transactions are carried out as smoothly as possible, we can offer advice on immigration consequences of share acquisitions, asset acquisitions, mergers and group reorganisations. We can analyse implications arising from changes in ownership and control, continuity of sponsored workers and key personnel and support on transaction timetables, completion, planning and regulatory notifications.
Transaction documentation
In this specialist area, we can advise you on immigration-specific due diligence reporting, give input into representations, warranties, indemnities and disclosure schedules, identify immigration-related liabilities and look at completion conditions and post-closing obligations.
Pre-aquisition due diligence
Our experienced team will review target immigration compliance, your sponsor licence position and workforce profile. They'll identify key employees whose immigration status may be critical to business continuity, assess right to work compliance, historic issues and potential exposure and review sponsored worker populations, Certificates of Sponsorship and reporting obligations.
Post-completion integration
Following completion, we can continue to advise you on implementation of immigration transition strategies, support with reporting and sponsor licences, workforce mobility planning, and review of remediation and immigration compliance frameworks.
What our clients say
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Without exception, all members of Weightmans' team have good knowledge of the cases, been available, able to provide outstanding advice that is disseminated into easy to understand vocabulary and written materials and have worked as part of our extended team.
Legal 500 2026 -
Weightmans have taken time to understand our business and the market we operate within. They have given us practical advice to help us navigate our challenges to protect the business. They just offer a first-class service.
Legal 500 2026 -
It's always a great response from them. They are our go-to partner when we most need help and advice.
Legal 500 2026 -
Weightmans have the ability to break down difficult and precarious situations into steps that are clear to follow. The timeliness of their responses is welcome too.
Legal 500 2026 -
Weightmans have the ability to grasp the key critical issues and provide pragmatic advice. They've had a continued success rate in terms of positive outcomes.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Weightmans' ability to navigate complex legal matters while maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset sets them apart.Weightmans' lawyers stand out due to their deep expertise, proactive approach and commitment to excellence.Weightmans has provided calm and measured advice in a timely manner, which has helped the company to handle potentially difficult situations and achieve successful resolutions.With Weightmans we have always been provided with timely and well-considered advice, even when dealing with urgent or complex matters.
Chambers & Partners 2026 -
Weightmans are well versed in all employment law matters and I personally find that they quickly get up to speed with current issues and offer a number of resolves and understand how the client will want to resolve the issue, whilst also explaining limitations on any expected resolves which may fall outside the scope of employment law.
Legal 500 2026 -
A strong, capable and professional team who are quickly able to respond to the needs of clients. They have an excellent understanding of the needs of businesses and are very effective.
Legal 500 2026 -
Highly effective equal pay team covering trade union issues and collective action.
Legal 500 2025 -
I've worked with Weightmans for many years now, and I have always found they provide an excellent service. Professional, commercial, responsive and friendly.
Legal 500 2025 -
The employment team is incredibly knowledgeable, providing expert guidance and advice on all issues. The team is responsive to immediate requests for assistance and is thorough in its preparation and advice. The customer service is excellent.
Legal 500 2025 -
The team are really supportive and helpful. They work closely together and will pick up each other's cases where needed. .All of the team are very approachable, down to earth and provide advice that is clear and understandable and considering of the business implications.
Legal 500 2025 -
Organised and person-centred approach. In my experience, this has been consistent with everyone I've met at Weightmans. The knowledge and expertise of the solicitors and how legislation is interpreted is always well explained both verbally and in written correspondence.
Legal 500 2025 -
I cannot stress enough how the culture at Weightmans appears consistent throughout every interaction, and this really stands out. In particular, people are so polite, approachable, easy to talk to, and always give the best advice, guidance and due care and attention. Advice is always thorough and clear yet detailed enough to understand what is being explained in full context, which is always appreciated.
Legal 500 2025 -
The team really collaborate, helping us work through the problem before looking at the solution. They always seem to be one step ahead of us in our sector, which is a delight. They bring insight proactively from legal or regulatory changes that we should be considering, specifically as a growing business.
Legal 500 2025 -
Weightmans has excellent depth in its team, with knowledge and professionalism at the highest level. I have always found them to be very responsive.
Chambers 2025 -
The firm is timely and professional, and able to explain complex points in simple language. Weightmans is excellent at setting timescales and sticking to them without compromising quality of service.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans has clear commercial understanding and a good ability to provide business-oriented advice.
Chambers 2025 -
The team has always proved reliable and able to handle enquiries within the timeframes required of the situation. For enquiries of a more complex nature, the response is extremely quick and thorough.
Chambers 2025 -
The team's approach is practical and it is sensitive when asked to be. Its language is direct and clear and is our go-to for all issues.
Chambers 2025 -
Their client service is great, the level of advice is great and they are honest with us as clients. They give good and bad news to allow us to make an informed opinion to do the right thing.
