Immigration Tips for Arrival at the UK Border

So you've obtained your visa and are ready to board your flight to the UK.  No more immigration issues to worry about, right?  Wrong.  You have one more hurdle to pass before entering the UK, and that is the UK Border Police at your chosen port of entry.  Of course there's nothing to worry about if your entry clearance document (visa) was properly obtained.  However, it would be wise of you to bear the following in mind, depending on what category of visa you hold:

• You may be questioned about the purpose of your trip to the UK:  If you hold a visiting visa and you happily declare that you are coming to the UK to work, you will find yourself on the next available flight home, and with good reason too!

• You may be asked how long you intend to remain in the UK.  It goes without saying that you must not state that you intend to stay for a year if the maximum validity on your visa is 6 months.

• You may be asked questions regarding your sponsor.  This may be a person, company or academic institution depending on your visa category.  You need to have the key facts to hand; the name of your sponsor, contact details, when you first became associated with them, etc.

• Your luggage may be searched.  If your answers give the officer cause for concern, he or she may direct that your luggage be obtained from the reclaim area, and searched.  If anything is found in your baggage that contradicts your statements at the original visa application or at the Port of Entry, you may be denied entry to the UK.

I think it is wise to approach the immigration desk as you would an interview.  It is, actually, your final entry clearance interview before being granted entry to the UK.  Also bear in mind that the immigration officer will have to make up his or her mind on the balance of probabilities.  He or she will not need to prove anything beyond reasonable doubt.  As long as there is good reason to suspect that you will not abide by the conditions of your visa, he or she may either choose to deny you entry or only grant you temporary admission to the UK.

In summary, your answers should not contradict any information you've previously given to the immigration authorities in making your visa application.  It is possible for your intentions to have changed since making the application, and the officer interviewing you will bear this in mind.  However, any significant change in your circumstances or intentions could result in your being refused entry to the UK and returned to your country of residence on the next available flight.  Hence, my mantra: always tell the truth.  There is no easier position to defend than the truth.