ECB19 - Correcting an incorrect endorsement
This is internal guidance for use by entry clearance (visa) staff on the handling of visa applications made outside the UK. It is a live document under constant review and is for information only.
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ECB19.1 When an endorsement is required
There will be occasions when an applicant has reason to believe, usually after arrival in the UK, that their visa has not been issued with the correct endorsement. When Post has been contacted by a member of the public or their representative, and is satisfied that the endorsement is incorrect the following action should be taken:
Write a letter to the individual (see ECB19.5 below)
- confirming that Post made a mistake when issuing the visa,
- apologising for any inconvenience, and
- giving details of what the correct endorsement should be.
ECB19.2 An incorrect endorsement (not Tiers 1, 2 or 5 under PBS)
Advise the individual to send this letter to RCU EC Errors, together with the applicant's passport and 2 passport-sized photos, and a signed covering letter from the individual authorising for the amendment to be made (for those entering under the points-based system - PBS - except tier 4, see section below) who can correct the visa free of charge;
RCU EC Errors
15th Floor Apollo House
36 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 3RR
ECB19.3 An incorrect Tier 1, 2 or 5 PBS endorsement
If the error is related to an endorsement under PBS Tiers 1, 2 or 5, you should advise the individual to send the letter from Post, together with the applicant's passport, 2 passport-sized photos and the details of their Certificate of Sponsorship to either T1, T2 or T5 workflow teams at the following address:
UK Border Agency Immigration Group
T1 or T2 or T5 Workflow Team
Employment Routes Workflow Team
Level 2, Vulcan House (Iron)
North East, Yorkshire & Humber Region
UK Border Agency
PO Box 3468
Sheffield S3 8WA
ECB19.4 Dealing with an incorrect endorsement query from RCU
If an incorrect endorsement enquiry is received from RCU, Post should respond directly to RCU within 24 hours; confirming whether or not the visa was incorrectly endorsed, and, if incorrectly endorsed, advising of the correct endorsement.
Where an incorrect endorsement has occurred, Post should update Proviso to confirm the error and what the correction should be.
To minimise such errors, the ECO should check guidance on endorsements before issuing a visa and ensure that the 'valid from date' is the applicant's intended date of travel.
ECB19.5 Incorrect endorsement letter template
Post Reference Number:
DATE
NAME OF APPLICANT
Dear Mr/ Miss/ Mrs etc (address to applicant)
RE: Endorsement for leave to enter the UK as a ..........................
I am writing to inform you that your .......... visa has been endorsed incorrectly. The endorsement should have been:
[Insert here correct endorsement] with validity from .......... until .......... code ..........
Please send this letter and a signed covering letter authorising for RCU to make the amendment along with your passport and two passport photographs to the following address so that your visa can be corrected free of charge:
*UK Border Agency
Referred Casework Unit (IG)
EC Errors
15th Floor Apollo House
36 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 3RR
* UK Border Agency Immigration Group
T1 or T2 or T5 Workflow Team
North East, Yorkshire and the Humber Region
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA
[*delete as required]
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Yours sincerely
ECO (Post name)