UK Visa
What is a UK Visa?
A UK visa is an official travel permit issued by the UK government that allows the holder to legally travel to the United Kingdom for a specified purpose, such as work, study, or visiting family and friends. A visa is necessary to ensure that travelers meet the legal entry requirements for the United Kingdom and are in full compliance with the UK immigration rules. A visa is a type of conditional authorization, meaning that it grants you permission to travel to a UK port of entry. However, border authorities can still deny you permission to enter the country.
You may need to apply for a visa if you are planning to travel to the UK to work, study, visit, or reside. Some people do not require a visa to visit the UK, so it is important you check the visa guidelines and requirements before applying. There are several UK visa types available, with the type you require depending on:
- Your country of citizenship.
- The reason you are visiting the UK.
- How long you are planning to visit the UK for.
- Your personal circumstances (e.g. level of education, family residing in the UK, or profession) or the skills you can provide.
The validity of a UK visa depends on the type of visa issued. For example, a Standard Visitor Visa is typically valid for up to 6 months, while a Skilled Worker Visa may be valid for up to 5 years. Similarly, a UK Student Visa is usually valid for the duration of the course of study, which can range from several months to several years. The validity of the visa will be clearly stipulated upon approval.
Types of UK Visas
There are multiple UK visa types to accommodate different purposes of travel, such as visiting, working, studying, joining family, or transiting through the UK. Each visa type is designed to meet specific needs, and the requirements, validity, and application processes can vary accordingly.
The types of visas available are:
Visitor Visa
The Visitor Visa, sometimes known as the UK Tourist Visa, is intended for short-term stays in the UK for purposes such as tourism, certain business activities, attending events, volunteering for up to 30 days, or visiting family and friends. The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months and is multi-entry, meaning you can enter the UK multiple times within the 6-month period. Other categories of visitor visas include
- Marriage Visitor Visa: For those getting married in the UK
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visa: For professionals invited to perform specific paid work or engagements for up to 1 month.
- Direct Airside Transit Visa: This type of UK Transit Visa is for those transiting through the UK who will not be going through passport control.
- Visit in Transit Visa: This second type of Transit Visa is for those transiting through the UK who will go through border control but will be leaving the UK within 48 hours.
Work Visa
The UK work permit visa is for individuals who plan to work in the UK. The Skilled Worker Visa, part of the UK's points-based immigration system, requires applicants to meet specific skill and salary thresholds. Some types of work visas require you to have a job offer or to be sponsored by a UK-based employer, whereas others do not, meaning it is important to check the requirements before applying. The UK also offers Working Visas for a variety of skills and backgrounds. The main subcategories of work visas in the UK are:
- Health and Care Worker visa
- UK Skilled Worker visa
- Graduate visa
- India Young Professionals Scheme visa
- High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
- Global Business Mobility visas (when working in the UK for an overseas employer)
- Temporary Work visas (e.g. Seasonal Worker visa and Creative Worker visa).
Study Visa
Study visas are for international students wishing to pursue their education in the UK. The Student Visa (previously known as the UK Tier 4 Visa) is for those enrolling in courses lasting more than 6 months, such as undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. The Short-term Study Visa is available for short courses or English language programs lasting up to 6 months. There is also a Child Student Visa for students aged 4 to 17 who are attending an independent school in the UK.
Family Visa
The UK Family visa is designed for individuals who wish to join their family members in the UK for a longer stay. This category includes visas for spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, parents, or dependent relatives of a person already settled in the UK or a British citizen. Applicants must meet specific relationship and financial requirements to be eligible.
Settlement Visa - Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Settlement visas, also known as ILRs, are for individuals who wish to apply for UK permanent residence. These visas are typically granted to those who have lived in the UK for a qualifying period under another visa type, such as a work or family visa, and who meet specific residency, financial, and language requirements. You can also apply for a Settlement visa if you qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme, if you can prove you have the right to abode in the UK, or as a stateless applicant.
Innovator Founder visa
Innovator Founder visas are intended for individuals who wish to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. This visa is designed for experienced business people who want to establish an innovative business that is different from anything else in the UK and the business must be endorsed by an approved body. This visa typically has three years of validity but this can be withdrawn if the business does not make sufficient progress. This visa replaced the Tier 1 (Investor) visa, also known as the United Kingdom Investment visa.
Asylum and Protection Visa
Asylum and protection visas are for individuals seeking refuge in the UK due to persecution or serious harm in their home country. This category includes Refugee Status and Humanitarian Protection, which are granted based on international human rights obligations and UK asylum laws.
Applying for a UK Visa (Application Steps)
The steps to applying for a UK visa can vary considerably depending on the type of visa you apply for. However, the basic steps you can expect to follow are:
Begin by completing the visa application form on the official UK government website for visas and immigration. This form must be filled out online and you must provide all necessary personal details, travel information, and the purpose of the visit. If applying online, applicants may also need to upload certain documents, such as a passport and a recent photograph. If applying in person, you will need to obtain the form from a local visa application center or the British embassy.
Once the form is completed, submit it online through the official website. Alternatively, if required, print the completed form and submit it in person at a designated visa application center or British consulate. Ensure that all necessary supporting documents are included with the application.
Depending on the visa type, you may need to schedule an appointment at a visa application center. At the appointment, applicants will submit their biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph), provide supporting documents, and may have an interview regarding their application. It is important to bring all necessary documents and fees to the appointment.
