Welcome to Beder-Harrison & Co

UK Immigration Specialists

A boutique practice specialising exclusively in UK Immigration Law — providing a bespoke, professional and personalised service for individuals, families and employers.

ABOUT US

Specialist advice forUK immigration matters

Beder-Harrison & Co was established in 1992. We are a boutique practice which has specialised exclusively in the field of UK Immigration Law, recognised by our clients for a bespoke, professional and personalised service.

Beder-Harrison & Co immigration consultation

OUR SERVICES

Trusted immigration services for individuals & businesses

From personal visa routes to employer sponsorship and business immigration — our IAA-regulated team provides clear, practical advice at every stage.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Our team is experienced at helping migrants secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK and can support you in the application process to ensure a successful result. Individuals who have held the same type of British visa for 5 years or more are eligible to apply for ILR, although in certain circumstances you may be eligible after just 3 years. Indefinite Leave to Remain enables migrants from outside of the UK to stay in the UK without restrictions and is the first step to take before applying for full British citizenship or naturalisation. Almost all other British visa routes are eligible to apply for ILR after meeting certain other requirements, including those who have been on Tier 1 Visas, Tier 2 Work Visas, and Spouse Visas. The conditions that you need to meet to qualify for ILR are as follows: You have held the same type of British visa for 5 years or more Proof that you meet the B1 levels of English You must pass the Life in the UK test No criminal record and you cannot have breached the immigration laws during your stay in the UK You cannot have spent more than 180 days outside of the UK within any year of living in the UK The requirements can vary so it’s best to speak to an Immigration Lawyer to determine if you’re eligible to apply and what you will need to include with your ILR application.

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British Citizenship Naturalisation

You can apply to become a British citizen through naturalisation if you meet the relevant criteria which have been set out in the British Nationality Act 1981. This is the most common approach to become a British citizen. This application is decided and granted by the Secretary of State for the Home Office. The main requirements for naturalisation involve meeting the residence requirement, settled status requirement, good character requirements and the English language test and Life in the UK test requirements. Naturalisation after holding settlement for 12 months: You are eligible to apply to naturalise as a British citizen under Section 6(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, provided you meet the following requirements: You are aged 18 or over You are of good character i.e., do not have a serious or recent criminal record, or any adverse immigration history You are of sound mind You intend to make the UK your permanent home You have passed a Life in the UK test You have met the knowledge of English language test requirements You have met the residence requirements In addition, the following residence requirement must usually apply: You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years prior to your application You have not spent more than 450 days outside the UK in those 5 years You have not spent more than 90 days outside the UK in the last 12 months You had Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain/ILR) for the last 12 months; if you are not an EEA citizen You had Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (also known as indefinite leave to remain) for the last 12 months; if you are an EEA citizen or eligible to apply to the scheme. Naturalisation as the spouse of a British citizen A person who is married to a British citizen will be eligible to naturalise as a British citizen under Section 6(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981. If you are married to a British citizen, you will be subject to all of the above requirements however the only difference is: You do not have to wait 12 months from obtaining ILR to apply for naturalisation. You are only subject to 3 years residence requirement i.e. should not have spent more then 270 days outside the UK in the last 3 years. All other requirements apply. When sending your application, a biometrics appointment will be mandatory to attend. After applying, a decision will usually be made in 6 months, depending on the application some may take longer. Once you have received your certificate of British Citizenship, you must send your biometrics residence permit back to the Home Office. The UK allows dual nationality for its citizens however, some countries may not. In which case they can revoke your citizenship once you have become British therefore, it is imperative for you to contact your embassy before you decide to apply for naturalisation.

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Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker Visa The Skilled Worker Visa enables qualified overseas professionals to live and work in the UK for an approved employer. Whether you have received a job offer from a UK business or an employer is looking to sponsor international talent, obtaining the correct visa is an essential step towards working and building your future in the UK. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide practical, tailored advice throughout the application process. We work closely with both individuals and employers to ensure applications are accurate, fully documented, and submitted in accordance with the latest UK immigration requirements. Who Can Apply? You may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa if you: Have a genuine job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor overseas workers. Have been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Meet the required salary threshold or qualify under an eligible salary exception. Are applying for a role that meets the relevant skill level. Can demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency, where applicable. Our Skilled Worker Visa Services We provide comprehensive legal support at every stage of your application, including: Assessing your eligibility before applying. Reviewing your employment offer and sponsorship documents. Preparing and submitting Skilled Worker Visa applications. Advising on dependent partner and children's visa applications. Supporting visa extensions and changes of employment. Assisting with settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) applications when eligible. Providing guidance to employers on sponsorship compliance and immigration requirements. Supporting Employers We also advise UK businesses that employ overseas workers. Our team can assist employers with sponsor licence applications, compliance obligations, assigning Certificates of Sponsorship, and maintaining ongoing compliance with UK immigration rules. Why Choose Our Immigration Lawyers? UK immigration rules are subject to frequent changes, and even minor errors can lead to delays or refusals. Our legal team provides clear, practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances, ensuring your application is prepared with care and attention to detail. From your initial consultation through to your visa decision, we are committed to making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Speak to Our Team If you are planning to work in the UK or require advice regarding a Skilled Worker Visa, contact our immigration lawyers today. We will assess your circumstances, explain your options, and provide expert legal guidance to help you achieve a successful outcome.

