Tier 1 rejected - need laywer. recommendations?

[sabatobat]

I've just had my Tier 1 visa rejected. My current HSMP runs out on March 20 but I'm eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain on May 1. Anyone have any advise or suggestions? I've been on the following visas:

April 2003 - March 2005: working holiday
May 2005 - Feb 2006: work permit
Feb 2006 - Feb 2008: work permit
Feb 2008 - March 20, 2010: HSMP

I got made redundant from fulltime job in March 2009 and I had enough points for income/education when I applied in December but I didn't have enough maintenance allowance of 800 consistently in the 3 months before (I'm self-employed and get paid randomly) that and got rejected based on that. I can't even reapply as I won't have enough points if I apply now. Any ideas or suggestions?

Also, I was shortlisted for a job after 2 interviews and I called them and told them my situation thinking they could sponsor me. And they said they didn't have a license to sponsor me, so I'm no longer a candidate for the position. So, it seems like a double edged sword, I can't even find a fulltime job now that Tier 1 application has been rejected.

Seems like the only thing I can do is get a lawyer (considering I don't have maintenance funds, hiring a lawyer is going to be expensive!). Any recommendations for lawyers and how much would they charge? Thanks!

[Sushil-ACCA]

get extended yr HSMP

[sabatobat]

This is just an update for anyone who might be in the same situation.

I found a lawyer online and contacted him. He said I can't appeal as my HSMP is still valid till March. Best scenario, he said is to reapply closer to my expiry and then get rejected (as we know I'll get rejected as I can't show the salary or maintenace points in march) and when I get rejected, during that time, I'm eligible for ILR. So, he said he'll lodge an appeal on the grounds for ILR as opposed to the Tier 1 rejection.

[crowbar6]

This is just an update for anyone who might be in the same situation.

I found a lawyer online and contacted him. He said I can't appeal as my HSMP is still valid till March. Best scenario, he said is to reapply closer to my expiry and then get rejected (as we know I'll get rejected as I can't show the salary or maintenace points in march) and when I get rejected, during that time, I'm eligible for ILR. So, he said he'll lodge an appeal on the grounds for ILR as opposed to the Tier 1 rejection.

Make sure that your lawyer knows what he is doing.... As I am not a legal expert, I will refrain from giving an opinion on the above but it does sound risky.

[kiranchinnu]

This is just an update for anyone who might be in the same situation.

I found a lawyer online and contacted him. He said I can't appeal as my HSMP is still valid till March. Best scenario, he said is to reapply closer to my expiry and then get rejected (as we know I'll get rejected as I can't show the salary or maintenace points in march) and when I get rejected, during that time, I'm eligible for ILR. So, he said he'll lodge an appeal on the grounds for ILR as opposed to the Tier 1 rejection.

Does this not sound risky??? go to second , even third opinion before you decide.

[[iD]]

This is just an update for anyone who might be in the same situation.

I found a lawyer online and contacted him. He said I can't appeal as my HSMP is still valid till March. Best scenario, he said is to reapply closer to my expiry and then get rejected (as we know I'll get rejected as I can't show the salary or maintenace points in march) and when I get rejected, during that time, I'm eligible for ILR. So, he said he'll lodge an appeal on the grounds for ILR as opposed to the Tier 1 rejection.

Does this not sound risky??? go to second , even third opinion before you decide.

even 4th and 5th opinion