At First Law Solicitors, we represent individuals who are the family members or primary carers of British citizens and wish to secure lawful residence in the United Kingdom under the Zambrano principle and related provisions of Appendix FM and Appendix Private Life of the Immigration Rules.
Our solicitors combine precision with compassion, ensuring that every case demonstrates the critical importance of your role to the wellbeing and daily life of the British citizen you care for.
The right of a primary carer of a British citizen to reside in the United Kingdom derives from both domestic law and human rights law. The concept was first recognised in the Zambrano v Secretary of State for the Home Department (2011) judgment, which held that a British citizen must not be forced to leave the United Kingdom because their carer is required to leave.
Although the direct application of EU law has ended, this protection continues through the Immigration Rules and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects the right to family and private life.
Applications are now made under Appendix FM (for family relationships) or Appendix Private Life (for carers and other dependent relationships).
A primary carer is a person who has the main responsibility for the care of a British citizen—often a child, disabled adult, or elderly relative—who could not remain in the United Kingdom if that care were withdrawn.
To qualify, you must demonstrate that:
Our solicitors work closely with families to prepare detailed evidence showing the dependency and the impossibility of separation, both practically and emotionally.
Since the end of free movement, the Zambrano route has been incorporated into the domestic Immigration Rules. It now operates under Appendix FM and Appendix Private Life, rather than the EU Settlement Scheme.
For applicants who previously held pre-settled or limited leave under the EU Settlement Scheme as Zambrano carers, it is crucial to transition to the correct Appendix FM route before expiry.
We advise on:
Where an applicant does not meet every technical requirement, a discretionary application can be made outside the Rules under Article 8 ECHR.
The Home Office must assess whether refusal would amount to a disproportionate interference with family life. This is particularly relevant for single parents, elderly carers, and those providing daily medical support to a British citizen.
Our solicitors draft persuasive legal representations and witness statements demonstrating the human impact of separation, the child’s welfare, and the emotional and practical consequences of removal.
All applications are submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) platform. We ensure that every submission meets the Home Office’s strict evidential standards.
Supporting documents typically include:
Each application is supported by a legal submission prepared by a senior solicitor explaining the relevant statutory and human rights basis for the claim.
Since the introduction of the Data Use and Access Act 2025, all immigration submissions must comply with digital identity and data integrity standards.
At First Law Solicitors, every case is filed through encrypted platforms using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES). This ensures both full compliance and the security of your personal information.
We also ensure that all evidence is formatted and verified for instant compatibility with the Home Office’s digital decision-making systems.
Human Rights Expertise: We combine precise legal analysis with genuine understanding of family life and welfare principles.
Cross-Scheme Strategy: Our solicitors manage transitions from EU Settlement Scheme status to Appendix FM or Private Life routes without interrupting lawful residence.
Compassionate Advocacy: Every case is presented with clarity and empathy, ensuring your voice and your family’s reality are central to the Home Office’s assessment.
Digital Assurance: We use DUAA-compliant systems for every document, ensuring flawless submission and confidentiality.
At First Law Solicitors, we believe that no family should face separation because of administrative barriers. We work tirelessly to secure lawful status and lasting stability for you and those you care for.
If you are the family member or primary carer of a British citizen and need legal advice about your right to remain in the United Kingdom, contact First Law Solicitors today.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to book a private consultation with an immigration solicitor.
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