Chambers 2025 -
The team are very experienced and confident in their delivery. I have been impressed with how responsive they are, and where they can't come back to you there is always someone else available.
Chambers 2025 -
Cases have been handled confidently and efficiently with full appreciation of their sensitive nature. The team are very competent and have a broad understanding of all aspects of employment law.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans has a proven track record with high risk cases.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans responsiveness is excellent, as are its service levels.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans is extremely pragmatic and practical.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans' team is multi-disciplined and there is always a specialist in any field whose support can be drawn upon.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans breakdowns complicated matters into understandable implications and weigh up the benefits and risks of various routes forward.
Chambers 2025 -
Weightmans provides pragmatic advice with a strong understanding of the specific challenges facing the sector.
Chambers 2025 -
It is a professional team with years of experience. They have the knowledge and skills to handle complex and sophisticated matters.
Legal 500 2026 -
Expertise at varying levels is always there to support the resolution of an issue in an appropriate and approachable manner.
Chambers 2025
Our experience
Our team has a broad range of expertise, advising on recent corporate transactions including:
Cross-border acquisition of UK technology business
Advised the acquirer on immigration due diligence relating to a target with a significant international workforce, including assessment of sponsored employees, right to work compliance and continuity of key staff following completion.
Private equity investment in UK growth company
Supported investment counsel on immigration aspects of the acquisition, including sponsor licence analysis, workforce mapping and identification of immigration related representations, warranties and completion actions.
Global corporate restructuring and group reorgnisation
Advised an international group on the immigration consequences of a UK restructuring, including implications or sponsored workers, employing entities, internal mobility arrangements and ongoing compliance obligations.
Acquisition of regulated services business with international talent
Conducted immigration due diligence on a target operating with a highly skilled overseas workforce, including senior executives and specialist talent, identifying potential compliance risks and advising on mitigation measures ahead of closing.
Post-acquisition immigration integration programme
Advised a global purchaser following completion on implementation of immigration processes, sponsor licence compliance, reporting obligations and integration of the acquired workforce.
We serve clients across the UK and internationally from our offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham
Contact us
Location
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How we can help you
If you’re planning a corporate transaction, speak to us early. We can help you identify potential immigration risks, protect key employees and keep your transaction moving.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support your transaction.
About Olivia:
Olivia McLaren is a US immigration lawyer (qualified in New York) and Partner at Weightmans who advises companies and individuals on all aspects of US immigration and nationality law.
About Younes:
Younes is a Principal Associate advising on all aspects of private and business UK immigration, citizenship and immigration related public law matters.
How we determine our price
This section applies to our advice to you in respect of the preparation and submission of your immigration application. It does not, however, relate to any application for asylum or otherwise for entry to the UK where you believe that your rights may have been violated.
Our overall fees for immigration matters vary depending on how complex your case is and what you would like us to do. This note provides a guide to how we calculate our charges for immigration work and an indication of how much the typical case is likely to cost. For an estimate tailored to your specific matter, please contact us and we will discuss your matter and needs with you and provide you with a bespoke cost estimate.
Our charges
Our charges consist of:
Our professional fees for the legal work.
Costs and expenses paid to others in order to progress your matter, such as fees for a barrister’s opinion or representation. We handle making these payments on your behalf during the course of your matter, either using money that you have given us in advance, or invoicing them to you together with our fees. These payments are called disbursements.
VAT is charged on our professional fees at the applicable rate, which is currently 20%. Many disbursements also carry VAT, and we will inform you of the VAT on each disbursement as we go along.
Calculating our fees
Our fees will either be agreed with you as a fixed fee at the start of your case OR, be based on how much time it takes to deal with your case and we will usually be guided by your preference here.
The costs of an immigration application can vary according to how complex the case is.
