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Visa Requirements

All foreign nationals who wish to enter the UK must pass through immigration.
Satisfaction of the Immigration officer at the port of arrival and compliance
to the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules are compulsory.

It is often necessary to obtain a valid entry clearance before arrival.

Entry Clearance

An entry clearance is a visa issued to an individual prior to travelling
to the UK. If you have an entry clearance you will not be refused entrance
into the UK on arrival unless there is an indication that:

There has been a material change of circumstance

False information
has been used

Disclosure of important facts had been withheld

The
individual holds a criminal records

The individual is in possession
of a deportation order

There are medical grounds which prevent entry

There is an exceptional reason for non admission

The Immigration Act of 1971 outlines the law and the statements of changes
in the UK immigration rules.

If you are a national of an EC Member State, including Iceland and Norway,
the rules of entry to the UK are slightly different. If you can claim
British citizenship or have another connection to the UK, the laws are
different again. Details requirements can be obtained from the nearest
British Mission.

If you are a national of one of the following and wish to visit the
UK then entry clearance is not required:

European Union

United States of America

Canada

Japan.

Unless you are an EU citizen then you must obtain entry clearance if
you wish to:

	Settle in The UK
	Work in the UK*
	Set up business in the UK
	Live in the UK as a person on independent means
	Join somebody coming to the UK for any of the above circumstances.

* unless you are in possession of a
work permit.

Application for Entry Clearance

An IM2A**This form must be completed to
apply for entry clearance. These can be obtained free of charge from certain
British Missions. If the Mission in your city cannot process your category
of application, they will advise acccordingly.

** And related forms if applicable.
Biotec Scottish Enterprise Handbook.