Our story
“Specialists in all aspects of UK immigration, residence and nationality.”
Raj Balu joined Cooper Tuff in 2004, as a Consultant, combining his experience and knowledge of immigration gained with working in London based law firms. He has advised and represented clients for more than 27 years' experience of working across the entire spectrum of immigration, Raj boasts a wealth of corporate and private client expertise. He provides bespoke immigration advice for high-net-worth individuals and their families, often from Asia, Russia and the Middle East under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Investor) categories.
In 2006, Raj became a Director of Cooper Tuff Consultants.
27+
Years advising on UK immigration
Level 3
Highest OISC accreditation
F200100082
OISC registration number
£40k
Final liability on a £300k penalty case
The journey
Built on experience, defined by results
- 2004
Joined Cooper Tuff
Raj Balu joined as a Consultant, bringing experience from London-based law firms and a focus on corporate and private client immigration.
- 2006
Appointed Director
Raj became a Director of Cooper Tuff Consultants, leading the firm's advisory work across the full spectrum of UK immigration.
- Today
Corporate & private expertise
Advising SMEs, large corporates and household brands on Sponsor Licences, compliance audits, and bespoke routes for high-net-worth individuals.
- Recent
Penalty notice success
Represented a company facing a £300,000 civil penalty for illegal working — negotiating liability down to just £40,000.
Areas of expertise
Where we add value
He has an extensive understanding and working knowledge of the Points Based System and advises SMEs, large corporates and household brands on Sponsor Licence applications, as well as other categories – Tiers 2, 4 and 5, Immigration & Nationality, EEA Regulation – including the consideration of Discretionary Leave and applications under the Human Rights Act. He frequently advises businesses on their immigration strategy and compliance issues and conducts pre-Home Office compliance audit checks.
- Points Based System applications
- Sponsor Licence applications & renewals
- Tiers 2, 4 and 5 routes
- Immigration & Nationality
- EEA Regulation
- Discretionary Leave
- Human Rights Act applications
- Tier 1 Investor & Entrepreneur routes
- Pre-Home Office compliance audits
Case highlight
From £300,000 to £40,000
When a company received a Penalty Notice of £300,000 for employing illegal workers, Raj represented them and made detailed submissions — securing a dramatic reduction in liability.
In one of Raj's most recent successes he represented and made submissions on behalf of a company who'd received a Penalty Notice of £300,000 for employing illegal workers and was able to negotiate a reduction in liability to just £40,000.
Initial penalty
£300,000
Negotiated outcome
£40,000
Regulation
OISC regulated, client-first
Recognised by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, Raj has Level 3 accreditation – the highest accreditation achievable – having demonstrated an advanced level of competence and knowledge in Immigration Law, as defined by OISC.
“Our aim is to provide accurate assessments of client circumstances and only process applications that satisfy the rules and policies of UK Visas and Immigration.”
Our aim is to provide accurate assessments of client circumstances and requests for help, and only process those applications that satisfy the rules and policies of UK Visas and Immigration. To ensure our client is fully satisfied with our service, advice and assistance.
Cooper Tuff Consultants Ltd are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The OISC was set up to regulate immigration consultants to ensure that advice given would be of a high standard, and that applications handled would be professionally presented to the Departments on behalf of clients. Cooper Tuff are pleased to support the policies and rules of the OISC. Our registered number is F200100082.
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Or call us on 020 7831 3176