Entry Clearance, Leave to Enter, and Leave to Remain
Immigration Wise Ltd specialises in offering professional advice in the UK. Understanding the terms “Leave to Enter” and “Leave to Remain” is crucial, especially given the complexity of the UK immigration system. Whether you’re seeking entry into the UK (Leave to Enter), applying for Leave to Remain, or extending your stay, our team will guide you through each step of the process.
Leave to Enter and Leave to Remain: What’s the Difference?
The UK immigration process can be confusing, but it’s vital to understand the differences between Leave to Enter and Leave to Remain.
- Leave to Enter is permission granted before you enter the UK. It’s typically issued as part of your visa application, such as for work, study, or visiting. This is essentially your initial entry permission into the UK, which can be granted under categories such as Tier 1 or Tier 2 visas.
- Leave to Remain, on the other hand, is permission granted to those who are already in the UK and wish to stay for a longer period. This can be either temporary or indefinite, depending on the applicant’s status and visa route.
Leave to enter: what does it mean?
Leave to Enter is permission granted to someone applying to enter the UK from abroad. Most people need this when visiting, working, studying, or joining family members in the UK. This permission is granted at the point of applying for a visa, including:
- Skilled Worker Visas (Tier 2)
- Student Visas (Tier 4)
- Family Visas
- Visitor Visas




What You Should Know About eVisa Leave to Enter Meaning
After Leave to Enter or Leave to Remain is granted, you may need to prove your status in the UK, create a UKVI account and register for an eVisa. This document confirms your right to work, study, and access services while living in the UK.
Application to Leave to Enter or Leave to Remain with Immigration Wise Ltd
If you’re unsure about your status or which application you need to apply for, Immigration Wise Ltd is here to assist. Our expert team can guide you through:
- Leave to Enter applications if you are outside the UK
- Leave to Remain applications if you are already in the UK
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) guidance
- BRP applications and supporting documentation
- Family members’ dependent Leave to Enter applications
Limited Leave to Remain and Its MeaningIt Limited Leave to Remain allows an individual to stay in the UK temporarily. This period can be extended as necessary, typically for reasons like work, study, or family relationships. This temporary leave is often the first step towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows permanent residency.
Indefinite Leave to Remain v/s Indefinite Leave to Enter
The key difference between Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE):
- ILR is granted to individuals after they’ve lived in the UK for a set period (typically five years), allowing them to stay permanently. It’s often a step towards British citizenship.
- ILE is granted when an individual enters the UK for the first time and satisfies all immigration requirements. This provides the individual with permanent residency from the moment they enter.
Leave to Enter UK: The Entry Permission You Need
For most visa applicants, Leave to Enter UK is a necessary first step. Whether you’re applying for a work visa, student visa, or a family visa, Leave to Enter serves as the key to gaining access to the UK.
Understanding Your UK Immigration Options: Entry Clearance, Leave to Enter, Leave to Remain
Navigating the UK immigration system can be difficult, but Immigration Wise Ltd is here to help you make informed decisions and handle each part of the process with ease. Whether you’re applying for Leave to Enter or Leave to Remain, understanding your options is essential to avoid unnecessary complications.
Leave to Enter vs Leave to Remain: Key Issues
It’s important to distinguish between Leave to Enter (for individuals applying from outside the UK) and Leave to Remain (for those already in the UK). Depending on your situation, you may need to apply for Leave to Remain after being granted Leave to Enter, especially if you’re seeking to extend your stay.
Indefinite Leave to Enter and Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) is granted when entering the UK for the first time, while Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is typically granted to those who have lived in the UK for a certain period (usually five years). Both provide permanent residency, but they are granted in different contexts.
How We Can Help You?
At Immigration Wise Ltd, we pride ourselves on offering personalized advice for all types of UK immigration applications. We provide expert assistance in:
- Visa applications for entry or stay in the UK
- Applications for Limited Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Family dependent visa applications
- Assistance with Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas, among other categories
Get in Touch with Immigration Wise Ltd Today!
Let Leave to Enter and Leave to Remain not stand in the way of your success in the UK. Whether you’re entering the country for the first time or looking to extend your stay, Immigration Wise Ltd has the experience to ensure your application process goes smoothly.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation and secure your future in the UK. Our team will assist you every step of the way.
Let us guide you toward a successful UK immigration experience with Immigration Wise Ltd.

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services does Immigration Wise Ltd provide?
We offer a wide range of immigration services, including visa consultation, application preparation, document verification, and ongoing support for individuals, families, and businesses.
2. What types of visas can you help with?
We assist with various visa categories, including:
- Skilled Worker
- Sponsor Licence
- Student Visa
- Graduate Visa
- Visitor/Tourist Visa
- Spouse/Partner Visa
- Dependent Visa
- Fiancé Visa
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- British Nationality and Citizenship
How do I know which visa is right for me?
Our experts will assess your situation and advise on the most suitable visa based on your purpose, eligibility, and current immigration law. Book a consultation for tailored advice.
4. What documents are required for a visa application?
The documents that are required vary depending on the type of visa applied for but most commonly include:
- A valid passport
- Financial means
- Academic or employment records
- Connections to your home country (if you have temporary visas)
- Invitation letters (where relevant)
We’ll guide you on the specific requirements for your case.
5. How long does it take to process a visa application?
Processing times vary depending on the visa type, the country of application, and your unique circumstances. We’ll provide an estimated timeline during your initial consultation.
How to Contact Us?
Address
Birmingham, United Kingdom (Office address TBC)
info@immigrationwise.co.uk
Call
0044 121 655 0299