No I didn't submit my appeal through a solicitor, and probably won't get one to handle the appeal cos if it does get to that stage then I will be submitting a fresh application anyway.
Your solicitor probably wants you to stick with the existing application and see it through the appeal process as it's more money for him! Although it does all depend on why your application was refused, obviously if your fresh application is going to be pretty much the same as the old one then there's no point in making another.
I was wondering about the whole visit visa thing too, but I suppose they would refuse it automatically cos a) our spouses already have appeals for settlement visas pending and b) the ECO will refuse it cos they'll say you're applying for the wrong type of visa - unless of course you don't mention it on the application form
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