Accredited by The Law Society of Scotland as a specialist UK immigration and nationality lawyer, John works for both business and private individuals.

For businesses, he guides managers, HR teams and their international workforce through the sponsor licence system. He advises on regulatory compliance issues including sponsor and right to work duties. His clients range from small businesses through to multi-national corporations, as well as charities, sporting organisations, higher education institutions, and religious organisations.

For individuals, he advises on personal and family migration plans and helps them to choose the best migration strategy for their needs. John regularly acts for high profile, eminent individuals migrating to the UK under the Global Talent visa route. With a particular interest in current and past British citizenship law and ancestry, he is highly skilled in problem-solving in complex immigration cases. John takes a keen interest in Adult Dependent Relative visa cases, and prides himself on a strong track record of success.

John is an experienced litigator, but recognises that alternatives to litigation are usually best for his clients. Where there are no alternatives, he has successfully represented clients in immigration appeals at the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, and has acted as instructing solicitor in cases at the Scottish Court of Session, the UK Supreme Court, and the European Court of Human Rights. He was lead solicitor in the landmark Supreme Court case that opened a route to British citizenship for children born outside of the UK and Commonwealth between 1949 and 1983 to foreign-born British mothers.

He is a frequent author on the Free Movement website, which features news, training and commentary on immigration and nationality case law; and a guest lecturer on the University of Glasgow’s Immigration and Asylum Law honours course. In February 2022 he co-founded the Ukraine Advice Project, a pro bono network of over 600 lawyers giving free UK immigration advice to people in Ukraine seeking sanctuary in the UK.

Areas of practice include:

Sector experience includes:

Admitted

2013: Scotland

Relevant experience

Business

Advising a marine engineering contractor on immigration requirements for foreign national crew engaged in offshore work on a windfarm operating within UK territorial waters.
Helping a multi-national company send foreign specialist workers from around Europe to sites in the UK on a series of project postings ranging from 6 months to several years, utilising Global Mobility visas and Skilled Worker visas.
Assisting a Scottish professional football club with the sponsorship and associated visa applications for its recent international signings, and advising on the club’s sponsor licence, right to work queries, and future visa considerations.
Advising a UK-wide hotel company in its successful defence against a civil penalty notice, following an investigation from Immigration Enforcement in relation to an employee suspected of working illegally.
Helping a livestock research institute sponsor foreign individuals seeking work experience, internship opportunities and other supernumerary work options. The institute obtained an endorsement for UK Visas and Immigration, enabling it to be added to the published list of approved research organisations, which in turn enabled it to use the Government Authorised Exchange scheme.
Advising a multi-billion-dollar construction and technology group on the posting of international workers to the UK for the group’s various UK projects. This resulted in the group successfully posting around 100 workers to the UK to undertake short-term installation work as standard visitors utilising rule PA7 permitted activities.
Providing consultancy and legal advice to a Scottish university following a failed UKVI student sponsor compliance audit, including advice relating to student sponsor compliance and UKVI policy interpretation.

Individual

Strong track record of success in:
- Global Talent visa applications for eminent artists, writers, film producers, game developers, and tech entrepreneurs.
- Adult Dependent Relative visa applications and appeals.
- Family migration to the UK.
- British citizenship claims for US citizens, arising from a UK-born grandparent.

“An incredibly adept immigration solicitor with extensive knowledge and an understanding of the law and the ability to apply it to further his clients’ interests.”

Legal 500 (2024)

Further testimonials

“I hired John Vassiliou for a complex immigration matter. I was immediately impressed with John – his breadth of knowledge and experience was evident, and he was very personable. He patiently explained the process and what to expect, including how we might deal with any issues that could arise. John’s service was flawless from start to finish. He was on top of everything at each step along the way, and he always got back to me right away with detailed and helpful input. I’m happy to say that the result was successful. I can’t recommend John highly enough.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn client (2024)

“The epitome of a good immigration lawyer – intelligent, committed, and a strong communicator.”

Chambers (2024)

“Has a deep knowledge of, and interest in, the issues in this area of law.”

Chambers (2024)

“Well regarded, well informed and insightful.”

Chambers (2024)

“His knowledge of immigration law is encyclopaedic, and his friendly, professional manner makes him an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Chambers (2023)

“He is a true pleasure to deal with and gets results.”

Chambers (2023)

“He is committed to the sector, knows the politics well and has had a lot of successes for clients.”

Chambers (2022)

Further information:

Recognition and memberships

Rising Star, Legal 500 (2024)
Member, Editorial Board, The Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law (2021)
Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Law Society of Scotland (2020)
Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (2013)