Immigration Advice in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

If you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole and need immigration advice, Citizens Advice BCP can help you find the right support.

South West Immigration Services Hub

From September 2026, our specialist immigration services began operating as South West Immigration Services Hub, a CABCP project created to protect and expand sustainable, specialist immigration support across our region.

Immigration advice is a regulated activity and should be provided by appropriately qualified and regulated advisers. Citizens Advice BCP is regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), registration number F202640259.

Through South West Immigration Services Hub, we provide accessible, person-centred Level 2 immigration advice and specialist casework. Every CABCP client who needs immigration support receives free initial advice, with more complex matters supported by IAA-accredited advisers through affordable fixed-fee services.

What we can help you with

Immigration matters encompass a broad variety of situations and individual circumstances, such as:

Visa routes: Different immigration pathways allowing people to live, work, study, or join family.
eVisas: Digital records of immigration status, replacing physical immigration documents.
Settled and pre-settled status: Status granted to eligible EU citizens living in the UK.
Indefinite leave to remain: Permanent permission to live in the UK without immigration restrictions.
Asylum and refugee support: Advice and assistance for people seeking safety from persecution.
British nationality for adults and children: Applications to register to become a British, or naturalise in the UK.

How to get immigration advice

Getting immigration advice starts with understanding what you need help with. This could include your immigration status, visa, eVisa, settled or pre-settled status, asylum or another immigration issue. Steps to getting help are as follows:

Visit South West Immigration Services Hub

Visit the South West Immigration Services Hub website to learn more about the immigration advice and support available and how we may be able to help.

Complete the Get Advice form

Complete the Get Advice form on the website or, where available, through the Citizens Advice BCP website. We’ll contact you to understand your situation and identify your support needs.

Receive free initial advice

Everyone receives free initial advice about their immigration issue. We’ll explain any further support options and fees before you decide how to proceed.

Specialist support

If you choose to instruct us, a qualified specialist caseworker will begin work on your case and guide you through the next steps.

Get Immigration Advice

Why seek immigration support from us?

Citizens Advice BCP is a local, independent charity supporting people across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Immigration issues can often overlap with other problems. For example, your immigration status can affect your entitlement to welfare support, housing and other help.

Our wider advice services can help with issues including benefits, housing, employment, debt and other problems affecting your circumstances. Where you need specialist immigration support, Citizens Advice BCP can provide a route to immigration advice through South West Immigration Services Hub.

About South West Immigration Services Hub

South West Immigration Services Hub was created to provide sustainable, specialist immigration support that the region urgently needs.
From September 2026, Citizens Advice BCP’s immigration services operate through the Hub, a specialist CABCP project.

South West Immigration Services Hub delivers accessible, person-centred IAA Level 1 and Level 2 immigration advice and specialist casework.
Every CABCP client who requires immigration support receives free initial immigration advice. Clients who need complex casework, applications or representation can access affordable fixed-fee support from IAA-accredited advisers.

South West Immigration Services Hub reinvests 100% of surplus income into protecting and strengthening free immigration advice, delivering social impact for communities rather than commercial profit.

Immigration FAQs

Is immigration advice from Citizens Advice still free?

Yes. We continue to provide free general immigration advice and initial assessments. Charges only apply when specialist casework is required.

Do I need to pay to receive support?

No. Initial advice is available free of charge. You will only incur a fee if you decide to proceed with our specialist services, such as help with an application or legal representation.

What is the relationship between Citizens Advice BCP and South West Immigration Services Hub?

You can access support through Citizens Advice BCP or contact South West Immigration Services Hub directly. Citizens Advice BCP provides free initial assessments and advice. Where a case requires more specialised guidance or assistance, clients can be referred to South West Immigration Services Hub for further support.

What are the fees for specialist immigration support?

We offer clear, fixed fees that are lower than those typically charged by private providers. Before any specialist work starts, you will be given written confirmation of the cost.

What happens if I cannot afford the fees?

We will consider your circumstances to determine whether you qualify for an exemption. Any exemptions are handled sensitively, fairly and confidentially, without judgement or stigma.

Will I lose access to free advice if I decline paid services?

No. Choosing not to use our paid specialist services will not affect your access to free initial advice. You can still receive advice regardless of your decision.

Why are fees charged for specialist immigration services?

There is a significant shortage of immigration advice services across the region. Charging affordable fees for specialist work helps us maintain a sustainable service while continuing to support the community. This enables us to:

Retain qualified and accredited immigration advisers.
Provide high-quality specialist advice and representation.
Continue offering free initial advice to those who need it.

All income generated is reinvested into our services to help sustain free advice.

Is the immigration service regulated?

Yes. All specialist immigration casework is undertaken by accredited advisers working in line with Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) regulatory requirements and Citizens Advice quality standards.

How can I arrange an appointment?

You can contact us directly to refer yourself, or ask one of our partner organisations to refer you for support.

Where can I find an immigration adviser?

It is important to make sure you are seeking immigration advice from a regulated and accredited provider. If you are looking for immigration advice in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, you can visit South West Immigration Services Hub to find out more about the support available and complete the Get Advice form.

If you are looking for an alternative immigration adviser, you can search for advisers regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority using the IAA adviser finder.

You can also search for a solicitor specialising in immigration matters using the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service.

If you need representation from an immigration or asylum legal aid provider, you can also find an up-to-date list of legal aid providers on GOV.UK.

Need immigration advice?

If you’re based in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole and need help with an immigration issue, find out more about the support available through South West Immigration Services Hub.

Get Immigration Advice