Application & Advice From Top Immigration Lawyers

UK Entry Clearance

We can advise you on your options to gain UK Entry Clearance with our Advice Package.

Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 for immediate help & assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.

Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 for immediate help and assistance

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We have helped over 25,000 people get their visas approved the first time

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

Services we Provide

What is UK Entry Clearance?

People come to the UK for many different reasons including to visit family or friends, as a tourist, to work or to study, or with the intention of settling here temporarily or permanently. If you are a foreign national under UK Immigration Rules you may need to be granted Entry Clearance from the UK Home Office before you can enter the UK to do these things.

Where you do need Entry Clearance you must make an application to the department of UK Visas and Immigration established at a British Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence prior to travelling.

Our lawyers are experienced in offering UK Entry Clearance advice, as well as helping many foreign nationals successfully apply for Entry Clearance into the UK. One of our dedicated immigration lawyers can work with you to individually assess which type of Entry Clearance is right for you.

You can get in touch with our London, Manchester, or Birmingham immigration lawyers, or use the office finder to find the closest branch to you.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Who needs UK entry clearance?

Generally speaking, all visa-required nationals require entry clearance in the form of a valid visa in order to enter the UK. This applies to any visa-required national coming to the UK, regardless of the purpose or duration of visit.

Non-visa required nationals also require entry clearance if entering the UK with the intention of staying for longer than 6 months, or for any purpose that requires entry clearance under the immigration rules.

Non-visa required nationals coming to the UK as temporary visitors, i.e. for tourism, also technically require entry clearance when arriving at the border and can be granted clearance upon presenting a valid passport or travel document.

Stateless persons or those travelling with a document other than a national passport also require entry clearance.

What documents prove entry clearance into the UK?

Proof of entry clearance can be evidenced by a physical sticker or ‘vignette’ placed in your passport. This will contain information such as the length of your stay, the conditions of your stay and and any restrictions.

If you have not been granted entry clearance through a sticker in your passport and through electronic means, you only need to present your passport at the border and the border force officer will verify your valid entry clearance by scanning your passport.

What is the difference between entry clearance and a UK visa?

The terms entry clearance and visa can sometimes be used interchangeably.

In essence, all UK visas can be considered a valid form of entry clearance, but entry clearance can also encompass other documents or forms of clearance to enter the UK, such as entry certificates or proof of permanent residency in the UK.

How do I apply for immigration clearance?

The application for Immigration Clearance can be very time-consuming. It is a strict process involving accurate detail in the application form, as well as the relevant fee and documents which vary depending on which visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a Work Permit Entry Clearance, you will need to include a valid Work Permit document in your application.

Due to the fees which are incurred with the application, you need to ensure that you fill everything in, correctly. It is an especially lengthy process if errors are made at this stage of Entry Clearance.

The main documents you will need to provide with an application for Entry Clearance are:

your passport;
travel documents;
documents relating to your immigration history;
documents relating to your identity (for example your Birth Certificate); and
a small passport photograph.

Having the correct documents is very important when making any immigration application, as these documents provide evidence of your suitability to stay in the UK.

If you do not provide the proper documents to support your application, it may be subjected to a Burden of Proof and refused.

How can IAS help?

We have a team of immigration experts who are the best in their field and are ready to offer you accurate and comprehensive Entry Clearance advice. One of our highly-equipped lawyers can work with you to individually assess your options and find the best form of Entry Clearance for you.

We can help you find the right UK visa for you and guide you through each step of your application. One of our lawyers will assess your eligibility and perform an extensive document check. He/she will also prepare a full Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter will detail your case, its merits and any UK immigration laws relevant to your application. Your lawyer will also complete your application form to the highest standard.

You can get in touch with our specialist London, Manchester, or Birmingham immigration lawyers, or use the office finder to find the closest branch to you. Alternatively, you can use our online contact form or by calling +44 (0)333 414 9244 to speak with an immigration lawyer now. Or, see our FAQs below for more information.

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Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Call us to discuss your case on +44 (0)333 414 9244.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visas are for people – referred to as “visa nationals”, whose country of origin is a “visa national country”.

