Guidance

Leave outside the Immigration Rules: caseworker guidance

Immigration staff guidance on dealing with applications to grant leave outside the Immigration Rules.

• From: UK Visas and Immigration
• Published: 2 December 2013
• Last updated: 11 July 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Leave outside the Rules (LOTR) on compelling compassionate grounds

PDF, 223 KB, 15 pages

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Details

UK Visas and Immigration guidance for staff on when it may be appropriate to exercise discretion to grant leave outside the Immigration Rules (LOTR) on the basis of compelling compassionate grounds (other than family and private life, medical, asylum or protection grounds).

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Published 2 December 2013

Last updated 11 July 2025 + show all updates

1. 11 July 2025

   Guidance updated with the following: provided more details on compelling compassionate grounds; provided more details on the length of stay and conditions associated with a grant of LOTR; provided details to reflect LOTR cannot be applied for overseas through an application form which is not for entry clearance, including Non-Suspensive Appeal (NSA) and Transfer of Conditions / Temporary Visa to Enter the UK forms; removed information on Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).

2. 30 August 2023

   Updated the guidance to correct wording which does not align with AUK application form.

3. 25 January 2023

   Accessible version added.

4. 9 March 2022

   Updated to clarify that an application for entry clearance, or for leave to enter or remain outside the Immigration Rules cannot be made on an Afghanistan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) application form.

5. 27 February 2018

   Updated guidance on leave outside the Immigration Rules.

6. 2 December 2013

   First published.