Guidance

Grounds for refusal – criminality: caseworker guidance

Immigration staff guidance on criminal history for entry clearance applications in the UK.

From:
UK Visas and Immigration
Published
1 December 2020
Last updated
26 March 2026 — See all updates

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Suitability: grounds for refusal / cancellation – criminality (accessible)

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Suitability: grounds for refusal / cancellation – criminality

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Details

UK Visas and Immigration guidance for staff on how criminal history is relevant to applications for entry clearance, permission to enter or permission to stay in the UK.

Updates to this page

Published 1 December 2020
Last updated 26 March 2026 show all updates

  1. Updated the guidance in line with Immigration Rules to mandate refusal or cancellation of entry clearance or permission where a person has received a suspended sentence of 12 months or more. Also updated the sections on serious harm, overseas offending and sexual offences and clarified the approach to pardons and exercising discretion.

  2. Changes to reflect Part Suitability replacing Part 9: grounds for refusal of the Immigration Rules.

  3. Minor updates to reflect the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). Related content

  4. Updated guidance.

  5. First published.

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