It is essential to ensure Applicants who are applying for entry clearance to the UK are aware of the latest digital improvements at the Visa Application Centres (VAC). It is also essential that Applicants are well informed and aware of these changes as it could save their application from unnecessary delays. Since the beginning of 2017, there has been a new process implemented for Applicants submitting entry clearance applications to the UK. Some of the countries that have benefited from the digital improvement are; China, USA, Nigeria, Pakistan, India amongst others. For more information on these digital improvements contact our specialist UK Immigration and Visa Solicitors to assist in making an Entry Clearance Application.
Different types of Entry Clearance Applications
All overseas Applicants applying to enter the UK for settlement or non-settlement purposes must have been granted valid entry clearance to the UK. We regularly assist Applicants submit successful entry clearance applications in the following categories:
- UK Ancestry Visas give Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent who was born in the UK the right to stay in the UK for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous stay in the UK the Applicant may then be eligible for ILR;
- EEA Family Member applications give family members of EEA nationals who are workers in the UK and who hold an EEA Residence Card, the opportunity to apply for ILR and eventually naturalisation, subject to them meeting the requirements, such as having continuous stay in the UK for initially a 5 year period;
- Spouse Visas enable non-EEA spouse nationals of UK citizens who are present and settled in the UK to come and reside in the UK with them as a married couple for a period of 2 years and 6 months before they have the opportunity to apply for further leave to remain. Following this then they may apply for ILR and eventually British Citizenship;
- Unmarried Partner or Fiancé Visas are issued for 6 months, during which time the applicant will need to get married. Once the Applicant is legally married to their spouse they can then apply for a spouse visa, but this has to be done before the expiry of their fiancé visa by making an application for further leave to remain from inside the UK;
- Work visas under Tier 2 fall under four different categories which are Tier 2 General, Tier 2 Sportsperson, Tier 2 Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) and Minister of Religion. In order to apply for any Tier 2 visa, the Applicant must have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an organisation that is a licenced sponsor in the UK;
- Work visas under Tier 5 relate to temporary workers, which is split into the following 5 subcategories; Creative and Sporting, Charity Workers, Religious Workers, Government Authorised Exchange and International Agreement. Any of these Applicants must also have a CoS from a licenced sponsor;
- Tier 4 Student visa Applicants must have a Tier 4 licenced sponsor, who will need to assign a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies to the Applicant in order for them to submit their application.
Therefore it is important for Applicants to have entry clearance prior to making any of the above applications for visas to enter the UK.
Changes to the Entry Clearance Application Process
A new Settlement Scanning Service Process has been in place since March 2017 by VFS Global, which is the platform in which applicants for entry clearance can submit their documents to the UK in order for their application to be considered and processed.
Usually, all of the Applicants’ supporting documents for their entry clearance application are sent by courier to the Settlement Applications, International Operations and Visas office in Sheffield. This service has been proven to be both costly and timely, which can be frustrating for applicants who wish to receive their entry clearance to the UK by a specific deadline. However, the new Settlement Scanning Service allows applicants to scan and submit all of their supporting documents electronically. This will reduce the cost to the applicant and improve efficiency.
This new Settlement Scanning Service was first implemented in the Hong Kong Visa Application Centre. There are many merits to this new system and it can be presumed that VAC across the world will soon adopt this procedure as well. To ensure a successful Entry Clearance visa application, it is highly recommended that applicants use legal representation such as our specialist immigration and visa law solicitors.
Using Legal Representation to Make an Entry Clearance Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit Entry Clearance applications.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
How to Submit a Successful Entry Clearance Application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts Solicitors & Barristers are located just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.