Content style guide
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abroad
'Abroad' and 'overseas' can cause confusion. Try to use plain English. For example, 'apply from outside the UK' or 'working in another country'.
account
Use 'create' instead of 'register' or 'set up' when you want people to create an account. 'Create an account' tested well in user research and is used by other government departments.
acronyms
Write out an acronym in full the first time you use it on a new page or screen, unless it is well known to your users, like UK, US or NHS. Research has found that some users struggle to remember the meaning of an acronym they saw on a previous screen. For example, write 'biometric residence permit (BRP)' on each screen of your service at first mention and use 'BRP' if it appears again on the same screen. If available, use a tooltip like acronym Markdown to make the acronym appear in full as hover text. See more guidance on abbreviations and acronyms in the GOV.UK style guide.
alter
Use 'change' rather than 'alter', 'modify' or 'switch'.
authorising officer
Lower case. You can use the acronym 'AO' after the first full mention.
asylum claimant
You can use either 'asylum claimant' or 'asylum applicant' to describe someone who has applied for asylum in the UK. Do not use both in the same product or service.
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biometric passport
Use 'passport' if the type of passport does not matter. When referring to passports with a chip, use 'biometric passport' instead of 'ePassport'.
biometrics
When using ‘biometrics’ or ‘biometric information’ in public-facing services, explain what it means first. For example, ‘you'll be asked to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometric information)’.
biometric residence permit (BRP)
Lower case. You can use the acronym ‘BRP’ after the first full mention.
biometric residence card (BRC)
Lower case. You can use the acronym ‘BRC’ after the first full mention. Also called a ‘UK residence card’ or ‘EEA biometric residence card’.
Border Force
Capitalised.
border control
Use 'border control' rather than 'passport control' or 'primary control point'.
British citizen
British citizen is one of 6 different types of British nationality. Do not use 'UK citizen'.
British nationality
There are 6 different types of British nationality. These are British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, British subject, British national (overseas) and British protected person.
British national (overseas)
Use 'British national (overseas)' when referring to people, as in 'she is a British national (overseas)'. When referring to the visa, use 'British National (Overseas) visa', which can be abbreviated to 'BNO visa'. For example, 'apply for a British National (Overseas) visa'.
British overseas territories
Write 'overseas territories' in lower case.
British overseas territories citizen
Write 'overseas territories citizen' in lower case.
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capital letters
See guidance on capitalisation in the GOV.UK style guide.
casework
Not ‘case work’.
caseworker
Not ‘case worker’.
certificate of sponsorship (CoS)
Lower case. You can use the acronym ‘CoS’ after the first full mention.
check
Consider using ‘check’ instead of ‘verify’ if you are asking users to check the accuracy of something. For example, ‘check your answers' or ‘check a passport number'
clandestine
Do not refer to people as 'a clandestine' or 'clandestine entrant'. Try to be specific, like 'a person hidden in a vehicle, ship or plane'.
click
Use 'select' rather than 'click' or 'tap' because not everyone uses a mouse.
Common Travel Area (CTA)
Capitalised. You can use the acronym ‘CTA’ after the first full mention.
confirm
Consider using 'confirm' or 'prove' instead of 'validate' if you are asking users to provide additional evidence. For example, 'confirm your identity' or 'prove your status’.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Capitalised. You can use the acronym ‘CAS’ after the first full mention.
consignee
Consignee is not plain English. Some users confuse 'consignee' with 'consignor'. If you need to use consignee, use it with 'recipient'. For example, recipient (consignee).
consignor
Consignor is not plain English. Some users confuse 'consignor' with 'consignee'. If you need to use consignor, use it with 'sender'. For example, sender (consignor).
contractions
Avoid all contractions, including positive contractions like 'we'll', 'you've' or 'they're', if your users are not fluent in English. Research shows that contractions make content difficult to understand for people with limited fluency. See general guidance on contractions in the GOV.UK style guide.
correct
Use ‘correct’ rather than ‘right’. For example, ‘select the correct settlement route’.
correspondence
Correspondence is not plain English. Try to be specific such as ‘postal address’, ‘contact address’ or ‘email address’. For example, ‘is this the family’s postal address?’
countersignatory
'Countersignatory' is not plain English. Instead, try 'the person who can confirm your identity' or 'you must have your application signed by someone else'.
criminal justice system
Lower case.
customer
Avoid calling the people who use our services ‘customers’. Keep it simple and use ‘you’. If you need to describe the user, try to be specific, like ‘asylum seeker’, ‘applicant’ or ‘claimant’.
customs
Use 'customs' rather than 'secondary control'. For example, 'customs regulations' or 'customs allowances'.
customs officer
Use ‘Border Force officer’ rather than 'customs officer' unless you have a specific reason.
