On Friday, Chancellor Philip Hammond warned full controls could take "some time", prompting speculation free movement may continue in all but name after the UK leaves in March 2019.
But amid claims of splits in cabinet, No 10 has moved to make clear free movement will end when the UK leaves.
It said: "It would be wrong to suggest it... will continue as it is now."
Downing Street's move followed days of uncertainty over future immigration policy during any transitional phase after Brexit