No Going Back – Your LGBT+ immigration lawyers

Meet the Team

Stuart is an expert in the field of immigration for over a decade, Stuart brings his experience and expertise to No Going Back. His career highlights include heading an LGBTQ+ asylum charity and representing clients from around the globe. Stuart’s extensive knowledge on LGBTQ+ immigration issues has led him to international interviews with prestigious platforms such as Channel 4, Al Jazeera, and LBC radio, among others.

As a distinguished guest speaker, Stuart has shared his insights at the University of St Andrews, Manchester Metropolitan University, Leeds Beckett University, and the London School of Economics (LSE). Besides his impressive professional portfolio, he was also a magistrate in Leeds and is an accredited family mediator with the Family Mediation Council.

In his academic journey, Stuart demonstrated exceptional prowess, graduating from the University of Sheffield and earning the Mrs. Stewart Blake prize for academic excellence. More personally, Stuart enjoys learning about new cultures and spends his leisure time with his Mexican husband, Dorian.

Why Choose No Going Back?

Choosing No Going Back means opting for more than just legal expertise; it means selecting a partner who understands you. As part of the LGBTQ+ community ourselves, we offer a unique empathy and understanding of the issues you might encounter. We understand the complexities of the immigration process and the added stress it can impose, especially when coupled with discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity. Our team is experienced in working with LGBTQ+ individuals from countries where they face persecution, and we can provide specialized support in these situations. With us, you can feel safe, supported, and proud.

We firmly believe that quality immigration advice should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Adopting a client-focused approach, we ensure our services are tailored to your specific needs, providing guidance and advice remotely if you are currently outside the UK.

At No Going Back, we’ve built a team that’s part of the community we serve. It’s our belief that discussing sensitive issues becomes less daunting when conversing with someone who shares similar experiences. This shared understanding fuels our ability to provide the best possible support. With us, you’re more than just a client—you’re a human being with unique needs and experiences. Our mission extends beyond providing high-quality immigration advice; we also strive to empower you to be authentically you.

UK Visas

A visa or vignette is the “official stamp” or visa sticker allowing you to enter, visit and stay in any given country. There are various types, here are some from the UK which are described below:

Family visas

One of the most common visas we can support you with is the family visa. This is necessary for you to bring your family into the UK. Examples include partner visas for married/civil partnered couples, those who have lived together for a continuous period of at least two years, fiancés, and those with dependent children. The most common problem we encounter in these cases is the financial requirement, which stipulates that to be eligible you must have a gross annual income of at least £18,600 (though this is dependent on exceptions such as permitted benefits). Things can become complicated – but please know that we make our living sorting these issues so do feel free to get in touch, we are happy to help!

Indefinite leave to remain (settlement visa)

If you are looking to secure your stay permanently in the UK, you will need to apply for indefinite leave to remain. This is a process with numerous steps and eligibility criteria and can be very daunting. We are here to help you understand this process and ensure it is done properly. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information and support.

Visitor visas (UK)

An exceptionally common visa is the visitor visa that is used when you are travelling to the UK for leisure or business, or maybe even healthcare. We are experts at visitor visas, so do get in touch if you are wondering whether you should apply for one. You can use the following government tool to check the requirements: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

 Coming from Europe

Now that the UK has left the EU, there are lots of changes. At No Going Back we ensure that we are up to date on all legislative changes that may affect various nationals in applying for EU visas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if my immigration case is particularly complex?

Our team has extensive experience handling a variety of immigration cases, including some very complex ones. We are committed to providing comprehensive support and advice, regardless of the complexity of your case. It's important to remember that complex cases can sometimes take longer to resolve due to the need for additional documentation or the need to liaise with multiple departments or agencies. Rest assured, we'll keep you informed every step of the way.

Can you guarantee success?

As with all legal processes, there are no guaranteed outcomes. What we can guarantee, however, is that we will provide you with the most informed, accurate, and up-to-date advice available and that we will fight tirelessly to give you the best possible chance of success.

Can you help with immigration appeals?

Yes, we work with an outstanding LGBTQ+ barrister who can assist with appeals against immigration decisions. It's essential to act promptly if you've received a refusal, as there are strict timeframes for lodging appeals. Please contact us as soon as possible if you've received a refusal and believe you have grounds for appeal.

What happens if my immigration application is refused?

If your application is refused, we can help you understand the reasons for the refusal and advise you on your options. This may involve submitting a new application or lodging an appeal against the decision. We will work with you to identify the best possible course of action based on your individual circumstances.

Are you regulated as an immigration lawyer?

Yes, we are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The OISC oversees and regulates immigration advisers in the UK, ensuring they are competent and always act in the best interests of their clients. All of our advisers are OISC accredited.

Can you help with immigration applications from abroad?

Yes, we can assist with applications from overseas. Many of our services can be provided remotely, so you can access our support no matter where in the world you are. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions. We're here to help you navigate your immigration journey.