UK entry clearance advice before you travel
Coming to the UK may mean joining your partner, starting a new role, beginning your studies or making an important visit. Before those plans can move forward, you need to establish what permission is required and how to apply.
An entry clearance application is made from outside the UK before travelling under the relevant immigration route.
Knightsbridge Immigration helps you assess your eligibility, prepare the supporting evidence and understand the steps involved, so your application is organised around your circumstances and intended plans.
Choose the right route for your plans
The appropriate visa depends on what you intend to do in the UK, how long you plan to stay and your personal circumstances.
Joining your partner may involve a Spouse Visa, while studying or taking up sponsored employment may require a Student Visa or Skilled Worker Visa. Visits, business activities and other circumstances have their own requirements.
We begin by understanding your purpose of travel and checking whether you need a visa. We then assess the relevant route, including any sponsorship or other arrangements that must be in place before you apply.
Prepare evidence that supports your application
Each immigration route has its own documentary requirements. Your application may need evidence of your finances, relationship, employment, course, accommodation or planned activities.
We identify the documents relevant to your circumstances and review them against the requirements. This includes checking dates, consistency and whether the evidence covers the necessary period.
We also explain any requirements for translations, English language evidence or tuberculosis testing that apply to you. If information is missing or needs clarification, we explain what to obtain before the application is submitted.
Coordinate the people supporting your move
An overseas application often depends on information from someone in the UK. That might be your partner, employer, university or another person supporting your visit.
We explain what is needed from each person or organisation and review how their documents fit with your application.
If your partner or children will travel with you, we assess their eligibility separately and explain the applications they may need. This helps you prepare for the family’s move together.
Plan your application around the relevant dates
Your intended travel date needs to be considered alongside the earliest application date, document requirements and arrangements for proving your identity.
We explain the application process, including any visa application centre appointment or eligible digital identity process. We also outline the government charges and any applicable Immigration Health Surcharge, separately from our professional fees.
Processing times vary by route and circumstances. We explain the published timeframes and any available priority options, while allowing for the possibility of further checks. Travel should be booked after you receive your visa decision.
Understand your permission before travelling
If your application is approved, you need to understand when your permission begins, how long it lasts and the conditions attached to it.
We explain the decision and the steps relevant to your arrival, including accessing any eVisa issued and checking the details recorded.
Knowing what your permission allows helps you prepare for work, study or family life in the UK and recognise when another application may be needed.
Discuss your plans to come to the UK
Tell us your nationality, where you currently live, why you want to come to the UK and any intended travel, course or employment dates.
You do not need to have chosen a visa or collected every document before contacting us.
We will confirm whether we can assist and explain the proposed work, the information required and our fees before you instruct us.
