Immigration Solicitor Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Immigration Solicitor interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 16 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Immigration Solicitor interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What are the main requirements for a Skilled Worker visa application?

Why they ask: One of the most frequent areas of work for immigration solicitors.

2. What duties does a sponsor licence holder have?

Why they ask: Employer-side compliance is a major source of instructions.

3. Explain how a right to work check should be conducted and what penalties apply if an employer gets it wrong.

Why they ask: Commonly asked of employer-facing immigration lawyers.

4. A client's visa expires in a week and they have not made an in-country application. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests urgent triage and knowledge of overstayer rules.

5. What are the requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen?

Why they ask: Frequent client enquiry.

6. Your client's application has been refused. What options do you consider?

Why they ask: Tests knowledge of challenge routes and deadlines.

7. Tell me about a time you managed a complex application with tight deadlines.

Why they ask: Assesses organisation and accuracy.

8. Why do you want to be an immigration solicitor?

Why they ask: Checks motivation and awareness of regulatory expectations.

A sample answer to question 1

What are the main requirements for a Skilled Worker visa application?

The applicant needs a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office licensed sponsor, for an eligible occupation, which since July 2025 generally means a role at RQF level 6 or above, apart from certain transitional and shortage categories. The salary must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for the occupation, unless a lower rate applies, for example for new entrants or roles on the Immigration Salary List. The applicant must show English language ability at B1 level, and in most cases must show maintenance funds unless the sponsor certifies maintenance. Other requirements include a criminal record certificate for certain jobs, a tuberculosis test for some countries and the correct fees, including the application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge and the sponsor's Immigration Skills Charge. Applications are made online with biometrics, and the Home Office decision is normally within three weeks from outside the UK or eight weeks in country. I would check the Immigration Rules, as they change frequently.

Common mistake to avoid: Quoting outdated thresholds; forgetting fees such as IHS and ISC

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Immigration Solicitor interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.