How Ashford Advice can help
We may be able to help you with issues like:
- applying to the EU Settlement Scheme
- problems with coming to the UK or staying in the UK – for example, applying for entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or residence permits
- becoming a British citizen – also known as ‘naturalisation’
- your right to work, claim benefits and use public services in the UK
- getting replacement immigration documents
We are registered with the OISC to provide level 1 advice only, if you need specialist advice we can signpost you to a registered OISC advisor or you can search for an immigration adviser on the government website
Contact UK Visas and Immigration for help
You can use the online tool to get help from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You will need to answer some questions. These will help you find:
- contact details for the right UKVI team to support you
- online guides and services
Contact centre staff cannot give you advice about your personal circumstances. For example, they cannot tell you:
- which visas you can apply for – use the check if you need a UK visa tool instead
- whether your application will be successful
- when you will get a decision
Use this link to start your enquiry https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk/y
Alternatively you can phone the contact centre
All times are UK local time. The contact centre is closed on bank holidays.
UK Visas and Immigration contact centre
Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 – select option 3
Telephone: +44 (0)203 875 4669, if you are unable to dial 0300 numbers
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
You can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to complete the identity verification stage of your application.
The app will:
- check that your identity document is genuine
- verify that the document belongs to you
You must use:
- your biometric passport from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
- your biometric British national (overseas) (BNO), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or European Economic Area (EEA) passport if you’re applying for the BNO visa
- your expired biometric residence permit (BRP) if your application route allows – you can use it for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card
The app will only work once you start your application online at GOV.UK. When you get to the identity verification stage you will be told to open or download it.
This app is only available in English.
You cannot use this app if you are applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. You must download the ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app instead.
The specialist unit at Citizens Advice in North and West Kent (CANWK)
CANWK are registered at Level 3 (the highest level) with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) previously known as the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
Immigration law is complex and very highly regulated. We help our clients navigate the processes so that they can understand the issues and go on to make the best decisions for themselves.
Who CANWK can help
CANWK are here to help family migrants, long residents, EU nationals, victims of domestic violence and trafficking, refugees and asylum seekers, and anyone who wants to settle and become a British citizen.
What does CANWK Immigration work involve?
The area of work covered involves advice and representation for everyone who is not a British citizen. It also includes help for British citizens who have non-British families.
We help people to settle in the UK and help to reunite families where a partner or a parent is abroad. We also help people who are already here and who are victims of violence and/or exploitation.
How to access CANWK immigration advice
The best way to access the Specialist Immigration Advice Team is to telephone the freephone Adviceline on 0808 278 7810 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm). The Adviceline Advisers will be able to help you initially and will link you in with the specialist team if needed.
CANWK offer advice by telephone, face-to-face, and email. An Adviser will assess which contact method is appropriate for your needs. The advice locations are fully accessible, and telephone interpretation is available where required if English isn’t your first language. Home visits where the Adviser assesses that no other channels are appropriate to your needs.
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Ashford Advice