The first helpful question may be 'What permission do you hold right now?'
Mina’s next decision
Mina has saved dozens of screenshots and messages about her plans but struggles to explain her question in a short email. She starts again with four facts: where she is, what permission she currently holds, what she wants to do and the dates that matter.
That outline makes it easier to ask whether the adviser can accept the work and what a consultation would cover. She keeps identity documents out of the initial message. Instead of judging the appointment by the size of her folder, Mina can judge it by whether it clarifies her options, scope and practical next steps.
An illustrative scenario, not a client story or an example of a successful application.
Write down the four starting facts
Prepare your present country and immigration status, important dates, intended purpose and any previous refusals or problems. List what you most need to understand. For a family case include the relationship category; for work, whether an employer has assigned a CoS; for study, whether the CAS is available.
Know what the initial enquiry is for
An initial enquiry lets the adviser screen authorisation, competence and conflicts. It is not yet an accepted engagement. UK VISA TAX's written advice, website and documents are in English; spoken Tamil may be available on request for an initial call.
Know what the fee buys
Our fee scale lists an £80 initial consultation of up to 30 minutes with a short written summary, deductible from the agreed application fee if you go on to instruct the practice. The separate eligibility/document-review fee is £120. Government and third-party costs are not included in those professional amounts.
Key takeaways: what to do next
- Start here. Prepare a brief factual outline and ask about suitability, scope and written terms before sharing a detailed file.
- If the facts are clear, compare them with the current official guidance below and list the evidence still needed. Keep the purpose of each document clear.
- If a fact is uncertain or disputed, flag it before submitting or paying for application work. Ask whether the issue needs an adviser with different authorisation or experience.
An enquiry does not extend a deadline or confirm that we have accepted instructions. For an urgent matter, seek appropriately authorised help promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to know the exact visa name?
No. Describe the situation and the initial screening will consider the likely route.
Is sending an enquiry the same as instructing the practice?
No. Acceptance follows screening and agreed written terms.
How long is the initial consultation?
The published £80 service is up to 30 minutes with a short written summary.
Is the £80 deducted if I instruct you?
The published fee scale says it is deducted from the agreed application fee if you proceed.
Can I email bank statements or passport scans before the meeting?
Please do not send sensitive records through the general enquiry process.
What if my matter needs a higher-level adviser?
UK VISA TAX explains its limits and, where appropriate, signposts or refers.
Do I pay the immigration adviser in advance?
Under the retained original UK VISA TAX terms, no advance payment is taken for work not yet carried out; invoicing follows completed work or an agreed completed stage.
Is a consultation a promise of a visa outcome?
No. Government authorities determine applications.
What is the practical lesson from Mina’s example?
Prepare a brief factual outline and ask about suitability, scope and written terms before sharing a detailed file. The example is fictional and does not establish eligibility or predict a decision in another case.
Official sources and next steps
Illustrative general information only. Check the latest official guidance and your own circumstances before relying on it. The example is not a UK VISA TAX client case or testimonial.
Professional fees: £80 consultation up to 30 minutes, including a short written summary. This is a separate fee and is not credited against later application work. View the complete fee schedule → Check our IAA Level 1 scope → Start a brief enquiry →
What is the one question you most want answered in your first consultation?
The form prepares an email for you to review and send in your own email app. It does not submit online, arrange a booking or establish an engagement. Please do not include sensitive documents.