Find All Information, Documents, and Requirements to Apply For UK Visa Online

Some nationals don't need to apply for a UK visa as they are from visa-free countries as per the UK immigration rule. They are allowed to travel and stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 days for tourism and business purposes. Other foreign nationals will need to apply for a UK visa as per the visa policy for the country of their origin regardless their residence status in the current country of residence.

The UK visa application process has been outsourced to several visa agencies such as the VFS Global visa application center by the UK immigration to cater to a large number of the visa applicant. To apply for a UK visa you should follow the below steps

Determine The Correct Visa Category:

Based on your main purpose of travel you should choose the closest visa category. UK government has recently introduced standard visitor visa to replace the most common UK visa types such as tourist visa and business visa.

Fill UK Visa Application Form Online:

Once you have selected the correct UK visa type you should visit the UK immigration website to fill in the UK visa application form. The new visa application form is easy to fill and straight to the point however you must pay very close attention to details and make sure there is no typos or mistakes.

Book UK Visa Application Process Appointment:

The UK visa appointment system will be available upon completing the UK visa online application form where you will be able to choose your preferred date to visit the UK visa application centre. Usually the UK visa appointment system will offer you different available appointment slots depending on the service you will choose being regular appointment or prime time appointment.

However, if you choose the prime time appointment you will be required to pay additional fees in addition to the regular visa fee. You will also be given the opportunity to choose the UK visa application process speed if available for your country of residence.

Prepare Your UK Visa Required Documents:

In some countries you will be required to upload a copy of your UK visa requirement after you fill the visa application form. Otherwise you can carry your original documents and have it scanned using the UK visa application centre documents scanning facility visa service.

Visit the UK Visa Application Center:

On your selected appointment date you should arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than your confirmed UK appointment time and you must carry your UK visa requirement such as your original passport, photos, bank statement or any other required documents depending on the different visa type you choose.

After you have submitted the UK visa requirement you will be required to submit your biometrics. After that the visa application centre will courier your documents to the nearest UK embassy or consulate.

Passport collection:

The standard processing time for UK visa is 2 weeks however if you wish to have a faster outcome you could pay extra fees in addition to the visa fee.

Once your passport has returned from the embassy or consulate to the visa application centre you will be notified by email so you could go and collect your passport. If you have chosen return courier service you will receive your passport after a day or two.