You can find a long list of visa national countries under Appendix A of the Immigration Rules. There are many different categories of UK visas available including Partner and Family Visas, Tourist or Visitor Visas, Worker and Student Visas, with many applications falling under the five-tier points-based system (Tier 1 Visas through to Tier 5) which forms the backbone of the UK Immigration regime.

These certificates are for people referred to as non-visa nationals. These are nationals of a specific list of non-visa national countries including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

An EEA Family Permit is for family members of EEA (European Economic Area) nationals or Swiss nationals.

An exempt vignette is for people such as diplomats, who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act 1971.

You will not need a visa if you hold a passport issued by the UK or any other country in the EEA or Switzerland. If you are a visa national you will need a visa before you come to the UK. If you are a non-visa national you:

might not need a visa if you want to come to the UK for up to six months; and
you will need a visa if you want to come here for more than six months.

If you are a non-European foreign national and simply want to transit through the UK on your way to another country you may not need a visa. If you arrive on a flight and depart on another flight without passing through immigration control, also known as transit airside, you do not need a visa.

You can also transit landside without a visa if you arrive on a flight, pass through immigration control but only remain in the UK for 24 hours (under the transit without visa concession). If you remain for 48 hours you will need a Visitor In-Transit Visa unless you are a non-visa national or hold a travel document issued by the UK government.

For more about the Visitor in Transit Visa

Here at IAS, we can assist with all applications for Entry Clearance to the UK, including any issues arising from a refusal to gain entry.

We understand the stress this can cause as well as how daunting it may seem, so we want to simplify this process for you.

One of our lawyers will work with you to:

assess your eligibility for Entry Clearance;
assess whether you need a UK sponsor and make arrangements for this if so;
perform a full document check to ensure that they are sufficient;
liaise with you in person, via phone or Skype at a time that suits you;
prepare a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter details your case and its merits as well as referencing any UK immigration regulations which support your application for Entry Clearance;
liaise with the Home Office during your application process;
complete each part of your application form to the best standard.

What our clients are saying

Immigration Advice Service4.7

Based on 2011 reviews

Priscilla Botchway

10 hours ago

My COS was revoked and my visa was due to expire. I contacted IAS, they came through for me. My Solicitor who handled my case was Marie, she was there, provided advice and walk me through. I want to say thank you to IAS, especially Marie and her team.

Noel Furtado

14 hours ago

I just received my certificate of British citizenship last week. Marie Nguekam was very helpful, supportive and knowledgeable during this process. I would recommend Marie and this office to anyone looking to file for British citizenship.

Amy “Romee” Jewel

1 day ago

Laura Christian was extremely helpful in letting us know our options for the immigration process. She answered all of our questions and made us feel more at ease in the immigration process then had we attempted to apply on our own

Siddhartha Basu

1 week ago

Saima Jabeen was extremely helpful during my advice session. She gave clear guidance and followed up with a detailed advice letter. Farhine Chowdhury was assigned as my caseworker, and provided me expert support and advice throughout the process. I am pleased to have made use of IAS' services.

Edoardo Vescovi

2 weeks ago

I could book a non-urgent appointment within 2 weeks. The person on the phone was very kind to go through multiple available dates with me and finalise the booking for the entire 5-10m. The person on the video-call was knowledgeable, highlighting points that I had overlooked, despite gathering and reflecting on my information for quite a while. I'm still using that advice today.

Marilyn Schoechlin

2 weeks ago

I had a very good contact and their advice were clear.

Chimkaha Ngubo

2 weeks ago

Awesome!

Manuel Márquez Ruiz

2 weeks ago

I highly recommend IAS. Thanks to Anne Liu who has been utterly professional yet a wealth of expertise. Always a polite and approachable case lawyer, with remarkable both customer service and efficient assistance in the whole process for a successful visa application.

Ridley

2 weeks ago

Laura Christian has been very helpful in giving me advice and the information I needed. Immigration law is very strict and confusing, but this service breaks it down in manageable chunks and hiring them makes the application process a lot smoother and without too much stress.

