Terms of business.

1. Introduction 

These Terms of Business set out the basis on which GB Visa & Immigration Services Ltd (“the Firm”) will provide immigration advice and services. By instructing us, you agree to be bound by these Terms. 

We are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA). These Terms operate alongside the IAA Code of Standards, which governs the conduct of all regulated immigration advisers in the UK. 

2. Instructions 

• An instruction is deemed to have been given when you confirm in writing (including email) that you wish us to act, and/or when you pay any deposit or consultation fee. 

• We reserve the right to decline instructions if they fall outside our regulated scope or competence. 

• Instructions are personal to you and cannot be transferred to another party without our consent. 

   

3. Fees and Payment 

• Immigration Advice Consultations: All immigration advice consultations must be paid in full and in advance. Consultation fees are non‑refundable once the consultation has taken place. 

• Other Services: For all immigration advice and services other than consultations, a deposit of 50% of the agreed professional fee is payable at the time of instruction. This deposit secures your case and covers preparatory work, initial advice, and commencement of the service. 

• Balance: The remaining 50% of the professional fee must be paid prior to completion of the agreed work or submission of any application to the Home Office or relevant authority. 

• Home Office and Third‑Party Fees: These are separate from our professional fees. Such fees are payable directly to the Home Office or relevant body, or may be held in our designated client account until submission. 

Refunds: 

• Immigration advice consultation fees are non‑refundable once delivered. 

• Deposits are non‑refundable once substantive work has commenced. 

• If we are unable to proceed due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g. withdrawal of sponsor, change in eligibility), we may refund part of the fee at our discretion, less any work already undertaken. 

• If we terminate instructions due to non‑payment, non‑cooperation, or provision of false information, no refund will be given. 

 4. Client Account 

• Any Home Office or third‑party fees paid to us will be held in a designated client account until disbursement. 

• These funds remain your property until applied for the stated purpose. 

• If an application is withdrawn before submission, such funds will be refunded, less any irrecoverable costs. 

   

5. Complaints 

• We are committed to high standards of service. If you are dissatisfied, please follow our Complaints Procedure (attached separately). 

• You may complain directly to us, or to the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) at any time. 

   

6. Responsibilities 

• Our responsibilities: To provide regulated immigration advice and services with professionalism, competence, and in accordance with the IAA Code of Standards. 

• Your responsibilities: To provide accurate information and documentation, respond promptly to requests, and pay fees when due. 

• You must not knowingly provide false or misleading information. Doing so may result in termination of instructions. 

7. Confidentiality 

We will keep your information confidential except where disclosure is required by law, regulation, or with your consent. 

8. Refund Policy 

If you have signed up to our service on a fixed fee basis and exceed 7 calendar days from instructions given, we do not refund the fee that has been paid and we reserve the right to charge additional fees for work done within this period based on the hourly rate. 

If you have signed up to our services remotely, you would have 14 days to cancel and if we have commenced work within this period, you will be charged for work done at our hourly rate of £150 for work done until cancellation, and the remainder of the fixed fee will be refunded. 

9. Termination 

• You may terminate instructions at any time in writing. 

• We may terminate instructions if fees are unpaid, if you fail to cooperate, or if continuing would breach our regulatory duties. 

• Fees for work already undertaken remain payable. 

• If termination occurs before completion, we will provide a summary of work done and, where appropriate, refer you to another regulated adviser. 

10. Limitation of Liability 

• We will act with reasonable skill and care, but cannot guarantee the outcome of any application, which is at the discretion of the Home Office or relevant authority. 

• We are not liable for losses arising from decisions made by the Home Office, courts, or tribunals. 

• Our liability to you is limited to losses caused by our negligence or breach of duty in providing immigration advice or services. 

• Any such liability is covered by our professional indemnity insurance, as required by regulation. 

• Except as covered by our professional indemnity insurance, our liability to you will not exceed the amount of fees paid to us for the matter in question. 

11. Governing Law 

These Terms of Business are governed by the law of Scotland. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts. 

12. Acceptance 

By instructing GB Visa & Immigration Services Ltd, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Business.  

Acceptance may be indicated in any of the following ways: 

• Replying to an email or other written communication confirming that you wish us to act; 

• Paying an immigration advice consultation fee, deposit, or any part of our professional fees; 

• Providing documents or information to enable us to begin work; 

• Otherwise instructing us to carry out immigration advice or services on your behalf. 

• In all such cases, it will be presumed that you have accepted these Terms of Business. 

   

GB Visa & Immigration Services Ltd is authorised regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority.