Entry Clearance Application
The UK immigration system can be confusing. Whether you're planning to join your family, start a new job, or study here, securing the right visa is important.
Entry clearance means getting permission to come to the UK. But for many, understanding the entry clearance process, with all its legal requirements and documentation, can cause considerable stress and uncertainty.
Benefits of using a solicitor for your entry clearance application
Will I need to attend an interview as part of the entry clearance application process?
What should I do if my entry clearance application is refused?
At Lawhive, we understand the anxiety that comes with the entry clearance process. The fear of making mistakes, or not understanding the requirements can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to simplify the journey for you. Combining the efficiency of our cutting-edge, easy-to-use online platform with the expertise of a regulated law firm, we offer a quick and affordable way to handle your entry clearance application.
Our network of experienced immigration lawyers is on hand to provide clear, personalised advice for your situation.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your entry clearance needs and how we can assist you.
What is entry clearance?
Entry clearance is the process that decides whether a non-UK national can enter the United Kingdom either to work, study, join family, or come on holiday.
Why is entry clearance necessary?
Entry clearance helps the UK government control the number of people entering the country and ensures only individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria enter the UK.
It enables the authorities to verify and control the reasons for which people are entering the UK, whether for tourism, work, study, or family reunification.
How does the entry clearance application process work?
Visa application
Entry clearance involves applying for a visa that matches your intended purpose of travel to the UK. This could include work, student, family, or visitor visas.
Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria, supporting documents, and conditions that must be met for the application to be approved.
Pre-entry assessment
Entry clearance is an assessment conducted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to decide if someone meets the requirements to enter the UK and will follow immigration rules.
It involves a detailed evaluation of the applicant's background, including their financial situation, criminal history (if applicable), and intentions for staying in the UK.
Biometric information
Applicants must provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a digital photograph, as part of their entry clearance application.
For stays longer than six months, applicants receive a Biometric Residence Permit on arrival in the UK, which includes their biometric information and details of their immigration status.
Document submission
Entry clearance applications require supporting documents including proof of identity, financial stability, accommodation arrangements, and other evidence relevant to the visa type.
Application processing
UKVI processes entry clearance applications by reviewing the provided information and documents to decide if the applicant meets the entry requirements.
If approved, the applicant receives an entry clearance visa, typically in the form of a 'vignette' (sticker) in their passport, specifying the duration and conditions of their stay in the UK.
Who needs an entry clearance?
Most non-UK nationals planning to travel to the UK for work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes need to apply for entry clearance.
Visitors from certain countries may also require entry clearance.
Entry clearance is usually required for:
Non-visa nationals staying longer than six months;
Visa nationals for any stay;
Individuals coming to the UK for work or study;
Those joining family members in the UK or seeking to settle permanently.
Types of entry clearance visas
The UK offers a variety of entry clearance visas, each catering to different purposes and applicant profiles.
Work Visas | Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer in the UK from an approved employer. Applicants must meet specific skill and salary thresholds. Global Talent Visa: For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology. Requires an endorsement from a recognised UK body. Health and Care Worker Visa: For medical professionals with a job offer from the NHS or other healthcare-related employers. Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. |
Study Visas | Student Visa: For individuals accepted to study at a recognised UK educational institution. Applicants must show proof of admission and sufficient funds to support themselves. Child Student Visa: For children aged 4 to 17 to study at an independent school in the UK. Short-term Study Visa: For short courses or English language courses lasting up to 11 months. |
Family Visas | Spouse/Partner Visa: For individuals joining their spouse or partner who is a British citizen or has settled status in the UK. Requires proof of relationship and financial stability. Parent of a Child Visa: For parents of a child who is a UK resident or has settled status. Dependent Relative Visa: For elderly parents or grandparents needing long-term care in the UK. |
Visitor Visas | Standard Visitor Visa: For tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term study. Typically allows stays of up to six months. Marriage Visitor Visa: For individuals coming to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership. |
Other Types of Visas | Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: For young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, allowing them to live and work in the UK. Transit Visa: For individuals passing through the UK en route to another country. |
Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and application procedures.
How to apply for entry clearance
Applying for entry clearance to the UK involves applying for the appropriate visa. There are several steps to the process.
1. Decide on the appropriate visa type
The type of visa you apply for depends on your reason for coming to the UK.
Common visa categories include:
Visitor visas
Work visas
Student visas
Family visas
If you are a founder or leader in a particular field, the Innovator Founder Visa or Global Talent Visa may be more appropriate, depending on your skills and business plans.
Regardless of which visa type is right for you, each category has specific eligibility criteria, such as English language proficiency, you may need to meet. So, before making your application you should check that you do.
2. Gather the required documents
Types of documentation you may need to support your visa and entry clearance application include:
A valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette;
Bank statements or financial documents;
Evidence of where you will stay in the UK;
Additional documents depending on your visa type such as a job offer letter, enrollment confirmation, or proof of relationship.
3. Complete the online application
In most cases, you can apply online through the UK government's official application website by selecting the appropriate visa category.
During the application process, you have to provide your details, passport information, and information about your previous travel, visa, and immigration history.
You will also have to explain the reason for your visit and provide supporting information specific to your chosen visa type.
4. Pay the application fee
All visa types require a fee, which you can usually pay online using a credit or debit card. The fee you have to pay will depend on your visa type and length of stay.
You may also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This covers access to the National Health Service in the UK and the amount varies based on the length of your visa.
5. Attend a biometric appointment
After submitting your application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken.
This is required for most visa applications.
6. Wait for a decision
The processing times for visas and entry clearance varies can range from a few weeks to several months.
You should be able to use the online tracking service to monitor the status of your application. However, you will be notified via email or text message when a decision is made.
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa vignette attached.
If your stay is longer than six months, you will also be able to collect your Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
Tips for a successful entry clearance application
Start the application process well in advance of your intended travel date.
Make sure all information on your application form and supporting documents are accurate and complete.
Seek legal advice from an immigration solicitor if you are unsure about any part of the process.
Make copies of all documents submitted with your application.
Regularly check the status of your application and follow up quickly if there are any additional requests from UKVI.
At Lawhive, we provide expert support to maximise the success of your visa and entry clearance application.
Our network of expert immigration solicitors can help you determine the most appropriate visa for your needs and make sure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out how we can assist with your entry clearance application.