Expert Immigration Law Barristers in Milton Keynes
Strategic Tribunal Representation & Specialist Advice in Complex Immigration and Nationality Matters
Get In Touch
Our immigration law barristers provide specialist support for both individuals and businesses. We offer legal services across a range of immigration proceedings, from human rights to sponsorship licence matters.
As we are a direct access barristers chambers, clients can work with us directly, without the need for a solicitor. Find out more about our direct access offering here.
We understand that immigration cases can be stressful and high-stakes, both emotionally and financially. To support our clients, we offer cost-effective and tailored services – such as flexible appointment times (including evenings and weekends) and virtual meetings.
Our immigration law services are broad. We can provide advice and support on all aspects of immigration matters, including:
- Family and human rights matters (spouse and children matters)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Nationality (naturalisation) matters, including deprivation proceedings
- Entry clearance and visitor visa matters
- Business (sponsorship licence matters)
- Business (Home Office civil penalties for illegal working)
The services we provide include
- Tribunal appeals
- drafting a Notice of Appeal
- advice on witness statements
- Judicial Review applications
- Administrative Review applications
- Civil penalty appeals
Our immigration barristers also have experience in family law, providing nuanced insight into matters where immigration and family court issues overlap. For example, we can support parents who seek permission to stay (leave to remain) in the UK based on their child residing here with their immigration Tribunal (this is known as First-tier Tribunal) case and their Family Court hearing.
You can instruct us directly via the Direct Access Scheme, saving on solicitor fees and working directly with your barrister.
Why Choose Demstone Chambers for Immigration Law?
- Direct Access Barristers: You can instruct us directly without the need for a solicitor, giving you greater control over your case and helping to reduce overall legal costs.
- Specialist Immigration Law Expertise: Our barristers focus on immigration and nationality law. We understand the complexities of visa applications, appeals, human rights claims, deportation decisions and sponsorship matters.
- Client-Focused Approach: You will work directly with a barrister, ensuring clear, practical advice, personal communication and a tailored legal strategy that reflects your individual circumstances.
- Robust Representation Before the Tribunal and Courts: Where your case proceeds to the First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal or higher courts, we provide strong, strategic advocacy at every stage of the process.
- Confidentiality & Sensitivity: Immigration issues are often deeply personal and stressful. We handle every case with discretion, professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
- Local and Regional Knowledge: We have in-depth experience of immigration hearings and courts serving Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford and Luton, while regularly acting for clients across the UK.
The Immigration First-tier Tribunal Process
The specific timelines of an immigration case will depend on the type of case as well as its complexity. The general process – and how our barristers can support you at each stage – is outlined below:
-
Step 1Initial ConsultationWe can review your situation and assess the strength of your case. We also explain the process and timelines of immigration proceedings, including potential outcomes. We can also support clients with urgent requests for an expedited hearing, where appropriate.
-
Step 2Case Review & StrategyWe can assist with the online appeal submission through MyHMCTS (or paper submission, if needed). If your case proceeds to a final hearing, we can review your documents and prepare a tailored strategy based on the most probable outcomes and risks. This stage will also include drafting documents such as an appeal skeleton argument (ASA), as well as preparing evidence bundles and witness statements.
-
Step 3Immigration Hearing RepresentationOur experienced immigration barristers can represent clients at all stages. At the First-tier Tribunal hearing, both sides present their cases. Each party’s barrister conducts examination-in-chief of their own witnesses and cross-examines those of the other side. The barristers then make legal submissions (‘speeches’) to the judge. Written decisions are usually sent within 1-2 months of the hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all immigration decisions can be appealed to the First-tier Tribunal. Since the Immigration Act 2014, rights of appeal apply to certain decisions only. These are decisions relating to asylum and protection, human rights, and – in some circumstances – breaches of rights under the EU treaties.
Other types of Home Office decisions may be challenged through Administrative Review or Judicial Review. Read our article on immigration appeals here.
First-tier Tribunal appeals typically take around 6–12 months from submission to decision, although this depends on the complexity of the case. Hearing dates can take several months to be listed, though in urgent cases you can request an expedited hearing if you can provide a compelling, evidenced reason.
Immigration judges do not usually give their decision on the day of the hearing and instead send a written decision within approximately 1–2 months of the hearing.
If your case is unsuccessful in the First-tier Tribunal, you may be able to appeal this. With permission, you can appeal to the Upper Tribunal (and, in some cases, the Court of Appeal) to review the decision. This can only be done on the basis of legal error, not simply because you disagree with the decision.
Permission to appeal is where the Tribunal, on paper, decides whether there is a basis of appeal (see FAQs below). Our barristers can provide support and representation at all stages of an appeal.
If no route of appeal is available, you may be able to seek a judicial review in the Upper Tribunal or Administrative Court to challenge the decision on legal or procedural grounds. Read our article on judicial review here.
Yes, you are able to give oral evidence in your native language. You should opt for the language you are most able to speak clearly and accurately in – judges are more concerned with assessing the strength of your case than your ability to speak English.
If you are speaking in your native language, you should inform the First-tier Tribunal in advance, so they can arrange an interpreter. To note, written documents must be translated into English ahead of the hearing.
Fees
Naturally, our costs depend on the volume and type of work involved in each case. Further information can be found here.
If you are facing difficulties with your immigration status or are involved in immigration law proceedings, contact our team of specialist barristers.
Our main office is in Milton Keynes, though our immigration law barristers can assist clients across the UK.
