Admin review: Mechanism to request the review of a decision to refuse an application where it appears that there has been a mistake or error in applying the rules
Biometrics: Photograph & fingerprints taken digitally as part of visa application process and stored on Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): A credit card sized plastic card issued by the Home Office which shows evidence of the holder's UK residence permit. It holds biographic details (name, date and place of birth) and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints). The Home Office have ceased issuing BRPs from 31 October 2024, instead a digital immigration status is granted.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Electronic document which lists the sponsored individual`s personal details, and information about the role. The CoS also includes a reference number which must be included in the Skilled Worker or Tier 5 visa application
Designated Competent Body: An organisation (e.g. Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, UKRI etc) that reviews a Global Talent (Exceptional Talent/Promise) endorsement application
EEA Family member residence card: A 5 year visa issued to Non-EEA family member of an EEA national who is a Qualified Person in the UK which permits work
Employer Checking Service (ECS): Home Office service used to verify right to work when original documents cannot be presented as an application or appeal is outstanding
Entry clearance: Entry clearance is the procedure used by Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) at British missions overseas to check, before a person arrives in the UK, if that person qualifies under the Immigration Rules for entry to the UK
Entry stamp: The stamp a non-EEA nationals receives in their passport by a border control official which shows the date and location of entry to the UK. If the non-EEA national has a vignette in their passport, the stamp activates the visa
Negative Verification Notice: Negative response from the Home Office Employer Checking Service (ECS) - individual does not have the right to work and must not start/ continue any work & SIT contacted for advice
NHS Surcharge (also referred to as the Immigration Health Surcharge)
Non-visa national:An non-EEA citizen whose nationality is not on the Home Office visa national list. Non-EEA national who does not have to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK, but should instead receive an entry clearance stamp at the UK border
Points Based System (PBS): The points-based visa system is the main UK immigration route for migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to come to the United Kingdom
Qualified Person: EEA national who is exercising Treaty Rights in another member state as a worker, jobseeker, self-employed, student with comprehensive medical cover, or self-sufficient with comprehensive medical cover
Returning Resident: Issued when someone has lost Indefinite Leave to Remain after living outside the UK for 2 years and applies to have their status reinstated
Settlement scheme: Application for pre-settled or settled status that EU, EEA or Swiss citizens (and family members) can apply for to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. Please see our Brexit pages for more information.
Visa national: Nationals whose country is on the Home Office visa national list. They will need to apply for, and obtain, a visa before travelling to the UK
