skip through navigation (Access Key = S ) Jump to Accessibility Information (Access Key = 0 ) Jump to Home Page (Access Key = 1 ) Jump to News (Access Key = 2 ) Jump to Site Map (Access Key = 3 ) Jump to Search Box (Access Key = 4 ) Jump to Frequently Asked Questions (Access Key = 5 ) Jump to Help Page (Access Key = 6 ) Jump to Complaints (Access Key = 7 ) Jump to Terms and Conditions (Access Key = 8 ) Jump to Feedback Form (Access Key = 9 ) Jump to content (Access Key = N ) Jump to Business and Advice (Access Key = B ) Jump to Leisure and Culture (Access Key = C ) Jump to Council and Community Diary (Access Key = M ) Jump to Environment and Planning (Access Key = V ) Jump to Community and Learning (Access Key = G ) Jump to Do It Online (Access Key = O ) Jump to Children and Young People (Access Key = P ) Jump to A to Z Services (Access Key = T ) Jump to Your Council (Access Key = Y ) Jump to A too Z site Index (Access Key = Z ) jump to Read Speaker functionality (Access Key = L) Jump to Printer Friendly Version (Access Key = F) Jump to Text Only (Access Key = J) Jump to Change Contrast (Access Key = K)
Immigration visits
Immigration visits When a person moves to the area from abroad, a named individual normally has to sponsor that person. The immigration authority will ask for proof that the property being moved into has:
  • the minimum fitness standard under the Housing Acts
  • been kept in a reasonable state of repair and
  • sufficient space to accommodate both the existing occupiers and any additional people who propose to live there

We offer immigration inspections for those living within the Borough. The inspection is carried out by an Environmental Health Officer who provides a report for you to include in your application to the immigration authorities. Requests for immigration inspections should be made to Environmental Health on 01784 446251 or in person.

There is a charge of £120.00 for this service and we reserve the right to charge for any second and subsequent inspections arising from your application. Payment, by credit or debit card, is required before any inspection can be carried out. Once payment is received, we will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time, within working hours, to visit and inspect your home. You will be asked to show us around your property, outlining who occupies the house and which rooms they sleep in.

During the course of the inspection, we will make a judgement on whether the property is suitable and safe for occupation and whether it would become statutorily overcrowded by the addition of the person seeking entry to the UK.  

When an officer does an inspection, they will ask to see proof of your ownership or tenancy of the property. If you own the property, then we will need to see the Title Deeds, Mortgage Statement or correspondence from your mortgage provider. If you rent the property we will need to see a current Tenancy Agreement and a utility bill in your name at the address in question.

We will also ask to see details of the person coming into the UK, to include their date of birth and full address in their home country. A passport is preferred so that details can be taken down correctly.

When the inspection has been done, you will be supplied with a letter within seven days detailing:

  • your name and the name(s) of the person(s) seeking entry to the UK
  • the address of the property inspected
  • who owns and occupies the property
  • how the property is occupied and by who
  • whether the property was fit for human habitation at the time of our inspection
  • whether the property would be statutorily overcrowded by the person seeking entry to the UK
  • the name of the officer to contact for further information
The applicant is then responsible for forwarding the letter to the appropriate authority in support of the application for immigration.

Please note:

  • we will not arrange an inspection of your home until payment has been received
  • we will not supply letters unless we have inspected the property
  • the Immigration Authorities will not accept letters that are greater than 12 weeks old
  • if your letter expires on this ground, we will not issue another until we have carried out a full investigation again.  You will be charged for this second inspection
It is therefore very important that you do not request an inspection of your home for immigration purposes until you are ready to submit your full application to the relevant authorities.