The table below sets out the guideline ranges for the fixed fee costs of a straightforward application under the Immigration Rules:
Type of Application | Fees | VAT (20%) |
|---|---|---|
Consultation | £400 - £600 | £80 - £120 |
Sponsor licence | £5,000 - £7,500 | £1,000 - £1,500 |
Skilled worker | £3,500 – £6,500 | £700 - £1,300 |
Global mobility visas | £6,000 - £8,000 | £1,200 - £1,600 |
International sports person visa | £6,000 - £8,000 | £1,200 - £1,600 |
Visit visa applications (inluding businesses) | £2,500 - £5,000 | £500 - £1,000 |
UK spouse/partner visa | £5,000 - £8,000 | £1,000 - £1,600 |
Indefinite Leave to Remain | £6,000 - £10,000 | £1,200 - £2,000 |
Naturalisation as a British Citizen | £3,000 – £5,000 | £600 - £1,000 |
Registration as a British Citizen | £3,000 - £5,000 | £600 - £1,000 |
If we do not provide you with a fixed price, or if we do additional work for you which is outside the scope of our fixed price, please note that our hourly rates may apply. From 1 April 2026, the standard hourly rates for each type of solicitor or other team member who may be involved in your transaction are:
Outside London
Title | Fees | VAT (20%) |
|---|---|---|
Partner / Legal Director / Consultant | £525 | £105 |
Principal Associate | £475 | £95 |
Associate | £425 | £85 |
Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive | £375 | £75 |
Trainee Solicitor / Paralegal / Other legal assistant | £295 | £59 |
London
Title | Fees | VAT (20%) |
|---|---|---|
Partner / Legal Director / Consultant | £650 | £130 |
Principal Associate | £575 | £115 |
Associate | £525 | £105 |
Solicitor / Chartered Legal Executive | £475 | £95 |
Trainee Solicitor / Paralegal / Other legal assistant | £345 | £69 |
The above fee table represents the range of our fees for UK Immigration work, based on our hourly rates set out above. Our fees are calculated on the basis of the seniority of the Solicitor(s) advising you, the urgency and complexity of your matter.
Our fees are a general indication of the likely costs involved where the work is on a routine basis. There may be occasions where the fee quotation requires to be revisited where, for example unforeseen complexities arise, delay by relevant 3rd parties results where information is required, complications throughout the preparation stages or a complexity arises in the Immigration rules or change of law and practice.
These are fees for individuals per application. Where there are dependents, a further fee will be required to be paid for the additional work estimated to be involved but can be discussed with the Solicitor with whom you are working.
The fees will exclude disbursements. These are costs that may need to be paid to third parties. The various Home Office application fees and charges (including Immigration Health Surcharges etc) are detailed on the UK Visas & Immigration as well as UK Passport Agency websites and you will be expected to pay these direct to the relevant party as part of your application. For all other disbursements, we will handle payment of disbursements on your behalf but will require you to put us in funds before payment of such disbursements.
Details of the services included
Substantial consultation to take your instructions and ascertain your options;
Ascertaining which documents you need to provide to us and reviewing those documents (not including translation of documents if required);
Advising you as to the most appropriate visa application for you to make, and applicable timescales and any other options that may be available to you;
Helping you with the process of obtaining further evidence if required;
Drafting supporting documents and coordinating submission of the application by you;
If you do not meet the criteria to make a visa application, provide advice on whether that can be overcome and strategizing
Advising on or handling any matters which require clarification by the Home Office; and
Informing you of the outcome of the application where the outcome is delivered to us.
The stages above are an indication and if some of the stages are not required, the legal fee may lower.
Details of any services that you may reasonably expect to be included, but which are not, in fact, include:
Appeals or applications for administrative review to the Home Office; and
Cost of submitting any new applications if your original application is refused for any reason.
Tribunal Work
Our typical price range for bringing a claim for an individual is estimated by reference to the preparation required to appear in the Immigration & Asylum Chambers of the First Tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal and is typically in the region of £8,000 - £10,0000 depending on the complexity of the appeal.
Factors which will determine the final price include:
If the appeal involves more than one appeal ground e.g. immigration rules and human rights grounds;
If there is a preliminary matter which needs addressed e.g. whether your claim is out of time (in which case there may be a preliminary hearing);
If we need to make applications about whether certain evidence is admissible;
The number of documents and witnesses involved in the case;
If there are multiple appellants;
Whether any expert witnesses are required e.g. medical evidence; country evidence;
The amount of correspondence required with the other party (ie Home Office);
The amount of travel required to provide our service to you;
The level of support that you require;
If disclosure of information is required from a third party; and
If there are related, concurrent or overlapping proceedings.
Details of the services included Services include:
Initial consultation to take your instructions and provide preliminary advice;
Ascertain which papers you need to provide us and review those papers;
Advise you on the likelihood of you winning;
Draft your appeal and submit this to the First Tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal;
Review the response of the other party;
Take witness evidence, draft witness statements and agree their contents;
Prepare for and attend a preliminary hearing if applicable;
Exchange documents with the other party, review documents and prepare a bundle of documents;
Review the other party’s witness documents
Agree a list of issues and chronology where required;
Prepare a skeleton argument or written submissions if required;
Prepare for the final hearing; and
Represent you at the final hearing (unless counsel is instructed).
The stages above are an indication and if some of the stages are not required, the fee may lower.
Any further stage of appeal, to the Upper Tribunal or Court of Session in Scotland or Court of Appeal in England , is not covered by this estimate of fee and will require a detailed examination of the likely time involved.
Our UK Immigration team members are on our Website pages but if you would like further information in the first instance, then please reach out to Grace McGill or Younes Ech-Chadli
1 September 2026