I want to visit the UK-Part 2

1: How do I apply for a visa?
2: What are visa application centres?
3: What will I need to make my application?
4: What is ‘biometric’ information?
5: What supporting documents should I include with my application?
 
 
1:How do I apply for a visa?
 
You can apply in a number of ways, for example, by post, by courier, in person and online. Staff at the visa application centres will tell you about the ways in which you can apply.

Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit the visa4UK website.

If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form (VAF 1 - Visitor). You can get a form free of charge from your nearest visa application centre or from the visa application forms page on this website.

You can apply for a visit visa or EEA family permit at any full service visa-issuing office. If you are applying from within the EEA, you will need to show that you are living legally in an EEA member state. Living legally includes having a visit visa for the member state. For all other types of visa, you should apply in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

In some countries, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may need to be tested for active tuberculosis before they accept your application.

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2:What are visa application centres?
 
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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3:What will I need to make my application?
 
You will also need the following.

  • Your passport or travel document.
  • A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be:
    • taken against a light-coloured background
    • clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
    • printed on normal photographic paper, and
    • full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
  • The visa fee. This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
  • Any supporting documents relevant to your application.
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4:What is ‘biometric’ information?
 
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 but the face must not be covered).
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5:What supporting documents should I include with my application?
 
You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a visitor. If you do not, your application may refuse.

As a guide, you should include:

  • bank statements, payslips, or some other evidence to show that you can pay for the trip and that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependants without working or getting any help from public funds, and
  • evidence that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit (for example, a letter from your employer).
    If you are visiting family or friends you will need:
  • a letter from your sponsor (the person you are visiting) explaining your relationship with them and the purpose of your visit, and
  • a copy of the bio-data page (the page containing their photograph) of their UK passport or, if they are not a UK national, evidence of their immigration status in the United Kingdom.
    If your sponsor will be supporting you during your visit, or paying for the cost of the visit, you will need:
  • payslips, bank statements, or some other evidence to show that they have enough money to support you.
    your application will refuse if any documents are false.
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