🗂️ Where to Get Good Advice After You Get Leave to Remain in the UK
✅ If you have been granted Leave to Remain in the UK, that’s a big and important step. 🎉 Now it’s time to get the right help and support so you can build your new life.
Get Trustworthy, Up‑to‑Date Advice
UK laws can be complicated and can change often. It’s very important to get correct and updated advice from people who are trained to help you. Not all advice is good advice — even if your friend got help last month, the rules may be different now.
👩💼 Best places to get help:
- 🏢 Local Council (also called the Local Authority)
- 🏢 Job Centre Plus
- 🧑💼 Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
- 🤝 Other local support organisations
💡 These are official, trusted sources of information. For example, Leeds City Council made a special guide just for refugees in October 2024.
Be Ready for Your Meeting
Before going to any advice centre, try to prepare:
- 🧾 Collect all your documents (ID, letters, decisions, etc.)
- 📝 Make a list of your questions
- 📅 Know dates and addresses you might be asked about
Being ready saves time and helps them support you better.
What Kind of Help You Can Get
When you go to an advice service, they may offer:
- 📘 Information: They will tell you what your options are.
- 🗺️ Advice: They can help you choose the best option for your situation.
- 🔁 Signposting: If someone else can help you better, they will direct you there.
- 🗣️ Advocacy: Someone may speak for you or help you ask for something you need.
⚠️ Only legally qualified people can give legal advice or immigration help.
Where to Go for Help in Leeds
🏢 Community Hubs: Leeds Council has local Community Hubs where you can get information about services. You can walk in and speak to someone.
🏠 RETAS (Refugee Education Training and Advice Service): RETAS helps refugees with:
- 📦 Finding a home
- 💰 Registering for Universal Credit
- 📑 Understanding your rights
📞 Call RETAS: 0113 380 5630
💼 Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): They offer free help with:
- 💸 Benefits
- 🏠 Housing
- ⚖️ Legal support
- 💼 Jobs and training
- 🛂 Immigration advice (from qualified people)
📍 Leeds Citizens Advice has offices you can visit. Check their opening times before you go.
🔍 There are many other providers of Advice in Leeds and you can find them: Advice Finder
You Can Also Call for Help
☎️ Leeds Council (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm):
📱 0113 222 4444
☎️ Citizens Advice national free number:
📱 0808 2787878
What to Bring With You
🧾 Always take:
- Your ID (such as your BRP or eVisa number)
- Any official documents or letters you received
- A list of your questions or problems
This helps them understand your situation and support you better.
Other Things to Think About
Before you visit or call:
- 📅 Do you need an appointment?
- 📞 Have you checked they are open today?
- 🧑⚖️ Do you need immigration advice?
⚠️ If yes, please speak only to a legally qualified immigration advisor.
