The immigration enquiry bureau's staff can provide information about the Immigration Rules' requirements for permission to stay and settlement in the UK. They cannot provide estimated completion dates for applications.

It is often easier to get through later in the day. The cost of your call will vary depending on your network provider, and it is likely that calls from mobile phones will cost considerably more. We strongly recommend that you check with your network provider for potential costs. Please be aware that phone calls may be recorded for quality purposes.

Booking an appointment

To make an application in person at one of our public enquiry offices, you can use the appointment booking system. Appointments are available throughout the day. If suitable appointments are not available before your permission to stay in the UK expires, you should make your application by post or leave the UK and apply for entry clearance.

If you book a premium appointment and you want to apply using the new interactive application forms (which includes online payment of your application fee), we advise you to complete the form and payment between 2 and 5 days before your appointment. This is to ensure that you apply using the latest version of the form and pay the correct fee.

If you want to submit an application but do not know which application form to use, visit the form finder. If you wish to notify us of any specific requirements before you arrive for your premium appointment, this can be done by email to the immigration enquiry bureau at the address below.

Progress enquiries

You do not need to contact us to check the progress of your application. We will contact you as soon as a decision has been made or if we require further information. Our staff cannot provide any information about your application if you applied less than 6 months ago.

Requests for the return of documents

You can find information on this website about requesting the urgent return of your documents if you have applied under Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system.

To request the return of documents from any other application for permission to stay in the UK, phone 0870 606 7766 and select Option 2.

Contact details

Phone:  0870 606 7766

Textphone:  0800 389 8289 (the contact centre also accepts calls by text relay and other similar services)

Address:  UK Border Agency, Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2BY

Opening Hours:  Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 16:45, Friday 09:00 to 16:30 (excluding public holidays).