UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is a division of the Home Office, which is the government department responsible for immigration, security, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom. UKVI is tasked with managing the visa and immigration processes for individuals wishing to enter or stay in the UK.

The main responsibilities of UK Visas and Immigration include:

1. Visa Applications: UKVI processes visa applications from individuals who wish to visit, study, work, join family members, settle, or seek asylum in the UK. They assess the eligibility of applicants based on the specific visa category requirements, including factors such as purpose of visit, financial means, English language proficiency, and criminal record checks.
2. Points-based System: UKVI manages the Points-based System (PBS), which is the immigration framework for skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs. This system assigns points based on factors such as qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and available job offers. It includes the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 2 (General), Tier 4 (Student), and other specific visa categories.
3. Sponsorship Licenses: UKVI oversees the process of granting sponsorship licenses to UK-based employers and educational institutions. These licenses enable them to sponsor and employ non-EEA nationals under certain visa categories, such as Tier 2 work visas.
4. Immigration Enforcement: UKVI is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and regulations within the UK. They work to prevent illegal entry, combat immigration-related crime, and remove individuals who do not have the right to remain in the country.
5. Immigration Rules and Policies: UKVI develops and updates the immigration rules and policies that guide the visa and immigration processes in the UK. They provide guidance and information to applicants, sponsors, and immigration professionals regarding the requirements and procedures.

It’s important to note that UK immigration policies and processes are subject to change, and it’s advisable for individuals seeking to visit or immigrate to the UK to refer to the official UKVI website or consult with an authorized immigration advisor for the most up-to-date and accurate information.