Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 May 2006. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 May 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Visas

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 4 May 2006, Official Report, column 1811W, on visas, if she will define the circumstances under which a visa application would not be straightforward non-settlement; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Straightforward entry clearance applications are defined as those when the decision to issue can be made based on the information immediately available to the Entry Clearance Officer. Non-straightforward applications are those where the Entry Clearance Officer determines that further enquiries need to be made. Non-settlement applications are those categories of entry clearance other than those where the stated purpose of the application is for the applicant to settle in the United Kingdom.

Secondary information