Blog
What to do if you receive a civil penalty for illegal working
Robert Houchill
Robert has extensive experience of assisting individuals and organisations with their UK immigration and nationality matters.
Robert’s experience covers all kinds of immigration and nationality applications but with a particular emphasis on corporate immigration matters and complex immigration issues faced by individuals, such as previous immigration breaches and criminality.
Robert often helps organisations with sponsor licence applications and advises on immigration compliance matters. He has also worked with organisations to challenge UKVI decisions following sponsor licence suspensions and revocations.
Recent work
- advising a well-known sportsperson in relation to entering the UK to take part in a high-profile sporting event;
- helping a leading racing driver obtain status under the International Sportsperson category;
- advising a large corporate client in relation to the impact of UKVI enforcement action for sponsor licence breaches;
- assisting with an application by an individual who had previously been refused on the basis of alleged deception;
- helping organisations establish their operations in the UK;
- advising on the implications of a criminal conviction for a sponsored worker in the UK; and
- advising an international businessperson in relation to a naturalisation application where their absences from the UK were in excess of the permitted number.
MEMBERSHIPS
- Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA)
press & publications
- A route of last resort: two years of the UK Expansion Worker visa - Free Movement, August 2024
What clients and directories say
I find Roberts advice to be very accurate and very prompt, which I very much appreciate."
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Robert is great to work with."
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Robert Houchill managed a highly sensitive and risky case recently which initially caused a lot of stress at our firm. With Robert assistance we were able to arrange a visa extension. He took over the communication with the employee and his calm and professional way of handling the case was exceptional.’
Legal 500, 2025
Great client service to our employees and the business. Whenever there is an issue with the Home Office/UKVI they are quick to communicate and request resolution. No bureaucracy. Very clear and transparent. Ilda de Sousa and Robert Houchill are phenomenal to work with.’
Legal 500, 2025
