UK Immigration expert's guidance on all types of Visa.
Answers To All Your Queries
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British visa is among the most coveted of all the visas around the world, UK visa requirements vary depending on the type of visa one is applying for- uk tourist visa, UK visitor visa, UK student visa, UK fiance visa.
Q.Do I need a visa for the UK?
A:Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a visa before traveling to the UK. Even if you are not a visa national, you may need an entry clearance, depending on the reason for coming to UK. Use our Do I need a UK visa? questionnaire to find out if you need a visa.
Q:Where can I apply for visa for the UK?
A:Applications for visit visas and EEA Family Permits for the UK can be made at any British mission overseas with a full service visa office. Other applications should be made at a UK visa office in your home country, or where you are normally and legally resident.
Q:What are visa application centres?
A:In some countries, we are working with commercial companies to run visa application centres (VACs). The VACs are in largely populated areas, making it easier and more convenient for people to apply for a UK visa. Trained staff at each VAC deal with all visa enquiries and applications. They collect your biometric information (see the relevant section of this leaflet) along with the relevant fees, and provide unbiased, face-to-face advice on the application process, including whether or not you have included all the necessary documents. Entry clearance staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. VAC staff have no say in this decision.
Q:What documents do I need to provide to make my application?
A:There is no set list of documents which should be provided as this varies from application to application. The guidance notes list the documents most commonly asked for. Please contact the British mission overseas where you intend to make your application for a full list of documents, which you may have to provide there.
Q:What is 'biometric' information?
A:In some countries currently - and in all countries by April 2008 - you will need to provide 'biometric' information as part of the visa application process. This biometric information consists of scans of all 10 of your fingers and a full-face digital photograph. You will have to go to the nearest VAC in person to provide this biometric information. In those countries where there is no VAC, you will need to go to the British mission.
Your visa applications will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information. The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals. You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete. You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans.
You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken. Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons).
Q:Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?
A:Visas for the UK can be issued only at UK entry clearance offices overseas. If you need a visa, you must get it before you travel to the UK. See Information for Sponsors and Sponsors (INF 3) for more information.
Q:Can somebody else apply for a visa for me?
A:Yes, at a UK visa office overseas, but you must sign the application form personally to show that the information given is true and accurate. Giving false or misleading information, or failing to give important relevant information on an entry clearance form, or to an entry clearance officer, can be reason for an application to be refused.
Q:What if I don't understand English?
A:At many visa offices, application forms are also available in the main language(s) of that country. There will always be staff available at the office able to speak that language(s).
Q:Can I come to live permanently in UK?
A:If you are not a British, European Economic Area (EEA), or Swiss national and you wish to settle permanently in UK, you must qualify under the Immigration Rules and must obtain an entry clearance before you travel to the UK. For more information see our guidance notes.
Q:Can my children accompany me to, or join me in the UK?
A:The rules concerning children are quite complicated, but in many cases, they may be permitted to join you. They may require entry clearances before travelling to UK. See Family members (INF 6) for more information.
Q:Can I study in the UK?
A:The UK welcomes overseas nationals who wish to study in the UK. For more information on how to apply for a visa to study in the UK, see Students (INF 5) for more general information on studying in the UK.
Q:Can I work in UK?
A:Visitors are not allowed to work in the UK. The majority of people coming to the UK to work require a work permit. Please click on the link below to go to the Work Permits UK website, which has full information.
Working in UK - Information about the Highly Skilled Migrant Programe :
Some students may take employment, but with restrictions. Students (INF 5) has more information. There are also a number of other immigration categories that allow people to take employment in the UK, such as the Working Holidaymakers, Au Pairs, seasonal agricultural workers and other forms of permit free employment. See our guidance notes for more details.
Q:How do I sponsor an application?
A:If you wish to sponsor a visitor coming to the UK, you can find out how on the Information for Sponsors page and in our Sponsors (INF 3).
Q:Do I need to send my visitor a sponsorship form?
A:You do not need to obtain a 'sponsorship declaration' from a solicitor or Comissioner for Oaths. However, a letter from you detailing your occupation and salary and, if you will be financing the visit, evidence of your abilty to do so, would be helpful.
Q:How long will my visa be valid for?
A:The period for which your visa is valid is always shown on the entry clearance placed in your passport/travel document. A standard visit visa is usually valid for six months, but we also issue visit visas that are valid for 1,2,5 or 10 years. All visit visas can be used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a maximum of 6 months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever is shorter. If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and how long you may stay is dependant on the reason.
The entry clearance will show the date from which it is valid. This is usually the date that it is issued. However, if you do not plan to travel immediately, you can ask for the start date to be deferred by up to three months. You must tell the entry clearance officer this when you make your application.
Q:How much does a UK visa cost?
A:Go to visa fees for an up-to-date list. Fees are payable at the visa office to which you will apply, usually in local currency. A fee is charged to pay for the cost of processing your application and for that reason it is not refundable. For up-to-date information on fees in the local currency, please contact the British mission overseas where you intend to apply.
Q:How long does it take to get a UK visa?
A:We aim to operate a fast and effective entry clearance service. Last year, over 90% of straightforward, non-settlement applications were resolved within 24 hours. If an interview is required, we aim to process non-settlement applications within 15 working days. If you are applying to settle in the UK, in most cases we aim to process your application within 12 weeks.
Q:Why do I have to wait for an interview date?
A:When an entry clearance officer cannot make a decision about whether you qualify for a visa immediately, you may be asked to attend an interview. We aim to do this within 15 working days. Always try to make your application well in advance of your intended travel date.
