• ECB9.1 Types of entry clearance
• ECB9.2 Which vignette to use?
• ECB9.3(a) Safeguarding vignettes and EU Uniform Format Forms (EU UFF)
• ECB9.3(b) Process for authorisation to issue a UFF
• ECB9.4 Validity of entry clearance
• ECB9.5 What if applicant is not intending to travel straight away to the UK
• ECB9.6 Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

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? 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 ECB15 - Arriving in/Departing from the UK 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  

ECB9.1 Types of entry clearance

An entry clearance takes the form of a stick-in vignette which is placed in the passport or travel document. Depending on the nationality of the applicant the vignette can be designated as one of the following types of entry clearance:

• Visa (see ECB4.1 for who requires a visa)
• Entry clearance (see ECB4.2 for who requires an entry clearance)
• Family permit.

An applicant for entry clearance must possess either a valid passport or another document establishing identity and nationality.

Guidance on types of passport and travel documents, including those not recognised by HMG, is given in ECB8 What are acceptable travel documents for entry clearance?.

 

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ECB9.2 Which vignette to use?

There are two types of vignette:

• Uniform Format Visa (UFV).This vignette is common to all EU Member States. It is used for visa nationals coming to the UK as visitors or in transit (Category A, B or C). 
• United Kingdom Vignette. This is used for all other entry clearances (Category D), usually long-stay categories. 

Examples of category A, B,C and D vignettes

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ECB9.3(a) Safeguarding vignettes and EU Uniform Format Forms (EU UFF)

Safe custody and proper management controls that are strictly adhered to are essential.  The key safeguard for both accountability and control is sole access to visa stocks. If irregularities are committed at a Post and it is found that the procedures laid down in OSI and/or Entry Clearance Guidance have not been followed, the individual member(s) of staff and the Head of Post will be held directly accountable.

 

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ECB9.3(b) Process for authorisation to issue a UFF

ECOs may only issue a UFF after referral to ECO Support for authorisation.  ECOs would need to include the following details in their email to ECO Support:

a) details of the applicant ie name, date of birth, nationality and vaf number;

b) confirmation from the ECOs that they are satisfied that the applicant meets the requirements under the category that they are applying for;

c) duration of the visa category. If the applicant is granted ILE the duration of the UFF would be for 12 months maximum.

Some applicants will require a UFF due to the loss of a Home Office document. In this case ECOs should include any information available from the list at ECB8.13.10 and copy their e-mail to Travel Documents Section using tdsscw's@ukba.gsi.gov.uk.

NB.  For authorisation to issue a UFF under the family reunion category refer to ECG Chapter 16 – Family reunion

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ECB9.4 Validity of entry clearance

The validity of the entry clearance and the leave to enter given are normally the same. The ECO should check the applicant's visa application form (VAF) for the proposed date of travel in order to prevent unnecessary applications for an extension of stay, and possible claims for a refund of the extension fee.

There are two significant dates on the entry clearance:

• The 'effective' date which is the date on which the entry clearance is issued (and therefore the date on which the applicant can travel);

and,

• The 'expiry' date which is the date when the entry clearance will not be valid for travel to the UK, and nor will it confer leave to enter.

For applicants in long-term categories who are subject to either a qualifying period before applying for settlement, or to a limit on their total length of stay in that category, leave to enter should begin on the date they arrive in the UK.  This will ensure that they are able to meet the qualifying period within the validity of their entry clearance and avoid unnecessary applications for extensions of stay.

For guidance on endorsements and conditions see ECB13 Visa endorsements and conditions.

 

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ECB9.5 What if applicant is not intending to travel straight away to the UK

The ECO should check the applicant's visa application form (VAF) for the proposed date of travel in order to prevent unnecessary applications for an extension of stay, and possible claims for a refund of the extension fee.

Where an applicant may not intend or be able to travel to the UK immediately following their application: the ECO has discretion to defer the 'effective' date for up to three months after entry clearance has been authorised.

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ECB9.6 Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Applicants who are granted Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) at a visa issuing Post should have no time restrictions on their stay in the UK ie they can stay indefinitely. ILE carries the same entitlement as “Indefinite Leave to Remain” (ILR) which is issued by the UK Border Agency to those who have already travelled to the UK.   Anyone who has ILE does not have to apply for ILR when in the UK.

Although indefinite leave, by definition, will not expire, the ECO is unable to issue a visa to those who meet the criteria for ILE without putting a ‘validity date’ on the visa. In cases of ILE the ‘validity date’ on the visa should match the expiry date on the passport. When the applicant gets a new passport, they can apply to UK Border Agency for a transfer of conditions into their new passport. They do not need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

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