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DBS adult first
Use lower case for 'adult first'.
DBS adults barred list
Use lower case for 'adults barred list'.
DBS certificate
Use ‘DBS certificate’ rather than 'DBS disclosure'.
DBS checking service
Use ‘DBS checking service’ rather than ‘DBS disclosure service’.
DBS children’s barred list
Use lower case for ‘children’s barred list’.
dependant
Noun. For example, 'a dependant', 'a child dependant' or 'are there any dependants on this application?'.
dependent
Adjective. For example, ‘I am dependent on the main applicant’ or ‘dependent children are not required to apply at the same time’.
deportation
Not a synonym for ‘removal’. ‘Deportation’ is the forced removal of someone for the ‘public good’, usually after being convicted of a criminal offence.
digital status
Avoid using 'digital status' in public-facing services. Instead use 'eVisa' or 'online immigration status'. For example, 'view and prove your online immigration status (eVisa)'.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Capitalised. You can use the acronym ‘DBS’ after the first full mention.
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EEA biometric residence card
Lower case. Also called a 'UK residence card' or 'biometric residence card (BRC)'.
eGates
When using 'eGates' with the public, explain what it means the first time you use it. For example, 'you will have the option of using an eGate (electronic passport gate)'.
electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Lower case. You can use the acronym 'ETA' after the first full mention.
enhanced DBS check
Use 'enhanced DBS check' rather than 'enhanced disclosure'.
ePassport
Use 'passport' if the type of passport does not matter. When referring to passports with a chip, use 'biometric passport' instead of 'ePassport'.
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Capitalised. You can use the acronym 'EUSS' after the first full mention.
eVisa
When using 'eVisa' in public-facing services, explain what it means. For example, 'view and prove your online immigration status (eVisa)'.
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finger scan
Not a synonym for 'fingerprint'. Fingers are 'scanned' and the results are called 'fingerprints'.
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gender
Find out how to ask users for their gender in the Home Office sex and gender pattern.
General Register Office (GRO)
Capitalised. It is 'register' not 'registry'. You can use the acronym 'GRO' after the first full mention.
GOV.UK
All upper case.
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His Majesty’s
Use ‘HM’ rather than ‘His Majesty’s’ in front of the name of the relevant public body. For example, 'HM Revenue & Customs'.
HM Passport Office
Capitalised. Do not use ‘HMPO’ in public-facing services.
Home Office reference number
Use lower case for ‘reference number’.
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immigration adviser
An immigration expert regulated by the OISC who advises on issues like visas, citizenship, employment, asylum and deportation. Some are qualified to represent clients at immigration tribunals and court hearings.
immigration bail
Lower case.
immigration health surcharge (IHS)
Lower case. You can use ‘IHS’ after the first full mention.
immigration officer
Use ‘Border Force officer’ rather than ‘immigration officer’. Only use ‘immigration officer’ if you have a specific reason.
Immigration Rules
Capitalised. After first mention, you can refer to ‘the rules’, using lower case.
inclusive language
Read our guidance on using inclusive language in the Home Office design system.
indefinite leave to enter or remain
'Indefinite leave to enter' and 'indefinite leave to remain' are officially called 'settlement'. For example, 'apply for UK settlement'.
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King’s Speech
Capitalised.
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leave to enter
Use 'permission to enter' instead of 'leave to enter' or 'limited leave to enter', which are no longer in official use. For example, 'apply for permission to enter the UK'. For 'indefinite leave to enter' see settlement.
leave to remain
Use 'permission to stay' instead of 'leave to remain' or 'limited leave to remain', which are no longer in official use. For example, 'apply for permission to stay in the UK'. For 'indefinite leave to remain' see settlement.
Life in the UK Test
Capitalise the ‘L’ and ‘T’. After first mention, you can refer to ‘the test’, using lower case.
log in
Use 'sign in' rather than 'log in' or 'login'. Use 'sign in to' rather than 'sign into'.
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migrant
Avoid using 'migrants'. Try to be specific, such as ‘applicant’, ‘claimant’, ‘employee’ or ‘worker’. If you cannot be specific, use ‘people’.
ministers
See guidance on using titles in the GOV.UK style guide.
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naturalisation
Naturalisation is a legal process someone goes through to become a British citizen. For example, 'apply for a certificate of naturalisation'.
notification
Avoid using 'notification' or 'notify'. Try to be specific about contact, such as, 'we will send you an email' or 'how do you want to be contacted?'.
