Visitors are usually admitted for six months unless the immigration officer is satisfied that there are particular circumstances which justify entry for a shorter period. Visitors are prohibited from taking employment. Unless they are nationals of countries from which a visa is required they do not need prior entry clearance although it is open to them to obtain it if they wish to do so to facilitate their entry. Students must be able to meet the cost of their studies and of their own maintenance and accommodation and that of their wife and children under 18 if they wish to bring them with them. Students are admitted for an appropriate period depending on the length of their course of study and must leave the country at the end of it.
Permission is given only if there is no suitable resident labour.
Dependants of students admitted with them are free to take employment unless the student himself is prohibited from taking employment. Students may be granted extensions of stay for an appropriate period if they continue to meet the conditions imposed. However, extensions of stay are not granted to students who appear to be moving from one course to another without any intention of bringing their studies to a close. Once in Britain, visa nationals are prohibited from switching from another category to student status. In general, people subject to immigration control coming to Britain for employment are required to hold work permits.