An Introduction To UK Visas And Immigration

It is a widely-acknowledged contradiction that UK laws are detailed, complex and archaic, and yet UK visa applicants often seek (initially at least) to navigate the Immigration Rules without legal assistance. Readers may have already encountered the detailed requirements and evidential rules associated with visa or citizenship applications but may not know the legal principles which govern these. The purpose of this article, and others in the series, is to help readers understand some of the fundamental concepts which make up immigration law in the UK and which will impact their individual applications.

What Is a Visa?

The word 'visa' is often used interchangeably with other terms and to describe a variety of immigration concepts including entry clearance, leave to remain, permission to enter, permission to remain and so on. This can lead to confusion about what actually constitutes a visa, and indeed when one is required.