Entry Clearance
Entry clearance is the application process for visa nationals who wish to travel to the United Kingdom and for non - visa nationals who intend a longer stay or to settle in the UK. The entry clearance certificate, more commonly called a visa, is put into the passport or travel document.
An Entry Clearance (visa) Officer will decide if the applicant qualifies for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Entry Clearance Officers work according to the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules
Once a valid UK visa has been issued you will not normally be refused entry to the UK unless the circumstances have changed, or you gave false information, presented false documentation or did not inform the Entry Clearance Officer of any important facts when you applied for the visa.
The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:
- the purpose of your travel;
- how long you can stay in the UK; and
- the latest date that you can enter the UK.
Normally, you can enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.
Applications:
Applications should be completed on the appropriate form. We can advise you on this process or complete it on your behalf.
Additional documents required to be submit:
- your valid passport or travel document
- one recent passport-sized photograph.
- the visa fee. This varies in different countries
- supporting evidential documents, we can advise on which would be the most appropriate for your application. Supporting documents must be originals or attested copies.
Please make sure that you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel, unless you are applying for settlement.
|
Will I be interviewed?
The Entry Clearance Office will try to make a decision using the application form and the supporting documents provided. If the Entry Clearance Officer cannot make a decision using the papers they will need to interview the applicant. They will try to see them within 10 working days. This can take longer, especially before and during holidays, and before the start of school terms. |
What is the latest date I can arrive in the UK with my visa?
The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK. |
How long can I stay?
The last day on which you may enter or be in the UK is the expiry date on the visa. For visitors, this is normally a maximum of 6 months. |
Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?
UK visas are usually valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa. |
If my travel plans are delayed, can the validity of my visa be changed?
No, except where there are compelling compassionate circumstances. At the discretion of an entry clearance officer, the expiry date of a visa can be extended for up to 3 months, provided there has been no change in your circumstances. Otherwise you should apply for another visa. |
What if my reason for going to the UK changes?
A visa is normally issued for a specific purpose. If your reason for going to the UK changes, you should inform the visa office, preferably the one that issued your visa. You may be asked to make another visa application. |
Do I need to bring any documents with me?
On arrival, an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence of funding, letters from your sponsor or businesses you are visiting, or schools you will study at. You should bring copies of the documents that you showed to the entry clearance officer, in your hand luggage. |
Can I extend my stay in the UK?
If you are a visa national coming for a short visit to the UK, you are not allowed to extend your stay or change from being a visitor to another category. If you are coming to the UK for another reason, you may be allowed to extend your stay. You should contact the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for more information. |
Biometric Fingerscans
The British Government is introducing biometric data collection (fingerscans) as part of a world-wide biometric identification process, designed to protect an individual’s identity, facilitate future entry to the UK, combat visa fraud and abuse of the UK’s immigration and asylum systems. Fingerscans will be collected from each applicant by using an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical will be used and the procedure will take no more than two minutes to complete.
If an applicant refuses to provide fingerscans, the application cannot be processed. |
|