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online status
Avoid using 'online status' or 'digital status' when referring to someone’s immigration status. Use 'online immigration status' instead.
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passport control
Use 'passport control' or 'border control' with the general public rather than 'primary control point (PCP)'.
people
Use 'people' as a plural of person, rather than 'persons' or 'individuals'.
permission to enter
Use 'permission to enter' instead of 'leave to enter' or 'limited leave to enter', which are no longer in official use. For example, 'apply for permission to enter the UK'. For 'indefinite leave to enter' see settlement.
permission to stay
Use 'permission to stay' instead of 'leave to remain' or 'limited leave to remain', which are no longer in official use. For example, 'apply for permission to stay in the UK'. For 'indefinite leave to remain' see settlement.
persons
Use ‘people’ rather than ‘persons’.
please
Use 'please' sparingly. See guidance in Writing for user interfaces on GOV.UK.
points-based system
Lower case and hyphenate 'points-based'.
Police National Computer (PNC)
Upper case. You can use 'PNC' after the first full mention.
postal
Use 'postal address' rather than 'correspondence' if you mean letters. For example, 'is this the family's postal address?'
primary control point (PCP)
A term widely used by Border Force to describe the immigration control area where passengers present their travel documents. Do not use 'primary control point' with the general public. Use 'border control' or 'passport control' instead.
prove
Consider using 'confirm' or 'prove' instead of 'validate' if you are asking users to provide additional evidence. For example, 'confirm your identity' or 'prove your status'.
purdah
Use 'pre-election period' rather than 'purdah'.
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quotes and speech marks
See guidance on quotes and speech marks in the GOV.UK style guide.
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refugee
Only use refugee to describe an asylum claimant who has been granted refugee status.
rank (police and armed forces)
Capitalise the rank before the name, as in 'Detective Inspector Joan Smith'. Use lower case when it follows the name, as in 'Joan Smith, a detective inspector'.
register
Use 'create' instead of 'register' or 'set up' when you want people to create an account. 'Create an account' tested well in user research and is used by other government departments.
right
Use ‘correct’ rather than ‘right’. For example, ‘Select the correct settlement route’.
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secondary control
Use ‘customs’ rather than 'secondary control'. For example, 'customs regulations' or 'customs allowances'.
select
Use ‘select’ rather than ‘click’ or ‘tap’ because not everyone uses a mouse.
senior civil service (SCS)
Lower case. You can use ‘SCS’ after the first full mention.
settlement
'Indefinite leave to remain' and 'indefinite leave to enter' are officially called 'settlement'. For example, 'apply for UK settlement'.
set up
Use 'create' instead of 'register' or 'set up' when you want people to create an account. 'Create an account' tested well in user research and is used by other government departments.
sex
Find out how to ask users for their sex in the Home Office sex and gender pattern.
sign in
Use 'sign in’ rather than 'log in' or 'login'. Use 'sign in to' rather than 'sign into'.
sponsor
Lower case. A company or person sponsoring an individual to work in the UK and supporting their visa application.
sorry
Avoid using 'sorry'. See guidance in Writing for user interfaces on GOV.UK.
Sovereign Base Areas
Capitalised. You can use 'SBA' after the first full mention.
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thank you
Use 'thank you' sparingly. See guidance in Writing for user interfaces on GOV.UK.
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UK residence card
Lower case. Also called a 'biometric residence card (BRC)' or 'EEA biometric residence card'.
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)
UKVCAS service points are located in the UK, whereas visa application centres are outside the UK. You can use 'UKVCAS' after the first full mention.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Capitalised. Use 'and' not '&'. You can use the acronym 'UKVI' after the first full mention.
unique application number (UAN)
Lower case. You can use the acronym 'UAN' after the first full mention.
user centred
Hyphenate when using as an adjective, as in 'user-centred design'. Do not hyphenate when using as a noun, as in 'teams need to be user centred'.
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validate
Consider using 'confirm' or 'prove' instead of 'validate' if you are asking users to provide additional evidence. For example, 'confirm your identity' or 'prove your status'.
verify
Consider using 'check' instead of 'verify' if you are asking users to check the accuracy of something. For example, 'check your answers' or 'check a passport number'.
visa
Use 'visa' rather than technical terms like 'route' or 'permission to enter' in public-facing services, unless you need to be specific. For example, use 'graduate visa' rather than 'graduate route'.
visa application centre (VAC)
Visa application centres (VAC) are located outside the UK whereas UKVCAS service points are in the UK. Use upper case when referring to UK VACs, as in 'find a UK Visa Application Centre'. Do not use 'visa section', 'visa processing post' or 'visa issuing office'.
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watchlist
Lower case and one word.
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