British Citizenship
The team have assisted many individuals with applications for British citizenship. For those wishing to naturalise as a British citizen, the team are able to provide full support with the application process. They can also advise clients undertaking the application process themselves through one-off consultations, and provide recommendations as to their prepared application. The client is always able to guide the level of support.
Religious Workers
Reputed for its work with the religious charity sector, Stone King are able to offer a new dimension to this support through the Immigration team. With the need for convents and other religious organisations to look outside of the UK for support, there has been rapid development of this niche area.
The team assist many organisations with settlement applications for individuals who have immigration status under the Minister of Religion route, including applications for British citizenship.
As a trustee of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA), Julie regularly delivers in-depth training to other legal professionals on this area of law. Her expertise has led to her becoming a faith champion within Stone King, guiding firmwide development, building on knowledge of the issues clients face in the faith-sector and how these can be addressed. Julie has also attended the Association of Provincial Bursars (APB) Conference and presented on immigration issues faced by religious organisations.
The team were instructed by a religious sister to advise on an application for British citizenship. The team had previously assisted this sister with obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), having being sponsored by a religious organisation in the years prior.
The sister was confident she could complete the citizenship application herself, and therefore instructed on a one-hour consultation with a member of the team to advise as to her progress with the application. Having advised on the sister’s progress and proposing amendments to the application, the sister’s submitted her application and was able to book her UKVI appointment.
‘The things I appreciate most from the team who have helped me in my recent immigration application are their efficiency and good use of technology which has been particularly helpful during the periods of lockdown we have had.’ – Legal 500 2021
Private client
For those wishing to naturalise as a British citizen, the team have assisted EU and non-EU nationals alike with applications for citizenship. They have supported clients with applications where an individual first resided in the UK over 50 years ago and those where evidencing residence has been challenging due to lack of supporting documentation.
The team were instructed by an EU national who had been married to a British national for over 30 years. The couple had lived in various countries throughout their marriage, however, they had been living in the UK for over a decade. They wished to continue their retirement in the UK as they had strong family ties.
The team liaised with the client to obtain supporting documentation for the citizenship application, and prepared a detailed letter of representation to UK Visas and Immigration on their behalf. The application was successful, and the team advised the client on booking their citizenship ceremony.
‘It’s a real pleasure to work with Julie Moktadir who acted for me in my recent immigration application. Her professional knowledge, competence and efficiency are most helpful and reassuring. In addition, with her warm personality and excellent communication skill, she is approachable and makes me feel very much at ease especially during these difficult times of COVID.’ – Legal 500 2021