UK Entry Clearance Visa Help
Applying for a UK visa from overseas? The route you need, the evidence to provide and the steps to complete depend on why you want to come to the UK and your circumstances. We can help you understand the requirements and prepare your application.
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Planning to Come to the UK?
A move, a visit or a place to study in the UK often begins with a practical question: which visa should I apply for, and what will I need to show?
The answer depends on your purpose, your personal circumstances and the immigration route. Some people need entry clearance before travelling; the requirements and process vary between family, visitor, study and work applications.
AHJ Immigration can help you understand the route that may apply and prepare the agreed application carefully. Your case is managed by a qualified, authorised and regulated immigration adviser. AHJ Immigration is the online brand of Knightsbridge Immigration Ltd, and immigration work is managed under the company name of Knightsbridge Immigration Ltd.
What Is Entry Clearance?
Entry clearance is permission granted before travel to people who need to obtain permission to come to the UK. It is usually applied for from outside the UK, often in the country where you live. Depending on your application, you may need to prove your identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre to provide your biometric information.
The type of permission you need depends on the purpose of your trip and the rules that apply to your circumstances. A visa application does not guarantee approval or entry to the UK.
Routes We Can Help You Explore
Visit the UK
If you want to visit family or friends, travel for tourism or undertake permitted business activities, you may need a Standard Visitor visa. The requirements depend on the reason for your visit and your circumstances.
Join a Partner or Family Member
If you plan to join a partner or family member in the UK, the right route depends on your relationship, your sponsor’s status and the requirements of the relevant family route.
Spouse and Partner Visas
Family and Dependant Visas
Study in the UK
Students need to meet the requirements of the relevant study route, which may include having a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and showing that they meet financial and other requirements.
Work in the UK
Work routes have different requirements. For example, a Skilled Worker application may depend on an eligible role, an approved sponsor and meeting the route’s other requirements.
Skilled Worker Visa Information
Not every route is suitable for every applicant. We’ll look at your circumstances and explain whether the service you need falls within our scope.
How We Can Help
Understand the route
We discuss your plans and circumstances to identify which visa options may be relevant.
Review the requirements
We explain the criteria and supporting evidence that apply to the route being considered.
Prepare the agreed application
If we agree to act, we help organise your evidence and prepare the application within the agreed scope.
Explain the next steps
We clarify what you need to do, including any identity checks or visa application centre appointment required.
Applying From Overseas
In most cases, an entry-clearance application is made from outside the UK. Applications are generally made from the country where you live, although the application arrangements can vary by route and location. If there is no visa application centre where you live, you may be able to use a centre in another country.
You may be asked to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre. Follow the instructions given for your application before booking travel.
Processing Times and Travel Plans
Home Office processing times vary by visa route and can change. The time taken may also depend on your individual circumstances, the evidence provided and whether further checks are needed.
Check the current processing information for your route before making plans. Avoid booking travel that depends on your application being granted by a particular date.
If You Have Had a Previous Refusal
A previous refusal can affect what you should do next. Before making another application, it is important to understand the reasons for the decision and whether the new application can address them.
AHJ Immigration does not undertake refusal challenges or appeals. If you have received a refusal, contact us to check whether the assistance you need falls within our scope.
Clear Advice Before You Apply
We’ll explain the work we can provide and the fee before we begin. We do not guarantee Home Office decisions. If your matter falls outside our scope, we’ll tell you and discuss appropriate next steps.
Read more about our scope of work and immigration fees.
Talk to Us About Your Plans
Tell us why you want to come to the UK, where you are applying from and whether you have a deadline. We’ll listen to your circumstances and explain what the next step may be.
Start an Enquiry
Book a Consultation
UK Entry Clearance: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does entry clearance mean?
Entry clearance is permission granted before travel to people who need to obtain permission to come to the UK. The type of application depends on the purpose of travel and the route’s requirements.
2. Do I have to apply from my home country?
Applications are generally made from the country where you live, but arrangements can vary by route. If there is no visa application centre where you live, you may be able to use one in another country.
3. How long does an entry-clearance application take?
Processing times vary by route and can change. Check the current Home Office information for your application type. Additional checks or individual circumstances can affect how long a decision takes.
4. Will I need to attend a visa application centre?
You may be asked to attend a visa application centre to provide your biometric information. Depending on your application, you may instead be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Follow the instructions provided for your application.
5. What happens if my application is refused?
Read the decision carefully to understand the reasons and any options mentioned. AHJ Immigration does not undertake refusal challenges or appeals. Contact us to check whether other assistance you need is within our scope.
6. Will I receive a physical visa if my application is approved?
Successful applicants for visas to come to the UK are issued an eVisa. Follow the decision instructions and check that you can access your digital status before travelling.
7. Can my family apply with me?
Some routes allow eligible family members to apply as dependants; others have different requirements or do not allow dependants. Each person’s eligibility should be checked against the route.