Mohammed Fhaid

2 weeks ago

I would like to thank Mark for taking the time to review my case and provide detailed legal advice. He was professional, respectful and took the time to explain the relevant immigration options and limitations clearly. I would also like to mention that my initial contact with IAS was with Nadeen Taylor. From the beginning, I explained that my main concern was not simply obtaining a Student visa, but finding a possible lawful way to leave Gaza and continue my studies in the UK. I specifically asked whether IAS could assist with this particular aspect of my situation, and I was reassured that this could be looked into. While the advice I ultimately received clarified a number of important points, I had hoped that the specific issue of possible evacuation from Gaza, including whether there might be an exceptional or alternative legal mechanism, could be explored further. Overall, I appreciate Mark’s professionalism and the time he spent considering my circumstances. I am grateful for the assistance provided and for the clarity of the advice I received.

peter mccann

2 weeks ago

Very helpful and knowledgeable

Eddie O'Neil

3 weeks ago

Highly recommend this service. My caseworker, Charlene Phillips, was very knowledgeable, professional & was able to answer all of our questions & put our minds at ease. She helped my partner & I with the guidance we needed to make a plan which would finally see us re-locate together.

Noah Izadpanah

3 weeks ago

I am incredibly grateful to Clare for all the support and hard work she has given me throughout my asylum case. After everything I have been through, receiving my Visa was an incredibly emotional and unforgettable moment for me. Clare was always patient, supportive and understanding, and she stood by me throughout a very difficult period of my life. I truly appreciate all the time, effort and care she put into my case. Her support meant more to me than I can put into words, and I will never forget her kindness. Thank you so much, Clare, for everything you have done for me. ❤️

David C

3 weeks ago

Ms Saimah Razzaq assisted me in successfully obtaining my wife's settlement, having helped on her prior visas also. She has always been professional, efficient and helpful in advising exactly what documents and other information is required that she then checks prior to finally submitting the application. She will answer any questions that you you may have, and gives feedback along the way. I can highly recommend Saimah to assist you.

David Morley

3 weeks ago

Carina gave me great advice and guidance, really easy to talk to

King Hashim

3 weeks ago

5/5 Stars — Exellant service "I cannot thank Saima Razzaq enough for all her hard work and support throughout our ILR application process. From start to finish she was professional, patient, and kept us updated every step of the way. We faced delays and extra checks due to being self-employed, which made the process longer and more stressful than expected. Saima was there through it all — giving clear advice, helping us chase things up, and guiding us on making formal complaints and claiming a refund when the service took far longer than promised. She fought our corner properly and never gave up. My husband has now had his application approved and we are absolutely over the moon. We couldn’t have got here without Saima’s help. If you need assistance with immigration applications, Saima Razzaq is the person to go to. Thank you so much!"

C.M. Jacob

3 weeks ago

Han Wei was an incredible source of knowledge, support and expertise for my settlement application. I could not have acheived a positive outcome without her and her team

Robert Scheer

3 weeks ago

I would like to say thank you so much for all your help and support. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

Hilary LeFur

3 weeks ago

My immigration enquiry was rather unusual and complex. I spoke to Mark Rigby an Immigration Advice Lawyer who was patient, understanding and offered clear, detailed advice. A comprehensive explanation of future procedures required and associated fees was given. This conversation was helpful and reassuring.

Adenike

3 weeks ago

Rachel was really attentive, calm and encouraging. She took the time to listen and explain everything clearly. I definitely recommend this service; it was worth the investment.

Vanshika Agrawal

4 weeks ago

Working with Abdul on our spouse visa extension has been an absolute pleasure. He’s been incredibly professional and meticulous with our paperwork. He helped us navigate the complex process of visa extension and moved so quickly whenever we needed extra help - even drafting custom letters to prove my right to work and rent while we wait for the decision. His warm, collaborative approach made this process incredibly easy. I can't thank him enough and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a brilliant immigration lawyer!

Ahmed Mansoor

4 weeks ago

I did my Spouse Visa Application inside the UK with the help of IAS and my case worker was Abdul Mutee who helped me throughout the process from documentation to the application and finally after the application I got a positive response from the home office.

Nesrine Shalabi

4 weeks ago

My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

Stephanie Shoemaker

4 weeks ago

My experience with IAS has been fabulous so far Laura Christian was very helpful in taking the time to research what my options were based on my needs and wants can’t recommend her enough

Katende Moses

4 weeks ago

I appreciate the professional handling and advice by counsel Shazia Ershad and the Immigration advice service as a whole.

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How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help

At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.