LGBT Immigration.

Britton and Time handle all types of UK immigration matters and understand that LGBT clients may face distinct challenges, both personal and legal. We offer expert support across the full spectrum of immigration services, and we work with compassion and care.  

Our team can help with: 

• Family visas 

• Child student visas 

• Student visas 

• Work visas, including skilled worker, innovator and start-up 

• Indefinite leave to remain 

• British citizenship 

If your application has been refused or delayed, we can step in and support you at any stage of the process. 

We’ll listen carefully to your story and help you find the right path. We have offices in Brighton and London, and we offer support internationally.  

Yes, and we’re here to help with those.

You may be applying from a country where it’s not safe to be open about who you are. You might be in a same-sex relationship that isn’t legally recognised in your home country. Or you may have had negative experiences with legal systems before.

We know the UK immigration process isn’t always simple or welcoming, and for LGBT people, it can feel even more uncertain. That’s why we take the time to understand your background, explain everything clearly and give you a safe space to ask questions.

Yes. UK immigration law treats same-sex and opposite-sex relationships equally. If you’re a British citizen or you have indefinite leave to remain, your partner might be able to apply for a partner visa. 

This applies if: 

• You’re married or in a civil partnership 

• You’ve lived together in a genuine relationship for at least two years 

You’ll need to show proof of your relationship and meet financial and English language rules. For LGBT applicants, we know that proof of relationship can be more difficult, especially if your relationship wasn’t legally recognised or had to stay private in your home country. 

We can help you put together the right documents, explain your story clearly and avoid common mistakes that can lead to refusals. You won’t have to do it on your own. 

If you’re at risk of persecution in your home country because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you may be able to claim asylum in the UK. 

To do this, you’ll need to show that it wouldn’t be safe for you to return home. This often means sharing personal information or experiences. We understand how difficult that can be and endeavour to offer a safe space to discuss these matters. 

Whilst we are happy to discuss any asylum claim with you in detail and take on privately funded matters, we are unable to offer Legal Aid or Pro Bono services.  

The nature of asylum claims means that fees can vary significantly from case to case. We will set out clearly the costs per stage for us to act on your behalf at the outset of the matter and will provide clear cost updates throughout the process. 

For an overview of costs, please visit our immigration pricing page.

Yes. We support people of all gender identities and can help make sure your immigration application reflects who you are. 

We know that trans applicants sometimes face extra barriers, be it mismatched documents or concerns about privacy, safety or discrimination. We’ll guide you through what’s needed, help you present your information clearly and make sure you’re treated with respect at every stage. 

If you have questions about how your gender history might affect your case, we’ll talk it through with care and discretion. You don’t need to explain or justify your identity to us. We’re here to support you. 

It depends on what you’re applying for and how complex your case is. 

For most standard visas, the Home Office aims to decide within 8 weeks. This includes: 

• Student visas 

• Skilled worker visas 

• Partner and family visas (if income and English language requirements are met) 

Some applications take longer. For example: 

• Partner or parent visas based on private life may take up to 12 months 

• Asylum and protection claims vary more widely and often take longer 

Processing time starts after you’ve submitted your documents and biometric information. You’ll get an email or letter when a decision has been made. 

For more information on how long you can expect to wait for a decision on specific visas, see the latest Home Office visa processing times. 

Applications can take longer if: 

• Your documents need to be verified 

• The Home Office needs more information 

• You’re asked to attend an interview 

• Your case is complex  

• Demand is high 

We’ll explain what timeline you’re likely to face and help you get everything right the first time, which reduces delays. We’ll also keep you updated from start to finish. 

Your application can be refused for reasons like missing information, not meeting residency or good character rules, or problems with your English or Life in the UK test. 

If refused, you can ask the Home Office to review the decision. You must request this within 28 days if outside the UK, or 14 days if inside. 

In some cases, you may be able to appeal the refusal through the courts. 

Our solicitors can help you understand your options, assist with reviews or appeals, and explore other ways to secure your status. 

An immigration solicitor can help you understand your rights, prepare your application properly and avoid delays or refusals.

We’ll make sure you apply under the right route, gather the right evidence and present your case clearly and respectfully. If your application’s been refused, we can explain why and help you challenge the decision or apply again.

We take time to understand your background and what matters to you. We know every person’s situation is different, and we’ll make sure you feel listened to, included and supported throughout.