The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement was made between the UK and China in 2005 which permits Chinese citizens to visit the UK for up to a maximum of 30 days as part of a tourist group (“China ADS Agreement”). The general guidelines for the China ADS Agreement are found under the Standard Visitor Visa rules with China further specific requirements which Applicants will need to meet under the China ADS Agreement.
What is the China ADS Agreement?
The China ADS Agreement is an agreement made between the UK and China for the purpose of allowing Chinese nationals to visit the UK as part of a tourist group, with a minimum of 5 people, for up to 30 days. The tour group will be led by an official tour guide.
What is a China ADS Agreement Tour Guide?
The Tour Guide under the China ADS Agreement must be authorised by the Chinese National Tourism Administration or any other organisation accredited and trained by the British Embassy in China. The tour group operator will arrange the appointment at the Visa Application Centre in China for the whole tour group. This will usually be arranged at least 3 weeks before the group’s departure to the UK. During this appointment, all members of the group will submit their biometrics, which consists of a photograph and digital finger print scan.
What are the Requirements of the China ADS Agreement?
In order for an individual to visit the UK under the China ADS Agreement, they must fulfill the following requirements:
- be a national of the People’s Republic of China; and
- intend to enter, leave and travel within the UK as a member of a tourist group under the China ADS Agreement, without recourse to public funds.
It is important to be aware of the UK’s complex Immigration and Visa Rules, therefore seeking expert advice from our specialist solicitors can ensure that you meet all of the necessary requirements for an ADS Agreement or any other UK Visitor Visa to ensure that the application has the greatest chance of success.
What are the Restrictions on the China ADS Agreement?
There are certain activities which are prohibited under the China ADS Agreement which include:
- engaging in any work or paid activity in the UK;
- undertake a course of study in the UK;
- no recourse to public funds or medical treatment in the UK; and
- live or stay in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.
After the period of 30 days, individuals in the UK under the China ADS Agreement must return to China and there is no possibility for extending their stay in the UK under this visa route.
Using Legal Representation to Submit a China ADS Agreement Application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a UK Visa and Immigration application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your China ADS Agreement application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful ADS Agreement Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of a China ADS Agreement application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your China ADS Agreement application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.