UK Entry Clearance

Visas are for people known as ‘visa nationals’ who come from countries known as ‘visa national countries’.

There is a long list of visa national countries under Appendix A of the Immigration Rules. There are many different categories of UK Entry Visa. Some of these include:

• Worker and Student Visas;
• Partner and Family Visas;
• Tourist and Visitor Visas.

Many visas also fall under the Five-tier Points Based System (Tier 1 to Tier 5) which is the central element of UK visa operations.

More detailed Entry Clearance Advice. 

An Entry Certificate is for people who are non-visa nationals. They are nationals of specific countries which are non-visa nationals. Some non-visa national countries include the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

An EEA Family Permit is for family members of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss nationals in the UK.

An exempt vignette is for people such as diplomats who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act 1971.

A visa will not be required if you have a passport issued by the UK, another EEA member state or Switzerland. If you are a visa national you will need a visa for all journeys to the UK. If you are a non-visa national you:

• Might not need a visa to enter the country for up to six months;
• Will need a visa for any periods above six months.

If you are a non-EEA national who is simply in transit through the UK on your journey to another country, you may not need a visa. If you arrive and depart without going through immigration control, also known as transit airside, you will not need a visa.

If you pass through immigration control and transit landside for less than 24 hours, you may also not be required to have a visa. If you remain for 48 hours or above, you will need a Visitor In-Transit Visa unless you are a non-visa national or hold a UK-issued travel document.

The team at IAS are here to help with all kinds of applications for UK Entry Clearance. We can also resolve any issues from a refusal to enter the country.

We understand that applying for a UK Entry Visa can be a difficult and stressful experience. Our lawyers will guide you through each step of the process to make it as simple as possible.

One of our lawyers will work with you to:

• Confirm you are eligible for UK Entry Clearance;
• Assess whether you need a UK sponsor and assist you with receiving this;
• Complete a full document check, advising you on alternative documents if necessary;
• Liaise with you in person, over the phone or via Skype at a suitable time for you;
• Prepare a Letter of Representation. This letter details your case and provides references to your supporting evidence and relevant UK case law;
• Manage all contact with the Entry Clearance Office throughout your application;
• Fill all relevant application forms out in full to a highly professional standard.

Call us on +1844 290 6312 or make an inquiry for tailored advice and assistance on your UK Entry Clearance queries.