You will need to pay the visa fee as part of the UK visa application process. The fee will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Payment can be made online using a credit or debit card. In some cases, fees can also be paid in person at a visa application center, where cash or other payment methods may be accepted. Ensure you keep a receipt or proof of payment for future reference.
UK Visa Requirements
To apply for a UK visa, you must submit several documents that demonstrate your eligibility and the purpose of your trip. The requirements will vary for different types of visas, for example, the UK Visitor Visa requirements are different from the UK Student Visa requirements. The following is a list of general documents required for applications for all UK visa types:
Passport
A valid passport is required, which should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended travel date. It must also have at least two blank pages for visa stamping and official use.
Photograph
Applicants must provide one recent color passport-sized photograph taken within the last 6 months. The photo should be taken against a plain white background and meet the UK visa photo size requirements, such as:
- Face forward with your face centered in the photograph and your full head and shoulders visible.
- Eyes open and fully visible (no eyeglasses if possible).
- Neutral expression.
- No head coverings, except for religious or medical reasons.
- The photo should be clearly identifiable as you.
Visa application form
A completed visa application form must be submitted. There are different types of forms depending on the specific visa type, so it is essential you complete the correct form.
Face scan
If you apply for a visa using the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS), as part of the biometric requirements, you will need to scan your face with your device. This ensures your face matches your passport and the photograph you provide. A face scan is only required for applicants over the age of 9. Face scans may not be required if you are required to attend an appointment at a visa application center.
Proof of financial means
You may need to provide documentation demonstrating that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay in the UK. Accepted documents can include bank statements, payslips, or a letter from a sponsor.
Travel itinerary
A detailed travel itinerary may be required that outlines the purpose of the visit, including accommodation details, flight bookings, and travel dates. You must also provide information on when you intend to leave the UK.
Supporting documents
This includes any other documents relevant to the visa type, such as an employment letter, invitation letter, or proof of enrollment in a UK educational institution.
Where to Apply
Applicants can submit their UK visa applications in several locations, depending on their country of residence and the type of visa they are applying for. Regardless of where the application is submitted, it is essential to carefully review the specific requirements for the visa type being applied for, as these may vary by country and visa category. The possible ways to apply for a UK visa include:
Embassies or consulates
Applicants may apply for a UK visa at a British embassy or consulate in their home country. These locations handle visa applications, conduct interviews, and provide support for applicants. It’s important to check the specific embassy or consulate’s website for details on their procedures, as each location may have different requirements and processes.
Visa Application Centers (VACs)
Visa application centers are authorized facilities that assist with the submission of visa applications on behalf of the UK government. Applicants must visit a VAC to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph) and may be required to submit additional supporting documents. Appointments at a VAC are often necessary and should be scheduled in advance. VACs are typically located in major cities and are a convenient option for applicants who do not have easy access to an embassy or consulate.
Online Application
Most UK visa applications can be completed and submitted online through the official government website for UK visas and immigration. After completing the online application, applicants may still need to visit a visa application center or embassy to provide biometric data and supporting documents. It is essential to bring all required documents and proof of payment to the appointment if the payment has been made online.
UK Visa Fees
UK visa fees vary depending on multiple factors, such as the type of visa you are applying for, the duration of your stay, and your location. Because each visa category has a specific fee structure, it is important to check the specific fees for your visa type on the official UK government website.
For example, the UK tourist visa price (Standard Visitor Visa) for short stays is £115 for a 6-month visa. However, for longer stays, the fees increase accordingly. The 2-year long-term visitor visa is priced at £432 and the 5-year long-term visitor visa is £771.
On the other hand, the UK work visa cost can be significantly higher. For example, the Skilled Worker Visa fee can range from 827 to £1,636 depending on the length of stay. In addition, applicants may need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. This surcharge is typically £1,035 per year.
Visa Processing Time
The processing time for UK visas varies depending on the type of visa applied for, the applicant’s country of residence, and the complexity of the individual case. Each visa type has its own estimated processing duration, which can range from a few days to several months. For example, a UK Visitor Visa application typically takes around 3 weeks to process, although this may vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications. On the other hand, a Skilled Worker Visa, part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, usually takes about 8 weeks to process.
Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing. However, an applicant cannot apply for a UK visa more than:
- Three months before the intended date of travel.
- Three months before the planned employment start date in the UK.
- Six months before the course start date for Student Visas and Child Student visas.
FAQs
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. This gives you access to the NHS in the UK. If you do not need to pay the IHS, you will need to apply for travel health insurance that covers the duration of your stay in the UK.
You may be able to appeal if your UK visa application is refused, but it depends on the type of visa you applied for. Some visas offer the right to appeal, while others only allow for an administrative review or reapplication. It is important to carefully read the refusal letter to understand your options and the appropriate steps to take.
Yes, you can assist someone with their UK visa application, but the applicant must personally attend the biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. You can help fill out the application form, gather required documents, and schedule appointments, but the applicant must sign the application and attend the required interviews in person.
Depending on your country of residence and the length of your intended stay, you may need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. This requirement typically applies to those applying for visas longer than 6 months from countries where TB is prevalent. Check the UK government website to see if this requirement applies to you.
The UK ETA is not the same as a visa. The ETA is a new digital travel authorization that will be required for visa-exempt travelers from certain countries who wish to visit the UK for short stays, such as tourism, business, or transit. The UK ETA application is different from the UK visa process, as the ETA is not a visa and does not grant the same rights or permissions. For example, it does not allow for long-term stays, work, or study in the UK.