UK Entry Clearance
Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) at British missions overseas use Entry clearance to check (before a person arrives in the UK) if that person qualifies under the Immigration Rules for entry to the UK.In some cases entry clearance is mandatory, in others it is optional, in all cases, and the authority to admit someone to the UK ultimately rests with the Immigration Officer (IO) at the port of entry.
Applicants must submit biometric information as part of their application and pay a fee. You should contact one of our specialist solicitors for assistance as they will be able to give you advice on your situation.
There are many different reasons for people wanting to come to the UK including visiting family or friends or to work or to study, or simply as a tourist or with the intention of settling here temporarily or permanently.
If you are a foreign national who is subject to immigration control, there are 4 types of entry clearance documents that will allow you to gain legal access to the UK and you should contact one of our specialist immigration solicitors to help you with this. They will be able to advise you on your own individual circumstances.
Who needs UK Entry Clearance?
Visa nationals must obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK unless they are; returning residents or have been given permission to stay in the UK and, after temporarily leaving the UK, return within the duration of that permission to stay; school children resident in an EU member state who are on an organised school trip from a general education school and accompanied by a teacher.
A visa national is a person of a country listed on the visa and transit visa national’s page on the government website.
A stateless person is a visa national, also a holder of a non-national travel document unless issued by the UK, or a holder of a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK.
If you do need entry clearance you must make an application to the department of the UK Border Agency established at a British Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence prior to travelling. You should seek advice from a specialist immigration lawyer.