Glossary

Quick explanations of the terms used in our guides.

Administrative Review (AR): Ask the Home Office to review a refusal for casework errors. Different from an appeal.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Status card. Being replaced by eVisa accounts.
Biometrics: Fingerprints and photograph captured at an appointment or via the ID Check app.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Electronic record assigned by your sponsor for Skilled Worker and similar routes.
Continuous residence: Time lawfully spent in the UK without breaking the route’s absence rules.
ECCTIS: Service that confirms overseas degree equivalence for English-language or skill purposes.
eVisa: Digital immigration status viewed online; replaces BRP for most people.
IHS: Immigration Health Surcharge paid on many temporary visas; not paid for ILR.
ILR: Indefinite Leave to Remain. Permanent residence without time limits.
Leave to Enter (LTE): Permission to enter the UK given at the border or via an entry visa.
Leave to Remain (LTR): Permission to stay in the UK granted by application from within the UK.
Life in the UK Test: Multiple-choice test on UK life and values, required for many ILR and citizenship routes.
No Time Limit (NTL): Application to get modern proof of ILR if you do not have a current document or eVisa.
Occupation code: Code that describes your job for Skilled Worker rules and salary thresholds.
Priority / Super Priority: Paid services that can give a faster decision if available.
Sponsor licence: Authorisation for an employer or institution to sponsor eligible migrants.
UKVCAS: UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services — biometrics and document submission centres.