Agreed in advance
We discuss fees before work begins and provide an estimate of hours and cost, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
HOW WE CHARGE
Clear pricing fromthe very first conversation
At AC Gilead Solicitors, work is carried out by qualified solicitors and, in some cases, by trainee solicitors or paralegals depending on the nature and complexity of the case. We agree the fee in advance to give you peace of mind.
This guide largely deals with work we undertake on behalf of individuals. We also provide immigration services to businesses — not all of those services are listed here.
Depending on the type of application and your circumstances, we may offer a fixed fee or an hourly-rated quotation for our costs.
Fees we quote are for our professional work only — disbursements such as Home Office fees, VAT and third-party costs are charged separately.
WHAT YOU GET
How we help you understand costs
Fees agreed in advance where possible — with a clear view of what is included, what is not, and how we work.
What’s included
Detailed assessment of your case, advice on options and rules, evidence review, preparation and submission, and guidance on next steps.
What’s not included
VAT, Home Office fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, translation, interpreters, barristers, experts, couriers and further post-submission work.
HOURLY RATES
Experience thatmatches your matter
Our solicitors and fee earners are categorised by experience. At the start of each instruction we estimate hours and cost.
Solicitors with 5+ years qualified experience
£300/ hour
Solicitors with less than 5 years PQE
£200/ hour
Trainee solicitors and paralegals
£120/ hour
It is always difficult to gauge hourly costs precisely — new information and complexity can change estimates. We provide stage-by-stage estimates where needed.
What’s included in the fees
- Assessing your circumstances and determining the most appropriate application
- Advice about Immigration Rules and requirements
- Advice on whether you meet the criteria and how to fulfil them
- Considering and assessing your supporting evidence
- Help obtaining further evidence where possible (e.g. medical records, bank statements, language tests)
- Preparing and submitting the application on your behalf
- Advice on the outcome and the way forward
- Liaising with third parties including the Home Office and tribunals where necessary
Not included in our fees
- VAT
- Home Office application fees or third-party provider fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Fees for translating documents
- Fees for certifying copies of originals
- Fees for interpreters
- Barrister fees where applicable
- Expert reports applicable to your matter
- Further work after submission (agreed separately if needed)
- Courier fees
Please note
- This list is not exhaustive but gives an idea of expenses that can arise in addition to solicitors’ costs.
- Photocopying and fax costs are normally included in the quoted rate; we reserve the right to charge separately if volume reasonably requires it.
- If we must work outside normal office hours, we may increase hourly rates and will notify you in writing.
- Rates may be higher if a matter becomes more complex than expected — we will notify you.
IMMIGRATION
Application & appealfee guides
Average costs depend on the fee earner’s hourly rate, time required and complexity of the case.
Starting point
Initial consultation
£150 – £350
Usually in person or by video with an immigration specialist. Does not include VAT, contacting the Home Office, or completing/submitting an application or appeal.
- Understanding your legal matter
- Complete history of your case
- Advice on strengths and weaknesses
- Potential solutions and next steps
- Likely timescale for the work
- Documents we will need from you
Settlement
£1,600 – £2,000
plus VAT
Leave to remain (child, dependant or partner)
£1,500 – £2,000
plus VAT
Complex Article 8 leave to remain
£1,500 – £2,000
excluding VAT
Visit visas
£1,200 – £2,000
plus VAT
EEA permanent residence
£1,200 – £2,700
excluding VAT
EEA family permit
£1,500 – £2,000
plus VAT
Naturalisation as a British citizen
£750 – £1,500
plus VAT
Registration as a British citizen
£750 – £1,300
plus VAT
Investor and start-up visa applications
£2,500 – £10,000
plus VAT
Tier 4 student visa
£1,100 – £4,000
plus VAT
Graduate visa
£1,200 – £4,000
plus VAT
Skilled worker visa
£1,500 – £5,000
plus VAT
Tier 5
£1,500 – £5,000
plus VAT
UK passport and other travel documents
£500 – £1,500
plus VAT
Home Office interview attendance and advice
£500 – £1,000
excluding VAT
Bail applications
£1,000 – £2,000
excluding VAT
Appeals (grounds, preparation and representation)
£1,300 – £5,000
excluding VAT
Judicial review application
£2,500 – £4,000
excluding VAT
We cannot guarantee Home Office processing times. Check current times at gov.uk/visa-processing-times. Check processing times
OTHER PRACTICE AREAS
Criminal, employment,family & housing
Clear fee structures across our core practice areas — with fixed fees where they work best for you.
CRIMINAL DEFENCE
Crime fees explained clearly
Work not covered by legal aid is charged hourly (exclusive of VAT and disbursements), or as an agreed fixed fee.
Hourly rates
- Solicitor with more than 8 years qualification£267 / hour
- Solicitor with more than 4 years qualification£229 / hour
- All other solicitors£165 / hour
Initial consultation: £200 + VAT
Office appointment + first Magistrates’ Court appearance: £600 – £1,500 + VAT
Included
- Initial attendance to take detailed instructions
- Consideration of disclosure and evidence with legal advice
- Seeking further disclosure if necessary
- Instructions on witness statements and analysing evidence
- Advice on strengths, weaknesses, defences and likely sentences
- Drafting documents such as a basis of plea
- Preparation for the first Magistrates’ Court hearing
- Advice on procedure and sentencing options
Not included
- Barrister’s costs for attending court
- Preparation for further hearings (about £600 + VAT per hearing)
- Appeals and drafting grounds of appeal
Usual timescale is three to six months or longer, depending on plea, trial and court listings.
EMPLOYMENT
Non-contentious employment fees
We offer one-off fixed or agreed fees for advice and assistance — costs are agreed before we commence work.
Compromise / settlement agreement
£350 – £500 + VAT
Attendance and preparation, obtaining instructions, reviewing contracts and any settlement agreement proposed by the employer, and advice on employment rights and the adequacy of the offer.
FAMILY & HOUSING
Family and housing fee options
Consultations, legal aid where eligible, and fixed fees for matters such as child arrangement orders.
Initial consultation
£100 + VAT (£120)
Usually one hour — understanding your matter, history, strengths and weaknesses, solutions, timescale and documents required.
Consultation + detailed advice letter
£200 + VAT (£240)
A fuller consultation followed by a written advice letter summarising options and next steps.
Child arrangement order
£1,500 – £2,000 + VAT
- Attendance and preparation, including instructions and evidence review
- Taking statements from you and relevant witnesses
- Preparing the hearing bundle if necessary
- Advice on court procedures, options and likely outcomes
- Telephone calls (made and received)£20 each
- Letters (written and received)£15 per letter
- Travel / waiting£45 per hour
LEGAL AID
You may be eligible for legal help
Legal aid is means and merits tested. Those on passported benefits such as Income Support, JSA or ESA are often eligible. Merits testing looks at whether there is a genuine benefit to funding the matter.
Work not covered by legal aid is charged hourly (exclusive of VAT and disbursements) or on a fixed-fee basis where agreed.
Need a personalised quote?
Complex or urgent matters receive a tailored estimate based on complexity, urgency and the solicitor dealing with your case.
Contact Us
Or call us on 020 8691 3432