Applying for a visa-Part 2
| 1: Why do I have to wait for an interview date? |
| 2: How long will my visa be valid for? |
| 3: What are visa application centres? |
| 4: What documents do I need to provide to make my application? |
| 5: What if I don’t understand English? |
| 6: What is ‘biometric’ information? |
| 7: Where can I apply for a visa for the UK? |
| 8: Do I qualify for a UK ancestry certificate if I have a great-grandparent born in the UK? |
| 1:Why do I have to wait for an interview date? |
| 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. They aim to do this within 15 working days. Always try to make your application well in advance of your intended travel date. |
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| 2:How long will my visa be valid for? |
| 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 they 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. |
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| 3:What are visa application centres? |
| In some countries, they 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. |
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| 4:What documents do I need to provide to make my application? |
| 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. |
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| 5:What if I don’t understand English? |
| You will need to find someone who can speak English to help you complete the application form.
Your documents can be submitted in local language as long as they are accompanied by a summary in English. |
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| 6:What is ‘biometric’ information? |
| All UK visa applicants, save for those benefiting from a limited number of exemptions and exceptions, are required to provide biometric data (10-digit fingerscans and a digital photograph) as part of the application process.
You will have to go to your nearest visa application centre in person to provide your biometrics. In those countries where there is no visa application centre, you will need to go to the British mission. Your visa application 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 but the face must not be covered). |
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| 7:Where can I apply for a visa for the UK? |
| 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. |
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| 8:Do I qualify for a UK ancestry certificate if I have a great-grandparent born in the UK? |
| No. You may only be entitled through one of your grandparents. |
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