Visa nationals
Nationals of countries listed in Appendix 2 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules are known as 'visa nationals'. They must always apply, and usually pay, for a visa before they travel to the UK.
'Non-visa nationals' (nationals of countries not listed in Appendix 2 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules) who come to the UK for six months or less in certain immigration categories (mainly visitors) can instead apply free of charge for 'leave to enter' when they arrive in the UK.
The Immigration Rules state whether entry clearance is required for a particular route and where people must apply for it. Visitors and short-term students can apply anywhere outside the UK, but everyone else must apply in the country in which they usually live.
All Tier 4 students must get entry clearance because the Immigration Rules stipulate this. Extended Short-Term Students must also apply for entry clearance because their stay is longer than six months.
