What to bring to a first immigration consultation

A first immigration consultation is useful when the client arrives with their identity documents, their current status and any past applications or decisions, plus a clear timeline of how they got here and what they want next. Send a short checklist when they book, ask them to bring originals and copies, and suggest they write down their questions. Say at the start what the meeting will cover and what it won't: an honest assessment of options, not a promise of outcome.

An immigration case depends on dates, documents and details. Without them, the first meeting turns into guesswork and a second appointment becomes necessary just to see the papers. A client who comes prepared gets real advice in the first session, and you avoid giving an opinion you have to change later.

Ask the client to write a simple timeline: dates of arrival and departure, changes of status, applications made, addresses, jobs or studies. It doesn't need to be perfect; a page of dates in order saves a large part of the meeting and shows gaps you will need to discuss.

Suggest they write down what they want to know first: which options exist for them, what deadlines apply, what the process involves, what it will cost in fees and your time, and what happens next. Clients under stress forget their questions in the room; a list helps them leave with answers.

Ask at booking whether a deadline is close: a permit about to expire, a date to leave, a time limit to challenge a decision. Ask clients to write it in the booking note. An urgent case may need an earlier slot than the next one free, so read new-booking emails promptly and call back when a date is tight.

If the client is not comfortable in the language of the meeting, plan an interpreter rather than relying on a relative, especially for sensitive matters. A family member or supporter can attend if the client wishes, but make sure the client can speak freely and that confidentiality is respected.

Clients share personal and sometimes painful details. Explain how you keep their documents and notes, who sees them, and how long you keep them, under the data protection rules where you work.

Be clear from the first minutes: you will assess the situation, explain options and next steps, and say what you can help with under your qualification and the rules where you work. Avoid promising outcomes that depend on the authorities. If the matter is outside what you can advise on, say so and suggest where to go.

Send a short written summary: the options discussed, the documents still needed, deadlines, and the proposed next step with your fees. It helps the client decide calmly and keeps a record of what was said.

On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. Create a "First consultation" service and put the document checklist in its description, so clients see it before booking. Open slots at the times you meet clients, in person or by video. Clients book with their name, email and phone and can summarise their situation and preferred language in the optional note, which you read in your new-booking email before the meeting. They receive a confirmation email with a calendar file.

Durations and prices are examples: set your own. If you need to move an appointment, reschedule it from your bookings list and tell the client yourself, since Book doesn't email clients about changes. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.