Apply for a UK Visa | Visa Applications for the UK

Apply UK online visa to visit, work, study or join a family member or partner (for example as a spouse) already in the UK. Or use this service to apply for a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK.

Getting help on applying for the visa application

Applying for a UK Visa can be a stressful situation and you should always ensure you apply under the correct immigration category as the visa can be simply refused because you have chosen the wrong immigration category. Complete our assessment form by clicking here or you can call our UK Immigration Lawyers on 0207 237 3388. 

Before you start

You must be outside the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man to apply for your UK visa. It is also important that you apply from your country of residency. 

You need to:

• register for an account;

• fill in the application form in English;

• pay for the visa fee online (in most cases);

• print out your form;

• book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

You must:

• have the original and a photocopy of all the supporting documents you need for your visa;

• translate any supporting documents and include them with the originals if they aren’t in English.

Tuberculosis (TB) test

You may need to get a TB test, depending on where you’re applying from.

Attending an appointment

Once you have completed your UK Visa application form online, and have paid all the Home Office fees, then you can book the visa appointment. 

What happens on the day of the visa appointment

On the day of your appointment, plan to arrive 15 minutes early at the visa application centre. Bring your appointment letter and application pack, your passport, along with a valid passport or travel document with at least 1 page that is blank on both sides.

When you arrive at the visa application centre you will collect a token. Wait until your token is called to make your application. Once the visa filing process is completed you will be issued with an acknowledgement receipt. Please hold on to your receipt as you will need this later to collect your documents.

As part of the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) new digital transformation allows you to retain most of your documents to avoid it being lost however check with the Visa Centre. 

Important note: You will not be able to submit further documents once your application has been submitted at the visa application centre. The documents that you submitted at the time you made your application will be the only documents that are considered.

When can I apply for UK Visa

An application can be lodged 3 months prior to the date of travel to the UK. The UKVI advises not to book or confirm your travels until the visa is issued. Usually a visa is issued for a short period and you will collect your biometric card at a Service Centre or Post Office.

How long does the decision take?

UKVI have introduced a number of services and usually, it also depends on the application that had been lodged as well as the location the application has been lodged at. For example, on a non-settlement application usually takes around 15 working days and settlement applications take around 12 weeks. Those service levels can be increased if you buy the priority service 

How to complete the UK Visa process

To complete the application process, you must book and attend an appointment at the local Visa Centres. 

Biometric information

Enrol your fingerprints and photograph (known as biometric information collection) at the visa application centre. This includes a digital finger scan (all 10 digits) and a digital photograph. The finger scan procedure uses an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical.

You should ensure that your fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (for example, henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable finger scans. Your digital photograph must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes. We cannot process your visa if you do not submit your biometric information.

Getting your decision

The Visa Centres will offer a number of added value services, but please make sure you check the details prior purchasing the service. The reason is because some of the services are not required. We strongly advise that you always collect the decision and collect your passport to avoid any postal issues.