Part 2 - Persons seeking to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for visits
Visitors
Requirements for leave to enter as a general visitor
40. For the purposes of paragraphs 41-46 a general visitor includes a person living and working outside the United Kingdom who comes to the United Kingdom as a tourist. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a Business Visitor, which includes Academic Visitors, must meet the requirements of paragraph 46G. A person seeking entry as a Sports Visitor must meet the requirements of paragraph 46M.
A person seeking entry as an Entertainer Visitor must meet the requirements of paragraph 46S.
A visitor seeking leave to enter for the purposes of marriage must meet the requirements of paragraph 56D.
41. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a general visitor are that he:
(i) is genuinely seeking entry as a general visitor for a limited period as stated by him, not exceeding 6 months; and
(ii) intends to leave the United Kingdom at the end of the period of the visit as stated by him; and
(iii) does not intend to take employment in the United Kingdom; and
(iv) does not intend to produce goods or provide services within the United Kingdom, including the selling of goods or services direct to members of the public; and
(v) does not intend to undertake a course of study; and
(vi) will maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants adequately out of resources available to him without recourse to public funds or taking employment; or will, with any dependants, be maintained and accommodated adequately by relatives or friends; and
(vii) can meet the cost of the return or onward journey.; and
(viii) is not a child under the age of 18.
(ix) does not intend to do any of the activities provided for in paragraphs 46G (iii), 46M (iii) or 46S (iii);
and(x) does not, during his visit, intend to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of marriage or civil partnership; and
(xi) does not intend to receive private medical treatment during his visit; and
(xii) is not in transit to a country outside the common travel area.
Leave to enter as a general visitor
42. A person seeking leave to enter to the United Kingdom as a general visitor may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 41 is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a general visitor
43. Leave to enter as a general visitor is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 41 is met.
Requirements for an extension of stay as a general visitor
44. Six months is the maximum permitted leave which may be granted to a general visitor. The requirements for an extension of stay as a general visitor are that the applicant:
(i) meets the requirements of paragraph 41 (ii)-(vii) and (ix)-(xii); and
(ii) has not already spent, or would not as a result of an extension of stay spend, more than 6 months in total in the United Kingdom as a general visitor. Any periods spent as a child visitor are to be counted as a period spent as a general visitor; and
(iii) has, or was last granted, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a general visitor or as a child visitor.
Extension of stay as a general visitor
45. An extension of stay as a general visitor may be granted, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 44 is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as a general visitor
46. An extension of stay as a general visitor is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 44 is met.
Child visitors
Requirements for leave to enter as a child visitor
46A The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a child visitor are that he:
(i) is genuinely seeking entry as a child visitor for a limited period as stated by him not exceeding 6 months;
and(ii) meets the requirements of paragraph 41(ii)-(iv), (vi), (vii) and (ix)-(xii); and
(iii) is under the age of 18; and
(iv) can demonstrate that suitable arrangements have been made for his travel to, and reception and care in the United Kingdom; and
(v) has a parent or guardian in his home country or country of habitual residence who is responsible for his care; and
(vi) if a visa national:
(a) holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry as an accompanied child visitor and is travelling in the company of the adult identified on his entry clearance, who is on the same occasion being admitted to the United Kingdom; or
(b) holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry as an unaccompanied child visitor; and
(vii) if he has been accepted for a course of study, this is to be provided by an organisation which is included on the "Register of Education and Training Providers", and which is outside the maintained sector.
Leave to enter as a child visitor
46B A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a child visitor may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, providing that the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46A is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a child visitor
46C Leave to enter as a child visitor is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46A is met.
Requirements for an extension of stay as a child visitor
46D Six months is the maximum permitted leave which may be granted to a child visitor. The requirements for an extension of stay as a child visitor are that the applicant:
(i) meets the requirements of paragraph 41 (ii) to (vii); and (ix)-(xii)
(ii) is under the age of 18; and
(iii) can demonstrate that there are suitable arrangements for his care in the United Kingdom; and
(iv) has a parent or guardian in his home country or country of habitual residence who is responsible for his care; and
(v) has not already spent, or would not as a result of an extension of stay spend, more than 6 months in total in the United Kingdom as a child visitor; and
(vi) has, or was last granted, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a child visitor
Extension of stay as a child visitor
46E An extension of stay as a child visitor may be granted, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46D is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as a child visitor
46F An extension of stay as a child visitor is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46D is met.
