Entry clearance

What is entry clearance?

• Permission ('leave') to enter the UK – applied for outside the UK
• Commonly known as a 'visa' or 'entry certificate'
• Takes the form of a vignette (sticker) in the passport or travel document and, in most cases, a biometric residence permit (BRP) – similar in appearance to a UK driving licence. BRPs are collected after arrival in the UK.

Where is it issued?

• Visa application centres (VACs – these are commercial partners, they do not make decisions), British High Commissions, Embassies or Consulates
• At least part of the application process is usually online

Who decides?

• Entry clearance officers (ECOs) and entry clearance managers (ECMs)
• Sometimes applications submitted at various entry clearance posts are sent to one central post to be decided, this is known as the 'hub and spoke' system.
• The Home Office is gradually increasing the numbers of applications considered in the UK, also known as ‘onshoring’.

Passing through immigration control "activates" the leave. Border force officers will usually stamp the passport on entry to the UK.