Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, including law. From automating research to generating draft documents, AI promises speed, convenience, and efficiency. But when it comes to UK visa applications, relying on AI for immigration advice carries significant risks. Immigration law is complex, constantly evolving, and highly dependent on personal circumstances.
At Mulgrave Law, we ensure every application is carefully reviewed by experienced human lawyers, not machines, because accuracy, accountability, and personalised guidance matter.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why AI cannot replace human immigration lawyers
- The risks of using AI for UK visa advice
- Common client questions about AI in immigration law
- How Mulgrave Law ensures your application is fully human-verified
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as analysing data, understanding language, and making decisions. While the concept has existed since the mid-20th century, AI has advanced rapidly in recent years, becoming more accessible across industries, including law.
In immigration law, AI tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Google Gemini can assist lawyers and clients by reviewing documents, spotting missing information, analysing case law, and generating drafts. These tools improve efficiency, but they have limitations. AI cannot interpret legal rules, understand personal circumstances, or provide nuanced advice. It has also produced inaccurate and misleading information, sometimes inventing case citations or misquoting regulations.
At Mulgrave Law, all immigration advice, document verification, and application strategy are conducted by qualified human lawyers, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and personalised guidance.
Why AI is Controversial in UK Immigration Law
AI is useful, but in the context of UK immigration law, it carries significant risks. While AI can identify patterns in text, it cannot understand complex legal rules or adapt advice to individual circumstances. This makes it prone to “hallucinations,” where information appears plausible but is factually incorrect.
Other concerns include:
- Privacy and security risks: AI tools often handle sensitive personal data. If mismanaged, this could lead to GDPR or Data Protection Act 2018 breaches.
- Inaccurate advice: AI may misinterpret rules, omit critical updates, or fabricate legal references.
- Outdated information: Immigration law evolves rapidly. AI models may not be updated with the latest Home Office guidance.
A recent Guardian article highlighted this risk: “High court tells UK lawyers to stop misuse of AI after fake case-law citations”.
Lawyers were instructed to stop AI misuse after fabricated citations were presented in court.
Victoria Sharp, President of the King’s Bench Division, stated:
“Such tools can produce apparently coherent and plausible responses to prompts, but those coherent and plausible responses may turn out to be entirely incorrect. … They may cite sources that do not exist.”
This highlights that AI can never replace the professional judgment and accountability of a human immigration lawyer.
Case Example: Tribunal Misuse of AI
A real-world example illustrates the dangers of relying on AI for legal submissions:
In MS (Bangladesh) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] UKUT 00305 (IAC), a barrister used AI to generate parts of an asylum appeal. Several cited legal authorities, including “Y (China) [2010] EWCA Civ 116”, did not exist.
The tribunal criticised the barrister for failing to verify the information, demonstrating how AI-generated inaccuracies can undermine credibility. (Tribunals Decisions)
Legal reporting confirmed that some submissions contained “entirely fictitious or wholly irrelevant” authorities, likely produced by AI, which could have led to serious consequences if relied upon unchecked (Legal Cheek).
This case underscores why AI cannot be trusted as the sole source of immigration advice, even for experienced legal professionals, especially in complex cases like spouse visas.
The Risks of Using AI in Immigration Law
AI tools may generate professional-looking content, but their limitations are particularly risky in immigration law. Key risks include:
- Incorrect or misleading information: AI might provide advice that appears credible but is legally inaccurate.
- Fake legal citations: Generative AI can invent case references or misquote statutes, which is disastrous in a legal setting.
- Misinterpretation of UK immigration rules: AI cannot assess the nuances of policies or apply them to unique client situations.
- Overlooking recent changes: Immigration law evolves frequently, and AI may not be up-to-date with the latest Home Office guidance.
- Lack of accountability: Unlike a regulated solicitor, AI cannot be held responsible for errors.
Even minor errors in an immigration application like a misinterpreted rule or missing document can result in visa refusal, delays, or long-term immigration consequences.
Common Questions About AI and Immigration Advice
1. Can AI replace a human immigration lawyer in the UK?
No. AI can assist with research or draft summaries, but only qualified lawyers can interpret laws, assess evidence, and tailor advice for each UK visa application.
2. Is it safe to use ChatGPT for UK visa applications?
AI can provide general information but cannot guarantee accuracy. Relying solely on AI exposes applicants to risks such as delays, refusals, or long-term immigration complications.
3. What are the dangers of using AI for immigration advice?
AI-generated advice may include inaccurate citations, misinterpretation of rules, or missing recent updates. Human lawyers are regulated and accountable, giving clients protection and peace of mind.
4. Are there laws governing AI?
Yes. In the UK, GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 ensure AI tools handle personal information safely. Any AI used in immigration work must protect data, avoid bias, and allow qualified lawyers to review decisions.
However, you should check that the law firm you are instructing follow this guidance.
If you are using AI yourself to check guidance, be sure to avoid sharing personal information with the software. It is advised that you always seek legal guidance with a reputable law firm for UK immigration advice.