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OUR TEAM

Meet Our Immigration Advisers

30+ Years

Brendan Beder

Director & Senior Immigration Adviser

Brendan, after completing his BA. and LL.B Degrees in Johannesburg, worked in a law practice for over four years, lectured in Commercial Law for a period of 2 years and worked as a Judge's Clerk for one of South Africa's leading judges. He then travelled to London where he obtained a Master of Laws Degree at the University of London (UCL).

He specialised in Immigration and Nationality Law and is currently one of only a limited number of individuals who holds this qualification. He also worked in a London law practice where he specialised in UK Immigration Law.  Brendan established Beder-Harrison & Co in 1992. He has been an active member of the International Bar Association and has been a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association since 1991. He writes extensively on Immigration issues and frequently provides seminars and speaks at international conferences.

He has practised almost exclusively in the field of UK Immigration and Nationality Law for well over 30 years including the period since 1992 as Founder/Director of Beder-Harrison & Co.  Brendan has for a number of years trained and lectured Solicitors, Barristers and HR Directors in the subject of UK Immigration Law.  He also works as a Performance and Wellbeing Coach with a main focus in the areas of Psychological Safety and Wellbeing. 

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20+ Years

Ola Franklin

Senior Immigration Lawyer

With over 20 years of experience in the Immigration Law sector, Ola provides immigration advice in respect of all aspects of UK Immigration Law. He advises and assists numerous private and corporate clients and is committed to providing personalised and effective solutions to his clients. His key areas of focus include family and private life applications, Sponsor Licence and Skilled Worker applications, Long Residency, Indefinite Leave to Remain, Settled Status and all forms of British Nationality Law including Naturalisation, Registration and Double Descent.

Ola joined Beder Harrison & Co in May 2022 as a Senior Immigration Advisor. He has previously worked with City Legal Services, Sangam Advice Centre and the Immigration Advice Service. He is a regulated advisor with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).

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Fiona Hemmans

Office Manager

Fiona joined Beder-Harrison & Co in 2015 and serves as our Immigration Office Manager, providing essential support to our senior immigration advisors across a wide range of UK immigration matters. She plays a key role in the preparation and submission of Home Office visa applications, ensuring that cases are managed efficiently and that all supporting documentation is accurately compiled and submitted.

With extensive experience in Immigration Casework administration, Fiona is dedicated to delivering a high standard of client service. Her strong organisational skills, attention to detail and thorough understanding of Home Office procedures and prerequisites help ensure a smooth and professional experience for clients throughout the application process.

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TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say

5.0

Gina made sure everything was in order before putting in our application for the spousal visa. It came out successful even though my husband had been refused a few times. We would recommend Gina to anyone who is looking to do a spousal visa. In fact, we have, and she is now helping one of our friends. Gina is very professional at her job and was a pleasure to work with. We would give her 10/10 for what she's done for us.

MU

Mr and Mrs Inyene Udofia

14 June 2024

5.0

Gina Savanhu was a beacon of hope for my wife and me when my immigration process became too difficult for us to handle. Not only did she meticulously help us through every step of the process, her professionalism, patience and follow ups offered emotional succor to both my wife and me. We are eternally grateful for her service and recommend Gina Savanhu without reservation.

ME

Manuel Escamilla

3 August 2024

5.0

I am writing to thank you for your services as I found you excellent with my wife's Further Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship. I found you easy to contact if I had any questions or worries and your rates were very reasonable. I will be very happy to recommend you to anyone who asks.

MJ

M Jenkins

21 September 2024

5.0

Gina was a great help when it came to renewing my residency permit. She kept me up to date with everything that was going on and any correspondence with the Home Office. The service I received from her was great and much appreciated and her constant communication with me made me feel at ease. I will definitely be using Gina's service again when I have to renew my visa.

S.

S.C.

8 January 2025

5.0

The school were put in touch with Gina Savanhu, immigration lawyer at GDS Immigration Law Ltd to help with the process involved in granting a Tier 2 (General) sponsorship for a member of staff. I cannot recommend Gina more highly in her approach. She was extremely professional, calm and patient! She went out of her way to explain the process step by step.

SM

Sarah P, HR Manager

19 March 2025

5.0

We were lucky to have met Gina at a previous business meeting. Gina was very helpful to our immigration process and her efforts and professionalism helped us achieve our most important goal, which was being together and building a future as a family. We always felt she was at our side every step of the way.

RB

Rob and Quita B

2 May 2025

5.0

Gina was referred to me by a friend and from the initial interview until my ILR application was approved she has been very professional and supportive. I would highly recommend Gina as she is incredibly professional, knowledgeable and diligent in her work.

M.

M.T.

11 June 2025

5.0

I wish to convey my gratitude and appreciation to Gina Savanhu of GDS Immigration Law for a job well done. When my mother's visit visa was initially refused, Gina provided a detailed outline of the errors in the decision letter, drafted a letter challenging the refusal, and the decision was overturned within 2 weeks. I would recommend Gina Savanhu to anyone seeking experts in immigration matters.

P.

P.M.

22 July 2025

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CONTACT US

Need help with immigration? Contact Us!

To book a consultation or to speak to a Beder-Harrison immigration adviser call 07393 776489. Or fill out the form below.