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John Kiely

Partner, Head of Immigration

Primary Expertise

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"John Kiely.
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John is very knowledgeable, a standout solicitor within high net worth migration. He's got vast experience and is technically excellent, but is also a people person and very good with private clients. 

CHAMBERS HIGH NET WORTH 2024
About

As Head of Howard Kennedy’s Immigration team, John Kiely provides strategic advice in all areas of UK immigration law.

John is Head of Immigration and leads the firm’s corporate and private client immigration offering.

With over a decade’s worth of experience in immigration law, John is an expert in all immigration application types. He assists individuals and families on issues relating to settlement, nationality, as well as applications under the Appendix FM, Tier 1 (Investor), Global Talent, Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, International Sportsperson, Start-up and Innovator routes.

John has developed a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs – and works closely with third party advisors in the private wealth and tax space. He is considered an industry leader in Tech Nation visa applications and has developed an expertise in the International Sportsperson visa – and his opinion has been sought by national publications on football player transfers and the Government Body Endorsement criteria.

Accolades

  • "John Kiely is responsive and pro-active in supporting clients." Legal 500 2025
  • "John Kiely is very responsive and professional." Legal 500 2025
  • "I found John Kiely to be very experienced in dealing with the intricacies of my visa application process. He took the guesswork out of the appeal." Chambers HNW 2024
  • "John takes the initiative to address legal matters promptly and efficiently, ensuring that potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate." Chambers HNW 2024
  • "John Kiely is a very skilled advocate, offering great advice throughout the process of our application and ensuring the process went through smoothly and successfully." Chambers HNW 2024
  • Ranked Up and coming, Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals, Chambers HNW 2023
  • "John Kiely is an expert on high net worth migration for UK inbound work, has a vast amount of experience dealing with an array of international clients and has a great experience dealing with lots of different cultures, which is very useful." Chambers HNW 2023
  • "John Kiely is really good: very professional, approachable and very knowledgeable in the space." Chambers HNW 2023
  • Ranked by Chambers and Partners 2022 as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in the Immigration High Net Worth individuals category
  • "Kiely combines strong technical skills with a real interest in the client - a rising star." Chambers and Partners 2022
  • "John Kiely is responsive and knowledgeable with a solution-orientated mind." Chambers and Partners 2022
  • "Clients always have very positive feedback on his professionalism and expertise." Chambers and Partners 2022
  • "John is a pleasure to work with." Chambers and Partners 2022
  • Ranked by Chambers and Partners 2021 as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in the Immigration High Net Worth individuals category

Did you know

John loves football (particularly Arsenal) and is a keen marathon runner and triathlete.

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