Jump to content

Glossary

Welcome to the glossary section, where you can find a dictionary of all terms that commonly appear on our website. These are simple explanations, rather than complete, legal definitions. You can browse by letter or alternatively go to the advanced search anywhere on the site and search by Glossary.

  1. 123
  2. A
  3. B
  4. C
  5. D
  6. E
  7. F
  8. G
  9. H
  10. I
  11. J
  12. K
  13. L
  14. M
  15. N
  16. O
  17. P
  18. Q
  19. R
  20. S
  21. T
  22. U
  23. V
  24. W
  25. X
  26. Y
  27. Z

  1. L

    1. Law Society

      The Law Society is the representative body for solicitors in England and Wales.

    2. Lease of premises for business use

      A document showing that you have rented a building, space in a building, or land so that you can conduct your business there.

    3. Leave to remain

      Leave to remain is permission to stay in the United Kingdom, either temporarily (limited leave to remain) or permanently (indefinite leave to remain). 

    4. Legal adoption

      Legal adoption is adoption by order of a court or under the Hague Convention. (See Hague Convention.) A foreign adoption order will be recognised in the United Kingdom if it was made in a 'designated country' - a country included in the Adoption (Designation of Overseas Adoptions) Order 1973. The current list of these countries is on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website.

    5. Legal aid

      Legal help that is paid for by the state for people who qualify for it, usually because they cannot afford it themselves.

    6. Legal representative

      A solicitor or other qualified adviser who advises you on how our laws apply to your case.

    7. Legally separated

      Living apart from a husband, wife or civil partner without divorcing or legally ending the partnership. No formal legal document is necessary to prove legal separation provided the couple are not living together. A couple can be separated but still live under the same roof if they arrange the household so that they no longer sleep or eat together, and do not do domestic chores, such as washing or ironing, for each other.

    8. Legally settled

      Living in the United Kingdom with permission to stay here permanently (this includes indefinite leave to remain).

    9. Legitimate organisation

      An organisation that is working legally.

    10. Leisure craft

      These are vessels used mainly for sport or recreation.

    11. Level B2

      The level of ability in speaking and writing English that we require for applicants to study under tier 2 of the points-based system. It is a level defined by the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as being an independent user.

    12. level C1

      The level of ability in speaking and writing English that we require for applicants under tier 1 ofthe points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It is a level defined by the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as being a proficient user.

    13. Licensed sponsor

      An organisation that is licensed by us to sponsor migrants to come to the United Kingdom under the points-based system.

    14. Limited leave to remain

      Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.

    15. Local authorities or authorities

      Local authorities are councils responsible for essential services in your area such as education, transport, street cleaning and rubbish collection. There are various types of council including county, district, London borough, town and parish councils.

    16. Lord Chancellor

      The Lord Chancellor is also the Secretary of State for Justice. The Lord Chancellor has responsibility for overseeing constitutional reform and the running of the civil and criminal courts through the Ministry of Justice.

    Back to top