Is my UK work visa valid?

Question

I have a UK work visa and have been travelling in and through London several times. On two of these times, my visa was stamped in London, which usually happens when going in or through many airports. However, someone mentioned that the stamp is a type of visitor visa, and that at law, any new visa cancels previous visas.

I can only think that the airport staff didn't know or see that I had the work visa.

Is my work visa still valid or as it been cancelled by the visitor stamp?

I've gotten three stamps from London aiport saying: 'leave to enter for six months: Employment and recourse to public funds prohibited.

Answer 1

Your visa is valid. A stamp cannot cancel your entry or exit in a country. Investigate what the stamp looks like as well. Another form of document that is also stamped must exist or an expiration date in your visa can only determine its status. Investigate your passport, see if it is stamped with "Leave to enter # of months." A date must be present to notify that you must leave to enter that # of months from that date. If not then call your consulate. You can also extend you working visa, should you wish to re-apply. The only staff that can make your visa invalid if the customs found any discrepancies in your identity/visa.

Answer 2

Blimey - these people haven't a clue.
I've answered your question on another thread, but for the record...

If you had a work visa (entry clearance) issued on, say, 1st Jan, valid for a year, and you entered on the 2nd Jan (getting an open date stamp on the visa on entry - ie just a date stamp)...and then you left the UK on the 3rd Jan and when you returned on 4th Jan you got a coded landing (such as the "leave to enter for six months....etc" that you mention) then YOUR WORK VISA IS NO MORE. You are a visitor (on the stamp you describe) and you can't work. It doesn't matter that the visa has a year left on it - you have been admitted as a visitor and the work visa is ended.

If this is what has happened and you are still working in the UK then you are in breach and you employer is liable to a huge fine. And you are liable to removal. You need to get it sorted.

Answer 3

I speak from experience as my ex-wife came to this country on a non-UK passport. If you are a non EU citizen then your "Work Permit" will have an expiry date on it. Are you still working for the same people? If you enter on a work visa then you must remain working for the same people. If that is the case then you need to apply for a Residential Stay Visa. This will normally only be issued if you have remained in the country for six consecutive months and can show that you have a place of residence. A visitor visa means that you cannot work in the UK during your stay. It does not "cancel" any other visa however. How long was your work visa for? Give more details and I am sure I can be of more help. Google the "IND" web-site

Answer 4

Does the stamp contain the words "Leave to enter the UK" or "employment prohibited"? If not, then its not a Visa its just an entry / exit stamp.

Answer 5

Dont worry about having a Visa to come and work/rest/play in the UK ...this is the land of plenty ..and no-one gets kicks out... Why not even chance your arm at claiming un-employment benefit while you are here. Why not ?! every other immigrant in the UK gets away with it..

Answer 6

there is no difference in stamp either you enter as visitor or on work visa. the important thing is that if your visa validity is ok then it is VALID.

Answer 7

I would ring your high commission, but I have left and re-entered the UK on a good few occasions and they have stamped my passport.

Mind you, as has my brother and he has recently gotten his indefinite leave to remain, so it can't count

Answer 8

oh my god, no it's not valid quick, get out of the UK before i report you to the police

Answer 9

yes it is valid until the authorities tell you other wise. It doesnt matter what anyone says as long as you ainbt done anything wrong in thi8s country.