Requirements for leave to enter as a Business Visitor
46G The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a business visitor are that he:
(i) is genuinely seeking entry as a Business Visitor for a limited period as stated by him:
(a) not exceeding 6 months; or
(b) not exceeding 12 months if seeking entry as an Academic Visitor
(ii) meets the requirements of paragraphs 41(ii)-(viii) and (x)-(xii)
(iii) intends to do one or more of the following during his visit:
(a) to carry out a 'Permissible Activity' as defined in paragraph 6;
(b) to take part in a location shoot as a member of a film crew;
(c) to represent overseas news media including as a journalist, correspondent, producer or cameraman provided he is employed or paid by an overseas company and is gathering information for an overseas publication;
(d) to act as an Academic Visitor but only if he has been working as an academic in an institution of higher education overseas, or in the field of their academic expertise immediately prior to seeking entry;
(e) to act as a Visiting Professor;
(f) to be a secondee from an overseas company which has a contract with a UK company, provided that he is paid by the overseas company;
(g) to undertake some preaching or pastoral work as a religious worker, provided his base is abroad and he is not taking up an office, post or appointment;
(h) to act as an adviser, consultant, trainer or trouble shooter employed abroad by the same company to which the client firm in the UK belongs, provided this does not amount to employment paid or unpaid for the UK branch;
(i) to undertake specific, one-off training in techniques and work practices used in the UK, provided this is not on-the-job training.
Leave to enter as a Business Visitor
46H A person seeking leave to enter to the United Kingdom as a Business Visitor may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46G is met. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as an Academic Visitor who does not have entry clearance may, if otherwise eligible, be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46G are met. An Academic Visitor who has entry clearance may be admitted for up to 12 months subject to a condition prohibiting
employment.
Refusal of leave to enter as a Business Visitor
46I Leave to enter as a Business Visitor is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46G are met.
Requirements for an extension of stay as a Business Visitor
46J Twelve months is the maximum permitted leave which may be granted to an Academic Visitor and six months is the maximum that may be granted to any other form of Business Visitor. The requirements for an extension of stay as a Business Visitor are that the applicant:
(i) meets the requirements of paragraph 46G(ii)-(iii); and
(ii) if he is a Business Visitor other than an Academic Visitor, has not already spent, or would not as a result of an extension of stay spend, more than 6 months in total in the United Kingdom as a Business Visitor; and
(iii) if he is an Academic Visitor, has not already spent, or would not as a result of an extension of stay spend, more than 12 months in total in the United Kingdom as a Business Visitor; and
(iv) has, or was last granted, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a Business Visitor.
Extension of stay as a Business Visitor
46K An extension of stay as a Business Visitor may be granted, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46J is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as a Business Visitor
46L An extension of stay as a Business Visitor is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46J is met.
Sports Visitors
Requirements for leave to enter as a Sports Visitor
46M The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a Sports Visitor are that he:
(i) is genuinely seeking entry as a Sports Visitor for a limited period as stated by him, not exceeding six months; and
(ii) meets the requirements of paragraphs 41(ii)-(viii) and (x)-(xii); and
(iii) intends to do one or more of the following during his visit:
a. To take part in a particular sporting event as defined in guidance published by the United Kingdom Border Agency, tournament or series of events;
b. To take part in a specific one off charity sporting event, provided no payment is received other than for travelling and other expenses;
c. To join, as an Amateur, a wholly or predominantly amateur team provided no payment is received other than for board and lodging and reasonable expenses;
d. To serve as a member of the technical or personal staff, or as an official, attending the same event as a visiting sportsperson coming for one or more of the purposes listed in (a), (b) or (c).
Leave to enter as a Sports Visitor
46N A person seeking leave to enter to the United Kingdom as a Sports Visitor may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46M is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a Sports Visitor
46O Leave to enter as a Sports Visitor is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46M is met.
Requirements for an extension of stay as a Sports Visitor
46P Six months is the maximum permitted leave which may be granted to a Sports Visitor. The requirements for an extension of stay as a sports visitor are that the applicant:
(i) meets the requirements of paragraph 46M(ii)-(iii); and
(ii) has not already spent, or would not as a result of an extension of stay spend, more than 6 months in total in the United Kingdom as a Sports Visitor; and
(iii) has, or was last granted, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a Sports Visitor.
Extension of stay as a Sports Visitor
46Q An extension of stay as a Sports Visitor may be granted, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46P is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as a Sports Visitor
46R An extension of stay as a Sports Visitor is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46P is met.
