Legal Aid Agency (LAA) prior authority is required before instructing expert disbursements in legally aided immigration cases. Submit prior authority applications with proposed scope, expert CV, and indicative fees before the expert begins work.
LAA rates for expert disbursements vary by report type and expert qualifications. Provide the expert with the LAA funding reference, appeal reference, and tribunal deadlines at instruction.
Instruction bundles should include the refusal letter, CPIN, witness statements, country guidance decisions, and a clear letter of instruction with numbered questions. Anonymity requirements must be addressed where the appellant's identity is protected.
Manage deadlines carefully — obtain prior authority early to allow 2 to 3 weeks for standard report turnaround. Late reports risk refusal under Rule 15. Flag urgent hearings at instruction.