“Exemplary service from Shazia & Jaffar .There attention to detail was fantastic . Will certainly use Shaar Bridge solicitors again . I strongly recommend them if it’s great service you require .”
Shazia Akhtar
Partner & Head of Immigration
Supporting clients with meticulous attention to detail and professional care.
Shazia Akhtar is a Partner and Head of the Immigration Department at Shaar Bridge Solicitors. She is a dedicated immigration specialist who advises both businesses and individuals on UK immigration law. With extensive experience navigating the complexities of the UK’s ever-changing immigration system, Shazia has established herself as one of the region’s most sought-after immigration solicitors, recognised for her technical expertise, practical advice and exceptional success rate.
Known for her approachable and personable manner, Shazia understands that immigration matters often have a profound impact on both businesses and families. Whether assisting a company to recruit overseas talent or helping an individual secure the right to live and work in the United Kingdom, she is committed to providing clear, straightforward advice tailored to each client’s circumstances. Her meticulous attention to detail and thorough preparation have resulted in an excellent track record of successful applications across a broad range of immigration matters.
Business Immigration
She has extensive experience assisting companies with Sponsor Licence applications, Skilled Worker sponsorship, compliance audits and ongoing sponsor licence management. Shazia regularly advises businesses on their duties as licensed sponsors, ensuring they understand and comply with the Home Office’s stringent compliance requirements.
Her commercial and pragmatic approach enables businesses to navigate the sponsorship process with confidence, minimising disruption whilst ensuring compliance with continually evolving immigration legislation.
Shazia also provides strategic advice in relation to Home Office compliance visits, documentary requirements, right to work obligations and internal compliance procedures, helping businesses reduce risk and avoid enforcement action.
Personal Immigration
Alongside her business immigration practice, Shazia advises individuals and families across a wide range of personal immigration matters. She has extensive experience preparing and submitting visa applications and supporting clients throughout every stage of the immigration process.
Her work includes Skilled Worker visa applications, spouse and partner visas, family visas, visitor visas, settlement applications, indefinite leave to remain, British citizenship applications and visa extensions. She also advises clients seeking to switch between immigration categories and provides practical guidance on the most suitable immigration route for their circumstances.
Shazia appreciates that many immigration applications are life-changing for her clients. She takes pride in providing compassionate support throughout the process, ensuring clients are fully informed, prepared and reassured from initial instruction through to the Home Office’s decision.
Approach
Shazia is recognised for combining outstanding technical knowledge with exceptional client care. She understands that immigration law is constantly evolving and is committed to ensuring her clients receive advice that is accurate, practical and reflects the latest legislative developments.
Clients value her approachable nature, responsiveness and ability to explain complex immigration law in a clear and accessible way. Her meticulous preparation, attention to detail and commitment to achieving positive outcomes have earned her an outstanding reputation within the region, with many clients coming to her through personal recommendation.
Whether acting for an employer seeking to recruit overseas talent or an individual pursuing the opportunity to build a future in the United Kingdom, Shazia is dedicated to delivering an efficient, professional and client-focused service at every stage of the immigration process.
Client reviews for Shazia Akhtar
Feedback from clients who have worked with this team member.
“This firm was godsend for me and my son especially Shazia she was so helpful and always there for us. We lost hope that our daughter in law will never come to.the uk but with Shazia's help and professionalism it happened now my son and daughter in law are very happy together after nearly 3 years. Thank you Shazia.”
“Thank you Shazia for all the support and guidance provided throughout the visa journey.. Such a professional and trusted place, its now my go to for any advice/guidance.. Highly recommended”
“Shazia did my wife's visa application, I have used her in the past as well and she was very professional and friendly this time too. Shazia is very knowledgeable and easy to speak to with any questions and updates with the process and application. Would use again and would recommend. Thank you.”