Table of Contents
The government departments, agencies, courts, and advisory bodies responsible for managing and scrutinising immigration in the UK.
Home Office
The UK government department responsible for immigration, border security, policing, and counter-terrorism. Within immigration, it includes UK Visas and Immigration, Immigration Enforcement, and Border Force. The Home Secretary leads the department. It is the decision-making authority for all visa applications, asylum claims, and enforcement action.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
The operational division of the Home Office responsible for processing visa and immigration applications, granting or refusing leave to enter and remain, and managing the sponsorship system. UKVI has wide caseworker discretion in assessing applications, including credibility assessments and compliance monitoring.
Border Force
The law enforcement command within the Home Office responsible for securing the UK’s borders at ports and airports. It checks all passengers and freight entering the country, enforces immigration and customs laws, and intercepts small boats in the Channel. Around 10,000 people work for Border Force across its regional operations.
Immigration Enforcement
The Home Office team responsible for enforcing immigration law within the UK — targeting illegal working, removing people with no right to remain, and managing immigration detention. It is distinct from Border Force, which operates at the border, and from UKVI, which processes applications.
Office for National Statistics (ONS)
The UK’s national statistics body, responsible for producing official data on migration, population, and the economy. The ONS publishes long-term international migration estimates and works with the Home Office to develop improved methods. Its migration statistics are currently classified as official statistics in development due to ongoing methodological change.
Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
An independent, non-departmental public body that advises the government on migration policy. It conducts research and makes recommendations on issues including salary thresholds, shortage occupation lists, and the impact of migration on the UK labour market. Its recommendations inform Home Office policy but are not binding.
First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
The independent court that hears appeals against Home Office immigration and asylum decisions at first instance. Applicants whose claims or visa applications have been refused may appeal here. Around half of asylum appeals that reach the tribunal result in the Home Office’s original decision being overturned.
Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber)
The higher court that hears appeals against decisions made by the First-tier Tribunal. It also handles judicial review of certain immigration decisions. Its judgments establish binding legal precedent on immigration law. Further appeals beyond the Upper Tribunal go to the Court of Appeal.
Border Security Command
A unit established in 2024 to coordinate the UK’s response to organised immigration crime, reporting directly to the Home Secretary. It directs the National Crime Agency, police, and intelligence agencies to dismantle people smuggling networks. It was backed by £75 million and given counter-terrorism-style powers under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act.
Common Travel Area (CTA)
An arrangement between the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man allowing British and Irish citizens to travel freely between these territories without passport controls. The CTA predates both EU membership and Brexit and continues to operate independently of EU free movement. It does not extend full free movement rights to third-country nationals.