The Home Office is a veritable gold mine of a bureaucracy, so do your homework and make sure to do it before you do it. It’s a good idea to enlist the aid of an immigration lawyer if you haven’t already. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve been an applicant myself. There are no guarantees, however, and you may have to go it alone. Luckily, this isn’t a bad thing. With the right guidance, your immigration status may be improved in no time. This is particularly true for spouses covered by a Settlement applications extension. To get the best deal, call your visa officer and ask for a free consultation. Alternatively, you can check out the Home Office’s website. If you can’t make it in person, you can also fill out a request for an online assessment. After a thorough evaluation, you’ll receive an invitation to attend the next available appointment. Don’t forget to bring your passport and driver’s license, or you’ll have to wait for a day or two.

You’ll be glad you did. For a modest fee, you’ll receive a letter of invitation, as well as a comprehensive set of recommendations suited to your specific needs. While the staff may be intimidating, the rewards are well worth the effort. A well informed staff member can be a friend in need. Remember, the best time to visit the Home Office is during business hours, so be sure to factor this into your travel plans. Lastly, don’t forget to check your luggage when you land at the airport, if you can.