Q:Do I qualify for a UK ancestry certificate if I have a great-grandparent born in the UK?
A:No. You may only be entitled through one of your grandparents.
Q:Where can I get application forms?
A:If you would like application forms and information leaflets to be sent to a UK address, please call UK visas in London on: +44 (0)20 7008 8308.
If you are not in the UK, you can get applications forms and information free of charge from your nearest British mission overseas that offers a visa service.
Application forms can also be downloaded and printed out from this website. Please click the link below for more information.
Q:Why can't I download the application forms?
A:The forms are stored in the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To read them on screen and print them out, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader programe installed on your computer.
Visa and Immigration Problems:
Q:What if I am refused a UK visa?
A:If you are refused a visa, the entry clearance officer will give you a written notice clearly explaining the decision, which will also tell you if you have the right of appeal. For more information read our guidance on Appeals (INF 19)
Q:If I am refused, can I appeal against the decision?
A:Certain categories of visa attract the right of appeal. If you have the right of appeal this will be stated in your written notice of refusal. Family visitors, settlement applications and students who apply to spend over six months in the UK - amongst others - have the right of appeal.
For more detailed information read our guidance on Appeals (INF 19).
Q:What if I have been refused a visa for another country before?
A:Each visa application for the UK is dealt with on its own merits, but an entry clearance officer may wish to know why another country refused you a visa.
Q:What if I have been refused entry to another country?
A:As above, the entry clearance officer may wish to know why you were refused entry to another country.
After I get my VISA:
Q:Does the visa guarantee my entry to the UK?
A:You should not experience any problems on arrival in the UK, providing that:
- You have given the entry clearance officer all information relevant to your visit to the UK.
- You have not, with or without your knowledge, given false information to support your application, and
- There has been no change to your circumstances, or reasons for going to the UK, since the visa was issued.
Q:What is the latest date that I can arrive in the UK with my visa?
A:The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK.
Q:How long can I stay?
A:The last day on which you may enter or be in the UK is the expiry date on the visa. For visitors this is normally a maximum of six months.
Q:Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?
A:UK visas are normally valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa.
Q:If my travel plans are delayed, can the validity of my visa be changed?
A:No, except where there are compelling compassionate circumstances. At the discretion of an entry clearance officer, the expiry date of a visa can be extended for up to 3 months, provided there has been no change in your circumstances. Otherwise you should apply for another visa.
Q:What if my reason for going to the UK changes?
A:A visa is normally issued for a specific purpose. If your reason for going to the UK changes, you should inform the visa office, preferably the one that issued your visa. You may be asked to make another visa application.
Q:Do I need to bring any documents with me?
A:On arrival, an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence of funding, letters from your sponsor or businesses you are visiting, or schools you will study at. You should carry in your hand luggage copies of documents that you showed to the entry clearance officer.
Q:I am already in the United Kingdom? Who should I contact for advice about immigration matters?
A:UK visa offices deal with the issue of visas to foreign nationals who want to come to the UK. If you, or the person you are enquiring about, is already in the UK, you should contact:
Border and Immigration Agency
Q:What do I do if my passport and visa are lost?
A:You must first apply for a replacement passport and then reapply to a British mission overseas with a visa office for another entry clearance. You will have to pay the fee again and produce all supporting documents.
Q:What do I do if my passport and visa are stolen?
A:You must first apply for a replacement passport and then reapply to a British mission overseas with a visa office for another entry clearance. Applicants must provide a police report as evidence that their passport has been reported missing/stolen. You will have to pay the fee again and produce all supporting documents.
The United Kingdom and Europe:
Q:Can I get a visa for another European Union or European Economic Area country from a UK visa office?
A:No. You should contact an embassy or consulate for the country that you wish to visit.
Q:I have a Schengen visa. Can I use it for the United Kingdom?
A:No. The UK is not part of the Schengen group of countries and if you need a visa for the UK, you must apply for one at a British visa office before you travel to the UK. Use our Do I need a UK visa? questionnaire to find out if you need a visa.
Q:I am an EEA / Swiss national. My family members are visa nationals. Do they need a visa to visit the UK?
A:They will need an EEA / Swiss Family Permit issued at a UK visa office overseas before they travel. You must either travel to the UK together, or your family must be joining you in the UK. Family permits are issued free of charge.
Q:How do I get a family permit?
A:A family permit can be applied for at any British mission overseas. Your family must apply for one prior to traveling to the United Kingdom.
Please read our EEA & Swiss nationals (INF 18) for more information.
Terms and abbreviations:
Q: |
EU |
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A: |
European Union. The EU countries are:
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Q: |
EEA |
A: |
European Economic Area (The EU countries plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein). Switzerland is not a member of, but since June 2002, Swiss nationals and their families benefit from similar rights to EEA nationals on freedom of movement. |
Q: |
Entry Clearance |
A: |
A visa or entry clearance certificate |
Q: |
Entry Clearance Officer |
A: |
An officer based in a UK mission overseas who issues entry clearances |
Q: |
AIT |
A: |
Asylum and Immigration Tribunal |
Q: |
IAS |
A: |
Immigration Advisory Service |
Q: |
JECU |
A: |
Joint Entry Clearance Unit - the former name of UKvisas |
Q: |
Schengen Area |
A: |
The group of EU countries that do not have border or immigration controls between them. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area. |
Q: |
UK |
A: |
United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is made up of the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its full name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. |
Q: |
UK Mission/Post |
A: |
A UK embassy, high commission, deputy high commission or consulate overseas |