Introduction to UK Immigration Law
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in UK Immigration Law Basics course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Introduction to UK Immigration Law Glossary #
Introduction to UK Immigration Law Glossary
A #
A
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) #
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is a requirement for internationa… #
The ATAS certificate is necessary for obtaining a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
Administrative Review #
Administrative Review
Administrative Review is a process through which an individual can request the H… #
This allows the applicant to challenge the decision without having to go through a lengthy appeal process.
Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) #
Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
ACAS is an independent public body that provides free and impartial advice to em… #
ACAS also offers conciliation services to help parties reach a settlement without going to an Employment Tribunal.
Asylum Seeker #
Asylum Seeker
An asylum seeker is an individual who has fled their home country due to persecu… #
Asylum seekers are entitled to apply for Leave to Remain if their asylum claim is successful.
B #
B
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) #
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a secure identity card that contains biome… #
BRPs are issued to non-EEA nationals who are granted permission to stay in the UK for more than six months.
British Citizenship #
British Citizenship
British Citizenship is the status granted to individuals who are recognised as f… #
This status allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK without any immigration restrictions. British Citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent, marriage, or naturalisation.
C #
C
Capital Gains Tax #
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the profit made from selling or disposing of an as… #
This tax applies to gains made on property, shares, businesses, and other investments. Different rules apply to residents and non-residents in the UK.
Continuous Residence #
Continuous Residence
Continuous Residence refers to the period of time an individual has spent living… #
Meeting the continuous residence requirement is essential for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status in the UK.
Contribution #
Based Jobseeker's Allowance
Contribution #
Based Jobseeker's Allowance is a form of unemployment benefit available to individuals who have paid enough National Insurance contributions in the UK. This benefit is based on an individual's National Insurance record and is not means-tested.
D #
D
Dependent Visa #
Dependent Visa
A Dependent Visa allows family members of individuals who are living or settling… #
Dependent visas are available for spouses, partners, children, and elderly parents of UK residents or visa holders.
Discretionary Leave to Remain #
Discretionary Leave to Remain
Discretionary Leave to Remain is a form of temporary permission to stay in the U… #
This type of leave is discretionary and is not based on the Immigration Rules.
Document Verification Service (DVS) #
Document Verification Service (DVS)
The Document Verification Service (DVS) is a government service that allows empl… #
Employers can use the DVS to prevent illegal working and comply with right to work checks.
E #
E
Employer Sponsorship #
Employer Sponsorship
Employer Sponsorship refers to the process by which UK employers can sponsor ski… #
Employers must hold a valid sponsor license and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the employee before they can apply for a Tier 2 (General) Visa.
Entry Clearance #
Entry Clearance
Entry Clearance is the permission granted to individuals by a British diplomatic… #
Entry clearance is usually in the form of a visa or entry clearance stamp in the individual's passport.
F #
F
Family Reunion Visa #
Family Reunion Visa
A Family Reunion Visa allows the family members of refugees in the UK to join th… #
This type of visa is available to spouses, children, and dependent relatives of refugees who have been granted asylum in the UK.
Financial Requirement #
Financial Requirement
The Financial Requirement is a set of income and savings criteria that applicant… #
This requirement ensures that individuals have enough financial resources to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
G #
G
Good Character Requirement #
Good Character Requirement
The Good Character Requirement is a criterion that applicants must meet to demon… #
This requirement assesses an individual's criminal record, immigration history, and conduct to ensure they are of good character.
Grace Period #
Grace Period
A Grace Period is a short period of time granted to individuals who have oversta… #
This period allows individuals to regularise their immigration status or make arrangements to leave the country without facing immediate penalties.
H #
H
Human Rights Claim #
Human Rights Claim
A Human Rights Claim is a legal argument based on the European Convention on Hum… #
Human rights claims often involve the right to private and family life, freedom from torture, and protection from discrimination.
Immigration Rules #
Immigration Rules
The Immigration Rules are a set of regulations and criteria established by the U… #
These rules outline the requirements and eligibility criteria for different types of visas and immigration statuses in the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) #
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residency status in the… #
ILR holders are free from immigration control and can apply for British Citizenship after a certain period.
J #
J
Job Retention Scheme #
Job Retention Scheme
The Job Retention Scheme is a government initiative introduced to support employ… #
The scheme allows employers to furlough employees and claim financial assistance from the government to cover a portion of their wages.
Judicial Review #
Judicial Review
Judicial Review is a legal process through which individuals can challenge the l… #
This process allows individuals to seek a review of administrative decisions and challenge them on the grounds of legality, procedural fairness, or irrationality.
K #
K
Key Worker #
Key Worker
A Key Worker is an individual who performs a crucial role in society that is ess… #
Key workers include healthcare professionals, emergency service personnel, transport workers, and others who are vital during times of crisis or emergency.
L #
L
Leave to Remain #
Leave to Remain
Leave to Remain is a form of permission granted to individuals to live in the UK… #
This status allows individuals to stay in the country legally and may be subject to certain conditions or restrictions depending on the type of leave granted.
Life in the UK Test #
Life in the UK Test
The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for individuals applying for British Ci… #
The test assesses the applicant's knowledge of British culture, history, and customs, and must be passed to demonstrate integration into British society.