Why Human Checking is Crucial for UK Visa Applications
Even seemingly minor mistakes in immigration applications can have serious consequences. Human lawyers provide essential verification at multiple levels:
- Document verification: Ensuring all evidence is accurate, consistent, and complies with Home Office requirements
- Application compliance: Keeping up-to-date with policy changes, eligibility requirements, and procedural updates
- Tailored advice: Considering personal circumstances like employment, family ties, prior visa refusals, or criminal records
- Risk management: Advising on the best legal strategies to maximise success and avoid complications
For example, a UK spouse visa may be refused if supporting documents are inconsistent. Only a human lawyer can assess credibility, cross-check evidence, and provide tailored guidance.
How Mulgrave Law Stands Apart from AI-Dependent Practices
At Mulgrave Law, we have a strict human-first policy: we do not use AI for any part of our immigration advice or visa applications. While some firms may rely on AI to speed up processes or reduce costs, this can introduce risks such as inaccurate legal citations, misinterpretation of rules, or omissions that jeopardise client cases.
- Every case is fully human-checked: From start to finish, a qualified immigration lawyer personally reviews each application, ensuring that all details are accurate, all documents are verified, and every legal reference is correct.
- Thorough evidence verification: Our legal team meticulously checks every supporting document, ensuring it meets Home Office standards. This level of scrutiny prevents errors that AI-generated drafts might miss or even introduce.
- Personalised advice: Immigration applications are unique. We tailor guidance based on your individual circumstances, history, and legal eligibility, ensuring a strategy that AI simply cannot replicate.
- Strategic legal oversight: Our lawyers and solicitors anticipate potential challenges, address complex legal nuances, and provide proactive solutions, rather than relying on automated suggestions.
- Accountability and peace of mind: With Mulgrave Law, clients know that their applications are handled by regulated professionals who are accountable for every decision and recommendation. Unlike AI, human lawyers can be held responsible for errors, giving clients confidence in the process.
- Enhanced client communication: We prioritise direct, personalised communication. Clients can ask questions, clarify doubts, and receive explanations from an immigration lawyer or solicitor who fully understands their case – something AI cannot provide.
By maintaining a fully human-led process, we reduce the risk of errors and ensure clients feel confident and supported.
Mulgrave Law’s Expertise in UK Immigration Law
At Mulgrave Law, we specialise in guiding individuals, families, and businesses through the complexities of UK immigration law. Our team of qualified immigration lawyers combines legal expertise, strategic insight, and practical experience to provide clients with personalised, reliable advice.
Our Core Areas of Expertise
- UK Spouse Visas
We assist couples navigating the UK spouse visa application process, ensuring every document is verified and every legal requirement is met. Our lawyers tailor advice to your unique circumstances, helping to avoid delays, refusals, or complications. Learn more about our UK Spouse Visa services. - UK Sponsor Licences
For businesses looking to employ skilled workers from overseas, we guide organisations through the sponsorship licence process. This includes compliance checks, application preparation, and ongoing legal support to ensure your business meets Home Office standards. Explore our UK Sponsor Licence services. - Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Achieving ILR is a critical step for many immigrants seeking permanent residency in the UK. Our lawyers provide step-by-step guidance, review supporting evidence, and develop personalised strategies to maximise your chances of success. Learn more about ILR.
Why Clients Trust Mulgrave Law
- Human-first approach: Every case is fully reviewed by an experienced immigration lawyer
- Attention to detail: Documents, evidence, and application forms are carefully checked to meet Home Office requirements
- Strategic advice: We anticipate potential challenges and provide proactive solutions
- Accountability and reassurance: Clients have confidence knowing a regulated professional handles their case
With Mulgrave Law, whether you are applying for a spouse visa, seeking ILR, or managing a sponsor licence, you receive expert guidance, meticulous attention, and personalised support throughout the process.
Why Human Expertise Cannot Be Replaced by AI
AI may assist with research, but human lawyers provide expertise AI cannot replicate:
- Assessing evidence credibility: Judging the trustworthiness of documents
- Understanding legal nuance: Interpreting complex rules affecting applications
- Accountability: Lawyers are legally responsible for mistakes
- Strategic decision-making: Advising on alternative routes and risk mitigation
These human skills are essential to ensure accuracy, compliance, and ethical oversight.
Conclusion: Human Oversight is Irreplaceable
AI may offer speed and convenience, but it cannot replace human judgment, expertise, or accountability. Errors in UK visa applications can result in refusals, delays, or long-term consequences.
At Mulgrave Law, every application is checked by qualified immigration lawyers, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and peace of mind. If you’re preparing a UK visa application, rely on human expertise you can trust.
Book a FREE 30-minute consultation today:
- Call: 0207 253 7248
- Email: info@mulgravelaw.co.uk
- Or fill out our contact form
About the Author
Sayed Ullah, Director of Operations at Mulgrave Law
Sayed Ullah is the Director of Operations at Mulgrave Law, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s immigration services to ensure the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and client care. Book a consultation with lawyers at Mulgrave Law today for expert guidance tailored to your circumstances.