Many people experience anxiety and stress regarding their Immigration Appeal Hearing. Here are some pieces of advice to help you navigate this process:
1. Understand Your Role: This appeal is something you have initiated and lodged. You are the petitioner, and the Home Office is the respondent. They are obligated to respond to your challenge and defend their decision. Remember, you brought this matter to court, so your anxiety may not be warranted.
2. Terminology: Terms like “court” and “judge” can be intimidating, but they are used in immigration appeals primarily for legal formalities. Essentially, this hearing is just a discussion between you and the Home Office. This type of court does not impose punishment or sentencing.
3. Preparation: Your barrister will present all the legal points and merits of your appeal. Your main responsibility is to remember and adhere to your written witness statement. You should have received a copy of this statement well in advance, so preparing yourself should not be overly difficult.
4. Common Fears: It’s common for appellants to feel anxious about the questions the judge or the Home Office lawyer might ask during the hearing. However, it’s important to understand that the hearing is not a test of general knowledge. Judges rarely ask many questions themselves; typically, the Home Office representative poses a few questions, and these will primarily relate to your personal life and case. As a result, this anxiety is often exaggerated.
5. Concerns About the Outcome: Feeling anxious about the outcome of your appeal is natural, but it’s also illogical. Think of it as a game where two teams compete, and no one can predict the result beforehand. If the outcome were known, there would be no point in playing.
Stay calm and focused; you’ve prepared for this moment. This blog is authored by Mr. Dost Malik, Senior Consultant