Jessica Smart
Partner - Head of Immigration, London
Jessica Smart is a Partner and Head of Immigration at Stephenson Harwood, providing specialist UK immigration and nationality advice.
Partner - Head of Immigration, London
Jessica Smart is a Partner and Head of Immigration at Stephenson Harwood, providing specialist UK immigration and nationality advice.
Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Jessica Smart is a Partner and Head of Immigration at Stephenson Harwood. She is a leading specialist in UK immigration and nationality and advises a range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and corporate entities.
For private clients and families, Jessica advises on all UK immigration routes. For her clients in the UK, Jessica supports them with obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (also known as Permanent Residence or Settlement), British citizenship and passport.
For corporate clients, Jessica supports them through the sponsor licence process and subsequent sponsorship of skilled workers. She advises UK businesses on compliance with sponsor licence duties and responsibilities and the law in relation to the prevention of illegal working.
Jessica has extensive experience advising offshore energy clients on immigration strategy and nuanced areas of law involving seafarers and crew.
Jessica is ranked by the Chambers and Partners HNW guide. She has also been recognised by the Legal 500 for her immigration expertise and is named in ALM's 2024 Private Client Global Elite. She was the winner of the 'Future Icon' award at the Citywealth 2025 Magic Circle Awards.
Jessica is the Immigration Council Member for England and Wales at The Law Society and is a member of The Law Society's Immigration Law Committee. She is also a member of the Home Office Business Advisory Group, and the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA).
Complex Investor visa success
Assisted a high-net-worth individual in resolving a complex investor visa extension application after their investment provider collapsed, and secured an approval despite significant regulatory challenges and delays.
Business immigration for entrepreneurs
Supported an international entrepreneur in obtaining a sponsor licence for their new UK business, successfully addressing Home Office concerns during a pre-licence compliance audit.
Family reunification across jurisdictions
Assisted a client with a complicated cross-border adoption and immigration process, overcoming legal and procedural obstacles to reunite the family in the UK.
Dual nationality documentation issues
Resolved a challenging case involving conflicting passport and nationality documentation, enabling the client to obtain a British passport without altering their foreign identity documents.
Offshore energy project
Secured over 200 visas for a major offshore energy client within two months, while managing complex sponsorship and Home Office compliance requirements.
