Illegal entrant
The Home Office identifies a person as an illegal entrant both when they have avoided immigration control on entering the UK, or where they used false documents or other deception to enter the UK.
Immigration Act 1971
A UK law (Act of parliament). This law has been updated many times, by subsequent laws, but is still the basis of UK immigration powers.
Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006
UK law implementing the European Union (EU) law free movement provisions.
Immigration Judge
The person who decides immigration appeals in the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT). Previously called an adjudicator.
Immigration Officer
Officials dealing with immigration at UK ports and with enforcement (criminal offences connected with immigration law, removal and deportation).
Immigration Rules
The rules that set out the different categories of application to come to, or stay in, the UK. Issued as a paper in the UK parliament they are also called HC395, short for ‘House of Commons 395’. Changes to the rules are issued as ‘Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules’.
IND (Immigration and Nationality Directorate)
The old name for what, since 1 April 2007, has been called the Border and Immigration Agency, the department of the Home Office responsible for dealing with immigration and nationality.
Indefinite Leave
This is leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom without time restrictions. A person with Indefinite Leave can also be described as ‘settled’ or ‘having settlement’ in the UK.