Entertainer Visitors
Requirements for leave to enter as an Entertainer Visitor
46S The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as an Entertainer Visitor are that he:
(i) is genuinely seeking entry as an Entertainer Visitor for a limited period as stated by him, not exceeding six months and
(ii) meets the requirements of paragraphs 41(ii)-(viii) and (x)-(xii) and
(iii) intends to do one or more of the following during his visit:
a. to take part as a professional entertainer in one or more music competitions; and/or
b. to fulfil one or more specific engagements as either an individual Amateur entertainer or as an Amateur group; and/or
c. to take part, as an Amateur or professional entertainer, in a cultural event (or one or more of such events) that appears in the list of events to which this provision applies that is published in guidance issued by the United Kingdom Border Agency; and/or
d. serve as a member of the technical or personal staff, or of the production team, of an entertainer coming for one or more of the purposes listed in (a), (b), or (c).
Leave to enter as an Entertainer Visitor
46T A person seeking leave to enter to the United Kingdom as an Entertainer Visitor may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46S is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as an Entertainer Visitor
46U Leave to enter as an Entertainer Visitor is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46S is met.
Requirements for an extension of stay as an Entertainer Visitor
46V Six months is the maximum permitted leave which may be granted to an Entertainer Visitor. The requirements for an extension of stay as an Entertainer Visitor are that the applicant:
(i) meets the requirements of paragraph 46S(ii)-(iii); and
(ii) has not already spent, or would not as a result of an extension of stay spend, more than 6 months in total in the United Kingdom as an Entertainer Visitor; and
(iii) has, or was last granted, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as an Entertainer Visitor.
Extension of stay as an Entertainer Visitor
46W An extension of stay as an Entertainer Visitor may be granted, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46V is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as an Entertainer Visitor
46X An extension of stay as an Entertainer Visitor is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 46V is met.
Visitors in transit
Requirements for admission as a visitor in transit to another country
47. The requirements to be met by a person (not being a member of the crew of a ship, aircraft, hovercraft, hydrofoil or train) seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor in transit to another country are that he:
(i) is in transit to a country outside the common travel area; and
(ii) has both the means and the intention of proceeding at once to another country; and
(iii) is assured of entry there; and
(iv) intends and is able to leave the United Kingdom within 48 hours.
Leave to enter as a visitor in transit
48. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor in transit may be admitted for a period not exceeding 48 hours with a prohibition on employment provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 47 is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a visitor in transit
49. Leave to enter as a visitor in transit is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 47 is met.
Extension of stay as a visitor in transit
50. The maximum permitted leave which may be granted to a visitor in transit is 48 hours. An application for an extension of stay beyond 48 hours from a person admitted in this category is to be refused.
Visitors seeking to enter or remain for private medical treatment
Requirements for leave to enter as a visitor for private medical treatment
51. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor for private medical treatment are that he:
(i) meets the requirements set out in paragraph 41 (iii)-(vii), (ix)-(x) and (xii) for entry as a general visitor;
and(ii) in the case of a person suffering from a communicable disease, has satisfied the Medical Inspector that there is no danger to public health; and
(iii) can show, if required to do so, that any proposed course of treatment is of finite duration; and
(vi) intends to leave the United Kingdom at the end of his treatment; and
(v) can produce satisfactory evidence, if required to do so, of:
(a) the medical condition requiring consultation or treatment; and
(b) satisfactory arrangements for the necessary consultation or treatment at his own expense; and
(c) the estimated costs of such consultation or treatment; and
(d) the likely duration of his visit; and
(e) sufficient funds available to him in the United Kingdom to meet the estimated costs and his undertaking to do so.
Leave to enter as a visitor for private medical treatment
52. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor for private medical treatment may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 51 is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a visitor for private medical treatment
53. Leave to enter as a visitor for private medical treatment is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 51 is met.
Requirements for an extension of stay as a visitor for private medical treatment
54. The requirements for an extension of stay as a visitor to undergo or continue private medical treatment are that the applicant:
(i) meets the requirements set out in paragraph 41(iii)-(vii), (ix)-(x) and (xii) and paragraph 51 (ii)-(v);
and(ii) has produced evidence from a registered medical practitioner who holds an NHS consultant post or who appears in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council of satisfactory arrangements for private medical consultation or treatment and its likely duration; and, where treatment has already begun, evidence as to its progress; and
(iii) can show that he has met, out of the resources available to him, any costs and expenses incurred in relation to his treatment in the United Kingdom; and
(iv) has sufficient funds available to him in the United Kingdom to meet the likely costs of his treatment and intends to meet those costs; and
(v) was not last admitted to the United Kingdom under the Approved Destination Status Agreement with China.
