The first step is to identify the visa category that suits your needs, such as work, family, or study. Once you’ve determined the right category, you can apply online through the UK Government Visa and Immigration website. You will need to gather the required documents, submit an application form, and pay the relevant fees.
The required documents vary by visa type but typically include:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) (if applicable)
- Proof of income or financial support
- Proof of relationship (for family visas)
- English language proficiency test results It’s essential to check the specific requirements for your visa category to ensure your application is complete.
Processing times depend on the visa type and where you are applying from. For example, Skilled Worker visas typically take 3-8 weeks, while Spouse visas might take longer. You can check visa processing times on the UK Government Visa Processing Time page.
Yes, after submitting your application, you will receive a reference number. You can use this number to track your visa status through the UK Visa and Immigration online tracking service. Keep in mind that not all visa categories provide tracking, and updates may not be in real-time.
If you realize a mistake after submission, contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as soon as possible to correct the error. For some visas, you may be able to update your application online, while others might require you to withdraw and reapply.
For certain visa categories, such as Skilled Worker or Student visas, the Home Office can decide to conduct an interview with the applicant.
Visa fees depend on the visa type. For instance, the Skilled Worker visa fees can range from £719to £1,636, while a Spouse visa costs up to £1,846 depending on if you are applying in the UK or from outside. In addition, most applicants will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
In some cases, you can switch from one visa category to another while in the UK, such as from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa. However, for many categories, including visitor visas, you will need to apply from outside the UK.
Once you submit your application, you will need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application center. After this, your application will be processed, and you will be notified of the decision via email or postal mail.
If your visa application is refused, you may be able to:
Request an administrative review
Appeal the decision (if eligible)
Submit a fresh application An immigration lawyer can help you understand the reason for refusal and assist with the next steps.
A BRP is a card that confirms your immigration status, personal details, and work rights in the UK.
The UK government is gradually replacing Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) with eVisas as part of its digital immigration strategy. This means immigration status will increasingly be verified electronically, without the need for a physical BRP card
If you currently hold a BRP, it will remain valid until it expires. However, after expiration, you will need to transition to the digital system and use an eVisa for any future immigration status proof.
Your eVisa will be linked to your passport electronically. You can access it through the UK Government’s online system, where you will be able to view and prove your immigration status digitally.
You can prove your immigration status by sharing a secure code through the UK government’s “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” service. Employers, landlords, and other relevant parties can then verify your status online.
No, the switch to eVisas is designed to make it easier to prove your right to work or rent. Employers and landlords will be able to verify your immigration status online using the digital service provided by the government.
Yes, in some cases, you may still be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph, but your immigration status will be stored digitally rather than on a physical BRP.
The eVisa system is designed to be highly secure, with encryption and other measures in place to protect your personal data. The UK government has implemented this system to ensure safety and ease of use.
If you notice any errors with your eVisa, you should contact the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immediately to correct your digital immigration record
You can check the UK Government’s register of licensed sponsors to verify if your employer is registered.
Yes, Student Visa holders can work part-time during term time and full-time during vacations, subject to restrictions.
If you need to resit a module, your university will typically allow you to do so during the next available examination period. However, your Student Visa may be impacted if it extends your course. You may need to extend your visa if the resit delays your completion date.
Yes, you can switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa if you secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer that meets the salary and skill level requirements. You must apply to switch before your current Student Visa expires.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. Your UK employer must issue this certificate, proving that they are sponsoring you to work for them under this visa category.
Yes, you can apply to extend your Student Visa if you need more time to complete your course, for example, if you’ve been granted additional time due to failed modules or academic deferrals. You must meet the visa extension criteria and apply before your current visa expires.
If you need to stay longer in the UK, you can apply for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) if your circumstances change, such as needing more time to complete your studies or switching to another visa category (e.g., from Student to Skilled Worker).
The most common reason for refusal is failure to meet the eligibility criteria, such as not having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), not meeting the minimum salary threshold, or the job not being at the required skill level.
Yes, if your sponsor loses their licence while your visa is being processed or after approval, your visa can be refused or curtailed. In this case, you would need to find a new employer with a valid licence or apply for another visa type.
Yes, a criminal record may lead to refusal if the crime is severe or recent. UKVI assesses whether the applicant’s presence in the UK is conducive to the public good based on their criminal history.
If your sponsor can no longer employ you after your visa has been granted, you must find another employer with a valid sponsor licence.
You can stay for a maximum of 6 months. In some cases, such as for medical treatment or academic research, you may be able to extend your stay.
No, you cannot work in the UK on a Visitor Visa. You can attend business meetings or conferences, but you are not allowed to take paid or unpaid employment.
If your visa application is refused, you may apply for an administrative review if you believe an error was made. Alternatively, you can submit a fresh application with additional supporting documents to address the reasons for refusal.
ILR is a form of settlement status that allows you to live, work, and remain in the UK without any time restrictions. It’s often the final step before applying for British citizenship.
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals and their family members to apply for either pre-settled or settled status in the UK post-Brexit, depending on their period of residence in the UK.
You can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation if you meet the residency requirements or through registration if you qualify based on specific conditions, such as being born to British parents or being a child of settled persons.
Processing times for British citizenship applications can take between 3 to 6 months, though this may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the volume of applications at the time.
Yes, the UK allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold British citizenship and be a citizen of another country simultaneously. However, you should check if your home country allows dual nationality, as some countries do not.
Applications may be refused for several reasons, including:
- Criminal convictions
- Failure to meet the residency or good character requirements
- Failing the Life in the UK or English language tests
- Providing incorrect or incomplete information
Citizenship by descent allows individuals born outside the UK to claim British citizenship if one of their parents was a British citizen at the time of their birth. However, this form of citizenship may have restrictions regarding passing it on to future generations
To prove good character, applicants must show that they have obeyed the law, paid taxes, and have no serious or recent criminal convictions or immigration violations. The Home Office conducts background checks to assess this.
Yes, in rare cases, British citizenship can be revoked, particularly if it was obtained through fraud or if an individual engages in activities that threaten national security.
