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Entry Clearance Regime

All applicants who seek to enter the UK for a period longer than 6 months, are now required to obtain entry clearance from an appropriate British visa issuing post before departure.

Visa nationals need the appropriate entry clearance for any purpose, whether work, study or visit. Non-visa nationals may still travel to the UK without prior authorisation if their entry is for a period of 6 months or less.

Additionally, there has been an amendment to the rules for students, which affects non-visa nationals entering the UK as a visitor. Previously a non-visa national might be permitted to change their status after entry as a visitor, if they were accepted for a course of study at degree level or above, but a change has been made, which will affect this category of entrant with effect from 1st July 2006. As from that date, entry clearance will be required.

There are also changes made to the Rules in relation to those who have entered the UK, or been given leave to remain, in other categories, codifying the circumstances in which they may remain for the purposes of study.

For more information about these new arrangements, you are welcome to e-mail us with your particular circumstances.