Ercen Hao

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 assists across UK immigration law and corporate and commercial matters, supporting Sajjad Hussain and the wider team in delivering results for both corporate clients and private individuals. Business Immigration She assists UK employers and international talent in working within the UK’s points-based system. Her work includes supporting Sponsor Licence applications and compliance matters for businesses seeking to employ migrant workers, preparing Skilled Worker visa applications for both employers and employees, assisting with Global Talent visa applications for leaders in academia, arts, science, and technology, supporting Sole Representative and Innovator visa applications for businesses expanding to the UK and entrepreneurs, and helping clients meet ongoing corporate compliance requirements including HR guidance and Home Office reporting obligations. Personal Immigration She supports families and individuals through life-changing applications, including partner and spouse visas for married couples, fiancé(e)s, and unmarried partners, parent visas for those joining family members in the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain and settlement applications, British citizenship through naturalisation and registration, Human Rights and Article 8 claims for clients with established private or family life in the UK, and EU Settlement Scheme applications for EEA nationals and their families. Corporate and Commercial Ercen supports Sajjad in advising businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients on transactional and advisory matters. She assists with company formations, shareholder agreements, share purchase agreements, and corporate restructuring. She also helps prepare commercial contracts, consultancy agreements, partnership agreements, and service agreements. Her corporate and commercial work sits naturally alongside her immigration caseload, particularly for clients establishing or expanding businesses in the UK who need joined-up legal support across both areas. 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.