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People from certain countries, known as visa nationals, need an entry clearance to enter the UK for any reason; those from other countries need one only for some reasons: for example, to live as the wife or husband of a British Citizen.
Entry clearance is the formal term to describe 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 placed in your passport or travel document.
The job of an entry clearance officer at a British mission overseas is to decide if you qualify for entry before you travel to the United Kingdom. Entry clearance officers work to strict rules and procedures. Go to the Immigration Rules and Diplomatic Service Procedures - Entry Clearance for further information.
If you have a valid UK visa, you will not normally be refused entry to the UK on arrival unless your circumstances have changed, you gave false information, or you did not tell the entry clearance officer important facts when you applied for your 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 may enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.
What supporting documents should I include with my application?
The documents we want to see will depend on the type of visa you apply for.
The guidance notes will give an indication, but there may be others that you
should include. The documents that our visa sections around the world will
ask for can vary and you should visit the visa section's website to find out
more.
We ask for supporting documents to help us decide if you meet the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules. For example you will usually need to show that you have enough money to pay for your trip, and your food, accommodation and expenses in the UK. To show this we will ask to see bank statements, pay slips and evidence of savings - yours and/or your sponsor's, depending on who is paying the costs. Also you will usually need to show that you will leave the UK at the end of your proposed time there. To show this you could send evidence of your job, or continuing studies in your home country.
If you are not sure whether or not you should include a particular document, include it. It is better that we have too many than not enough. But please do not include an excessive number - the entry clearance officer only has a limited amount of time to read the documents.
You should include original documents if possible, particularly those relating to birth, marriage, divorce and death. If you are not able to include originals of these then you should send attested copies. All original documents will be returned to you.
You should not pay for any travel tickets until a decision has been made on your visa application, but you may want to send evidence that you have reserved flights.
Where do I apply?
You can apply for a visit visa or an EEA Family Permit at any UK visa
section that offers a full service. For other types of visa you should apply
in the country where you are normally and legally resident.
Most of our Overseas Missions have their own websites where you can find out more about visa section opening times, documents required, waiting times, etc. The Do I need a UK visa? questionnaire on this website will tell you where your nearest mission offering an entry clearance service is, or any British mission overseas can advise you where to apply.
How can I make my application?
This depends on which visa section you will apply to. There are often a
number of ways, for example by post, by courier, in-person, or online. The
visa section will tell you more about the ways in which you can apply.
If you must travel a long distance to a visa section, contact them before
you start your journey for any important information that may affect you.
Will I need an interview?
We aim to make as many decision as possible without an interview. But the
entry clearance officer may want to ask you more questions about your
application. This will be done straight away if possible. If not, we may ask
you to come back for an interview on another day. We will try to see you
within 10 working days, but this can be longer, especially leading up to and
during holidays. Contact the visa section for up to date information on
waiting times.
Checking your visa
Please check your visa when you receive it. You should make sure that:
 | your personal details are correct
| it allows you to travel when you want to. You can ask for it to be
post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel
immediately.
| it is for the purpose for which you want to come to the UK | |
If you think there is anything wrong with your visa you should contact
the visa section immediately to tell them.
What if I am refused a visa?
Seven out of eight applicants worldwide receive the visa that they have
applied for. If you are refused a visa, you will receive a written notice
explaining why. To ensure that we have made a fair decision, in accordance
with the Immigration
Rules, an entry clearance manager reviews every refusal within 24 hours.
In some cases, you will have the right of appeal against the decision. At the time that your visa is refused you will be told if you have the right of appeal, and given advice on how to appeal.
Even if you have been refused a UK visa before, you may make another
application at any time, but if the reasons for your refusal still apply you
may be refused again. For more information read our guidance on Appeals
(INF 20).
What should I do next?
| Use the Do
I need a UK visa? questionnaire to find out if you need a visa and
where you should apply.
| Read the appropriate guidance note to find out how you may qualify for
a visa.
| Visit the website of the visa section where you will apply to get more
information on documents required, waiting times, how you can make your
application, etc.
| Download an application form from this website, get one from your
nearest UK visa section, or apply online if it is available in the
country where you are applying
| Prepare your application carefully ensuring that you answer all the
necessary questions and include the fee and supporting documents. | |
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