The administration of the UK border, which includes all ports, airports and entry points into the UK, is operated by UK Border Force, which is part of the Home Office. All visa administration is operated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which is also part of the Home Office. You will likely have contact with both when you travel to the UK.
Visa advice and guidance
Based within the HR Division, the Compliance Team offers an expert, in-house immigration advice service to all current and prospective staff and visitors. Specifically we can advise on the following areas:
- Applications under the points-based system, specifically:
- Global Talent visas
- Skilled Worker visas
- Government Authorised Exchange
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Applications for family members of UK and EU/EEA nationals;
- UK Ancestry visas;
- Settlement (ILR) applications under the 5-year and 10-year routes;
- Citizenship applications;
- Short-term visits to the UK through the 'business', 'academic' and 'permitted paid engagement' categories of the Standard Visitor visa;
- UK visa refusals and Administrative Reviews.
Please visit the HR Immigration webpages for further information on staff immigration matters.
Students seeking advice on Tier 4 (General)/Student, Graduate or short-term study visas should contact the International Student Team.
Regulation of Immigration advice and services
The University of Cambridge is exempt from regulation by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) (formerly the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)). The IAA has provided special dispensation to the University and permits us to provide immigration advice on any aspect of UK immigration matters to our current or prospective staff. The University is bound by the IAA Code of Standards when providing immigration advice or services.
What can I expect when I arrive at the UK border?
Entering the UK - procedures for entering the UK, including what documents you will require before you leave and what to expect on arrival in the UK.