UK immigration rules - UK immigration facts

It is a criminal offence to enter the UK illegally.

You could face up to 4 years in jail and removal from the UK unless:

you have a valid visa and comply with its conditions, or
it is unsafe for you to return to your country and you are granted asylum.

The UK is catching and detaining more people than ever before for breaking immigration rules.

Life will not be easy if you come to the UK illegally:

you cannot work, unless there are exceptional circumstances
you cannot rent property – landlords and agents are required by law to check your immigration status before they rent to you
you cannot access welfare benefits
you may be charged if you need hospital treatment or health care in the UK
your access to other services, like bank accounts and driving licences, is restricted
you may be banned from ever re-entering the UK legally, such as for work, study, or to visit
if you have children and you are in the UK unlawfully at the time of the birth, they will not be a British citizen

If you try to work in the UK illegally, you can be imprisoned and your wages can be seized. Illegal working is typically run by criminal gangs, who may force you to do hard labour in poor conditions for very little money, or no money at all.

If you claim asylum in the UK, you will not normally be allowed to work while your asylum claim is being considered. If you give false information on your application, you can get up to 2 years in prison or have to leave the UK.

Safe and legal routes. The only way to the UK.

If you want to come to the UK for a better life, the only way to do so is to come here through safe and legal routes, or regular visa routes.

Find out more on safe and legal routes