Educated at the University of Southampton, Ercen Hao has translated a top-tier legal education into a passionate career in Immigration law. Since joining the firm, she works side-by-side with Solicitor Sajjad, gaining invaluable mentorship in the intricacies of UK visa applications, appeals, and nationality law.
Drawing on the research skills honed at university and the practical strategies learned from Sajjad, she is dedicated to building strong, evidence-based cases. Whether dealing with family visas, business applications, or judicial reviews, Ercen ensures that every client benefits from a service that is both academically sound and strategically practical.
Field of Expertise
Ercen provides specialist advice across the full spectrum of UK immigration law, supporting both corporate clients and private individuals through every stage of their journey.
Business Immigration
She helps UK employers and international talent navigate the UK’s points-based system.
• Sponsor Licences: Applications and compliance support for businesses seeking to employ migrant workers.
• Skilled Worker Visas: End-to-end support for both employers and employees.
• Global Talent Visas: For leaders in academia, arts, science, and technology.
• Sole Representative & Innovator Visas: For businesses expanding to the UK and entrepreneurs.
• Corporate Compliance: Ongoing HR advice and Home Office reporting obligations.
Personal Immigration
She guides families and individuals through life-changing applications.
• Partner & Spouse Visas: For married couples, fiancé(e)s, and unmarried partners.
• Parent Visas: Assisting parents in joining family members in the UK.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain: Settlement applications after qualifying periods.
• British Citizenship: Naturalisation and registration applications.
• Human Rights & Article 8 Claims: For clients with established private or family life in the UK.
• EU Settlement Scheme: Applications for EEA nationals and their families.
Education, Professional Certification, Accreditation, or other Licenses
The University of Southampton
Recent Work
Business: Sponsor Licence for a Tech Startup
The Challenge: A London-based tech startup sought to hire two software developers from overseas but did not hold a Sponsor Licence. The directors were concerned about the complexity of the application process and ongoing compliance duties.
Our Approach: Ercen conducted a detailed review of the company’s HR systems and advised on necessary compliance measures prior to submission. Working alongside the supervising solicitor, she prepared a comprehensive application highlighting the company’s growth trajectory and genuine need for overseas talent.
The Outcome: The Sponsor Licence was granted within eight weeks. The company successfully issued Certificates of Sponsorship and both developers are now working in the UK.
Personal: Spouse Visa Refusal Overturned on Appeal
The Challenge: A British citizen and her husband approached the firm after a spouse visa application was refused. The Home Office alleged that the relationship was not genuine and that the financial requirement had not been met.
Our Approach: Ercen carefully reviewed the refusal decision and identified errors in the Home Office’s assessment. Working closely with the supervising solicitor, she assisted in gathering fresh evidence, including additional correspondence, third-party supporting letters, and corrected financial documentation. A detailed appeal skeleton argument was prepared.
The Outcome: The Tribunal allowed the appeal, and the couple are now living together in the UK.
Business: Skilled Worker Visa for a Healthcare Professional
The Challenge: A senior care worker needed to switch from a Health and Care Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa with a new employer. The application was time-sensitive due to an expiring visa.
Our Approach: Ercen liaised directly with the new employer to confirm their Sponsor Licence status and prepared the applicant’s documentation within 48 hours. The file was reviewed by the supervising solicitor prior to submission.
The Outcome: The visa was approved within three weeks, enabling the applicant to continue their employment in the UK without interruption.
Personal: 20-Year Long Residence (Private Life Application)
The Challenge: An individual approached the firm after living in the UK for over 20 years without valid leave. Having established a private and family life in the UK, they lacked formal status and had limited documentation to demonstrate continuous residence.
Our Approach: Ercen meticulously reconstructed the client’s 20-year history, gathering alternative evidence including historical bank statements, NHS records, utility bills, sworn affidavits, and photographic evidence. Under the supervision of a solicitor, a detailed legal submission was prepared relying on the relevant Immigration Rules and Article 8 ECHR.
The Outcome: The application was successful. The client was granted 30 months’ leave to remain with a pathway to settlement, enabling them to regularise their status after two decades in the UK.
Key Client Reviews:
“I cannot thank Ercen and Sajjad enough for their help with my Skilled Worker visa application. The process was daunting, but they explained everything clearly and handled all the complexities. My application was approved without a hitch. Truly professional and reassuring.” — Ahmed K. (Business Client, Skilled Worker Visa)
“After my initial visa refusal, I felt hopeless. Ercen took the time to understand my case, identified errors in the Home Office decision, and worked closely with Sajjad to prepare a strong appeal. They won my case, and I can now live with my husband in the UK. Forever grateful.” — Sarah M. (Personal Client, Spouse Visa Appeal)
“As a small business owner, applying for a Sponsor Licence felt overwhelming. Ercen guided me through every step with patience and expertise. Thanks to their advice, we are now proudly sponsoring our first overseas employee. Excellent service from start to finish.” — David R. (Business Client, Sponsor Licence)
“Becoming a British citizen was the final step in my long UK journey. Ercen made the process smooth and stress-free. Their attention to detail, learned at Southampton, really shows. Every document was perfect. I highly recommend them.” — Elena V. (Personal Client, British Citizenship