• ECB15.1 What happens on arrival in the UK?
• ECB15.2 Changing status on or after admission to the UK (switching)
• ECB15.3 How to check if a person has left the UK

See other guidance information ECB01 - Immigration legislation and powers ECB02 - Human rights and Race Discrimination considerations ECB03 - What is entry clearance? ECB04 - Who needs an entry clearance? ECB05 - Where to apply - the policy ECB06 - Entry clearance fees ECB07 - Returnability ECB08 - What are acceptable travel documents for entry clearance? ECB09 - Types and validity of entry clearance ECB10 - Making a decision on an application ECB11 - Significance of information from a sponsor ECB12 - Undertakings ECB13 - Visa endorsements and conditions ECB14 - ID cards and leave to remain ECB16 - Police registration ECB17 - Transferring or replacing visas in new passports and unused visas ECB18 ECO revocation of an entry clearance ECB19 - Correcting an incorrect endorsement ECB20 - Unresolved applications ECB21 Risk and Liaison Overseas Network  

ECB15.1 What happens on arrival in the UK?

Information about what happens on arrival in the UK can be found at UK Border Agency.

Under certain circumstances the Immigration Officer (IO) has authority to cancel an entry clearance and refuse entry to the traveller. (Paragraph 321 of the Rules). 

Back to top

ECB15.2 Changing status on or after admission to the UK (switching)

Only in certain very limited circumstances may people who have already been admitted to the UK for one purpose seek to change that purpose for another, e.g. for settlement after marriage or civil partnership.

All others must leave the UK and make a fresh application for entry clearance (Paragraph 28 of the Rules).

Applications for switching, where this is permitted, and requests for an extension of stay where leave to enter has expired (or is about to expire) can be made to the UK Border Agency either by post or in person at a Public Enquiry Office. Further information on changing status in the UK can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

Back to top

ECB15.3 How to check if a person has left the UK

There is no immigration embarkation control at UK ports. If asked by the UK Border Agency to find out if a person has returned home, Entry Clearance staff can:

•    check application records to see if the person has re-applied for another entry clearance;.  
•    make enquiries through the local police; and / or
•    write to the person at the last known address asking for confirmation of their date of departure from the UK for record purposes. 

 

Back to top