UK Visa FAQs

What is a UK visa?

A visa gives you permission to enter the UK. It is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by an Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas.  

Do I need a visa to visit the UK?

You will need a visa if you:

• Are a national of one of the countries listed on the Visa and DATV nationals page
• Are stateless
• Hold a non-national travel document, or
• Hold a passport issued by an authority not recognised by the UK.

Do my dependents need a visa?

Yes, if your dependents hold a passport of a nation that requires a visa, even if you do not need a visa. If they travel without a visa they will be refused entry to the UK.  

Can somebody else fill in my application form for me?

Yes, but you must sign the application form personally to show that the information given is true and accurate.

Where can I apply for a Visa for the UK?

An application for a Visa may be made at any British mission overseas with a full service visa office

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. Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form VAF 2 for Employment. You should apply for a work permit visa in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

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. There are also Visas valid for 1, 2, 5 or 10 years. All visit visas while valid allow for unlimited visits to the UK.

How long does it take to get a UK Visa?

Most applications for Visas are resolved within 24 hours. If an interview is required the process should take around 2 weeks. I you are applying to settle in the UK the application should take no longer than 3 months

What are Visa Application Centres (VACs)?

Visa Application Centres are generally in largely populated areas with trained staff to deal with all visa enquiries and applications. 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.
 
What will I need to make my application?

You will need to make your application online or fill a VAF2 application form (in the case where you are seeking employment in the UK).
You will also need the following:

• Your passport or travel document.
• A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) colour photograph of yourself.
• The visa fee. This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.

What supporting documents should I include with my application?

You should include all the documents that prove you qualify for entry to the UK for work permit employment. As a guide, you should include your original work permit, a letter of support from your employer, and evidence of your qualifications and experience that are relevant to the job for which the work permit was issued.

What do my dependents need to make an application?

Your dependants will need to make their application online or fill in a VAF2 application form.
They will also need the following:

What requirements do I have to meet to get a visa?

If you hold an ordinary work permit, TWES or a letter of approval, you must:

What will happen when I make my application?

The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.
Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately.

Can I work in the UK?

Entry clearance alone does not permit you to work in the UK. To work in the UK will also need to have qualified to do so under one of the UK Government categories, for example the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme , Work Permits or any other UK Work Visa category.