Extension of stay as a visitor for private medical treatment
55. An extension of stay to undergo or continue private medical treatment may be granted, with a prohibition on employment, provided the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 54 is met.
Refusal of extension of stay as a visitor for private medical treatment
56. An extension of stay as a visitor to undergo or continue private medical treatment is to be refused if the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 54 is met.
Parent of a child at school
Requirements for leave to enter or remain as the parent of a child at school
56A. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the parent of a child at school are that:
(i) the parent meets the requirements set out in paragraph (ii)-(xii); and
(ii) the child is attending an independent fee paying day school and meets the requirements set out in paragraph 57 (i)-(ix); and
(iii) the child is under 12 years of age; and
(iv) the parent can provide satisfactory evidence of adequate and reliable funds for maintaining a second home in the United Kingdom; and
(v) the parent is not seeking to make the United Kingdom his main home; and
(vi) the parent was not last admitted to the United Kingdom under the Approved Destination Status Agreement with China.
Leave to enter or remain as the parent of a child at school
56B. A person seeking leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the parent of a child at school may be admitted or allowed to remain for a period not exceeding12 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer or, in the case of an application for limited leave to remain, the Secretary of State is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 56A is met.
Refusal of leave to enter or remain as the parent of a child at school
56C. Leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom as the parent of a child at school is to be refused if the Immigration Officer or, in the case of an application for limited leave to remain, the Secretary of State is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 56A is met.
Visitors seeking to enter for the purposes of marriage
Requirements for leave to enter as a visitor for marriage
56D. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership are that he:
(i) meets the requirements set out in paragraph 41 for entry as a general visitor; and
(ii) can show that he intends to give notice of marriage or civil partnership, or marry or form a civil partnership, in the United Kingdom within the period for which entry is sought; and
(iii) can produce satisfactory evidence, if required to do so, of the arrangements for giving notice of marriage or civil partnership, or for his wedding or civil partnership ceremony to take place, in the United Kingdom during the period for which entry is sought; and
(iv) holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.
Leave to enter as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership
56E. A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 56D is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership
56F. Leave to enter as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 56D is met.
Visitors seeking leave to enter under the Approved Destinations Status (ADS) agreement with China
Requirements for leave to enter as a visitor under the Approved Destination Status Agreement with China ("ADS Agreement ").
56G The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor under the ADS agreement with China are that he:
(i) meets the requirements set out in paragraph 41(ii)-(xii); and
(ii) is a national of the People's Republic of China; and
(iii) is genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a limited period as stated by him, not exceeding 30 days; and
(iv) intends to enter, leave and travel within the territory of the United Kingdom as a member of a tourist group under the ADS agreement; and
(v) holds a valid ADS agreement visit visa.
Leave to enter as a visitor under the ADS agreement with China
56H A person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor under the ADS Agreement may be admitted for a period not exceeding 30 days, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided they hold an ADS Agreement visit visa.
Refusal of leave to enter as a visitor under the ADS agreement with China
56I Leave to enter as a visitor under the ADS agreement with China is to be refused if the person does not hold an ADS Agreement visit visa.
Extension of stay as a visitor under the ADS agreement with China
56J Any application for an extension of stay as a visitor under the ADS Agreement with China is to be refused.
Student visitors
Requirements for leave to enter as a student visitor
56K. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a student visitor are that he:
(i) is genuinely seeking entry as a student visitor for a limited period as stated by him, not exceeding six months; and
(ii) has been accepted on a course of study which is to be provided by an organisation which is included on the Register of Education and Training Providers; and
(iii) intends to leave the United Kingdom at the end of his visit as stated by him; and
(iv) does not intend to take employment in the United Kingdom; and
(v) does not intend to engage in business, to produce goods or provide services within the United Kingdom, including the selling of goods or services direct to members of the public; and
(vi) does not intend to study at a maintained school; and
(vii) will maintain and accommodate himself and any dependants adequately out of resources available to him without recourse to public funds or taking employment; or will, with any dependants, be maintained and accommodated adequately by relatives or friends; and
(viii) can meet the cost of the return or onward journey; and
(ix) is not a child under the age of 18.
Leave to enter as a student visitor
56L. A person seeking leave to enter to the United Kingdom as a student visitor may be admitted for a period not exceeding 6 months, subject to a condition prohibiting employment, provided the Immigration Officer is satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 56K is met.
Refusal of leave to enter as a student visitor
56M. Leave to enter as a student visitor is to be refused if the Immigration Officer is not satisfied that each of the requirements of paragraph 56K is met.