M #
M
Marriage Visa #
Marriage Visa
A Marriage Visa allows individuals to join their spouse or partner in the UK and… #
This type of visa is available to individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
Medical Exemption Certificate #
Medical Exemption Certificate
A Medical Exemption Certificate is a document that entitles individuals to recei… #
This certificate is issued to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having a long-term illness or disability.
N #
N
Nationality Checking Service (NCS) #
Nationality Checking Service (NCS)
The Nationality Checking Service (NCS) is a government service that assists indi… #
The NCS helps applicants complete their application forms correctly and verifies their supporting documents before submitting them to the Home Office.
Notices of Decision #
Notices of Decision
Notices of Decision are official documents issued by the Home Office to inform i… #
These notices detail the reasons for the decision, any conditions attached to the grant of leave, and the individual's right to appeal the decision if necessary.
O #
O
Overstaying #
Overstaying
Overstaying refers to the act of remaining in the UK beyond the expiry date of a… #
Individuals who overstay their visa are considered to be in breach of immigration laws and may face penalties, removal, or difficulty in obtaining future visas.
Overseas Criminal Record Certificate #
Overseas Criminal Record Certificate
An Overseas Criminal Record Certificate is a document that provides details of a… #
This certificate is required for certain visa applications in the UK to assess an individual's character and suitability for entry.
P #
P
Permanent Resident #
Permanent Resident
A Permanent Resident is an individual who has been granted permission to live an… #
Permanent residents have the right to remain in the country indefinitely and may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship after a certain period.
Public Funds #
Public Funds
Public Funds are government funds provided to individuals to support their livin… #
Some immigration statuses in the UK have restrictions on accessing public funds to prevent reliance on state support.
Q #
Q
Qualified Person #
Qualified Person
A Qualified Person is an individual who is exercising their treaty rights as a w… #
EEA nationals and their family members must be qualified persons to retain their right to reside in the UK under European law.
R #
R
Refugee Status #
Refugee Status
Refugee Status is granted to individuals who have fled their home country due to… #
Refugees are entitled to live and work in the UK and may apply for settlement after a certain period.
Right of Appeal #
Right of Appeal
The Right of Appeal is the legal right granted to individuals to challenge certa… #
Individuals have the right to appeal decisions that refuse entry clearance, refuse an application for leave to remain, or revoke existing leave to remain.
S #
S
Sponsor Licence #
Sponsor Licence
A Sponsor Licence is a permission granted to UK employers to sponsor skilled wor… #
Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence to issue Certificates of Sponsorship and sponsor individuals for Tier 2 (General) Visas.
Settlement #
Settlement
Settlement refers to the status granted to individuals who are allowed to live i… #
Settlement can be obtained through various routes, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain, EU Settlement Scheme, or British Citizenship.
T #
T
Tier 2 Visa #
Tier 2 Visa
The Tier 2 Visa is a points #
based visa category that allows skilled workers from outside the EEA to work in the UK. To apply for a Tier 2 Visa, individuals must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid sponsor licence and obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Transitional Arrangements #
Transitional Arrangements
Transitional Arrangements are temporary measures introduced by the UK government… #
These arrangements provide guidance on how individuals affected by policy changes can regularise their status or apply for new visas.
U #
U
Unlawful Residence #
Unlawful Residence
Unlawful Residence refers to the situation in which an individual remains in the… #
Individuals with unlawful residence are considered to be in violation of immigration laws and may face penalties, removal, or bans on re-entry.
UK Ancestry Visa #
UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry Visa is a form of visa available to Commonwealth citizens with a… #
This visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK for a period of five years and may lead to settlement and British Citizenship if certain criteria are met.
V #
V
Visa Overstay #
Visa Overstay
Visa Overstay occurs when an individual remains in the UK beyond the expiry date… #
Individuals who overstay their visa may be considered in breach of immigration laws and face penalties or removal from the country.
Visa Waiver Program #
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of certain countries to visit the UK fo… #
Visitors under the visa waiver program must meet specific eligibility criteria and adhere to the conditions of their stay, such as not working or studying in the UK.
W #
W
Work Permit #
Work Permit
A Work Permit is a document issued by the UK government that allows individuals… #
Work permits are granted based on the individual's job offer, qualifications, and the employer's sponsorship under the points-based system.
Widening Access to Work Scheme #
Widening Access to Work Scheme
The Widening Access to Work Scheme is a government initiative designed to help r… #
This scheme provides support, training, and job opportunities to refugees to help them rebuild their lives and contribute to the economy.
X #
X
Examination of Entry #
Examination of Entry
Examination of Entry refers to the process of assessing individuals entering the… #
This examination includes checking travel documents, verifying identity, and assessing the purpose and duration of the individual's stay in the UK.
Y #
Y
Yearly Quota #
Yearly Quota
A Yearly Quota is the maximum number of visas or residence permits that can be i… #
Yearly quotas are set by the government to control immigration levels and manage the allocation of visas based on demand and policy priorities.
Z #
Z
Zero #
Hours Contract
A Zero #
Hours Contract is a type of employment agreement in which the employer does not guarantee any minimum number of working hours to the employee. Employees on zero-hours contracts are only paid for the hours they work and have no obligation to accept work offered by the employer.