VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

Obtaining a Visa

The UK Visas and Immigration is the government department responsible for handling visa applications to come to the UK, applications to extend a stay in the UK on a temporary and permanent basis, applications for asylum, appeals, correspondence and Sponsor management.

To check whether you need a visa to enter the UK click here.

Comprehensive information on the sprecific requirements are available below:

• Visiting the UK
• Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
• Studying in the UK
• Working in the UK
• Partners and families
• In transit through the UK
• Settling in the UK

Information on all aspects of Visas and Immigration into the UK is available at this link.

Settlement in the UK

After you have lived legally in the UK for a certain length of time, you may be able to apply for permission to settle here. This is known as 'indefinite leave to remain'. As part of your application for settlement, you must enrol your fingerprints and facial image (known as 'biometric information') and obtain a biometric residence permit.

You can check whether you are eligible and how to apply at the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Immigration Problems

Advice on immigration problems together with a list of national organisations proving support and guidance can be found at the Citzens Advice website.

Legal Advice

Information on where to obtain legal advice on immigration and asylum problems can be found at this link.

Entering the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

Non-UK residents from "red list" countries are currently refused entry to the UK.

All UK arrivals must provide a negative test taken within the past 72 hours, and complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving in the UK. Testing and quarantine requirements when you arrive in the uK will depend on which country you have travelled from.

A complete step by step guide to entering the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic is available from GOV.UK.