UK visa

The application process will vary depending on how long you intend to stay, the purpose of your visit, and other factors. However, applicants for UK Visas will generally follow these steps to acquire their visa to the UK.  

1. Prepare and assemble your application

   Determine when you need to travel: Identify the general timeline of your travel plans so you can allow enough time to apply for and receive your visa to the UK. On average, the earliest you can apply for certain visas is: 3 months before your planned travel date for Visitor Visas, 3 months before the start date of your employment for Work Visas, and 6 months before the start of your course for Student and Child Student Visas.
   
   Find your application destination: While most UK Visa types can be applied for online, some may require visiting a physical location. Determine where you can officially apply for your specific visa type.
   
   Select your visa category: There are five main categories of UK Visas, each one intended for a specific purpose of travel. Make sure to select the correct visa type before applying. You can choose to apply for visas within the broader categories of Work Visa, Business Visa, Study Visa, Visitor Visa, or Family Visa. Other visa types include Family Reunion Visas for Refugees and Ancestry Visas.
   
   Select your visa type: After determining the category of visa, you will need to choose which type of visa is best for your unique situation. For example, if you are looking to join your spouse as a dependent in the UK, you will apply for a Family Visa as a spouse or partner.
   
   Assemble your application: Almost every visa requires basic materials like a valid passport. In addition, each visa type requires different supplemental application materials, so once you know your visa type make sure to verify and collect the required materials for your application. Once you have assembled your application materials, most applicants can fill out and submit a UK Visa application online at the official GOV.UK website. The application form will be included in the online submission process. If you are traveling with dependents, each one will need to apply for the visa separately.

2. Pay your visa fee

   Almost all UK Visas require a visa fee which depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Your application will not be processed until this fee is paid. Almost all visa fees can be paid online. If you have dependents, each one will need to pay separately. A healthcare surcharge is also required as part of the application process for those who are applying to work, study, or join their family in the UK. It is also required for applicants planning to stay for more than 6 months or anyone not applying to live permanently in the UK.
   * For those applying for the Ukraine Settlement Scheme, the application is free.

3. Verify your identity

   When they apply, all applicants will need to show eligibility and prove their identity with certain documents. The method applicants use to verify their identity will depend on which passport they hold, and the visa type they have selected. Proving your identity as an applicant can be done by taking an appointment at a visa application center or downloading and using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile application.
   
   Applying at the visa application center: Applicants who are required to take an appointment at a visa application center will be directed to the website of an external company. Through this link, applicants can book an appointment to provide biometric information including fingerprints and a photograph. Check your document checklist to confirm what you need to provide. It may be required to travel to another location or country to reach the nearest visa application center. Most visa application centers will have free appointments available, but some locations will require a fee of £55.
   
   Check the documents for your visa type before making your appointment at the visa application center. For most visa types, applicants can either upload documents before their appointment or bring their documents to the appointment and have them scanned for a fee. The visa application center will likely keep your passport and possibly some documents while processing your application. If you apply for someone else, they will need to attend the appointment at the visa application center. They will also need to sign a copy of their visa application form.
   
   Applying through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ application: Depending on your nationality and visa type, you may be asked to submit a scan of your identity document and a digital photo of your face to the UK Immigration: ID Check mobile application. You will need to scan and upload these materials to prove eligibility as part of the application. Check your document checklist to confirm what you need to provide. If you are applying for someone else, they will need to use the application to confirm their identity. 

4. Receive a decision

   After you have officially submitted your application, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Once your application is processed, you will receive either a letter or an email with the results. This document will include the next steps you need to take.
   
   If your application is successful, you will either receive a sticker (aka vignette) in your passport (if you applied at a visa application center with your biometric information), or be given access to view your immigration status information online (if you used the mobile application to confirm your identity).
   
   If your application is refused you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for refusal. You may have a right to either an administrative review or an immigration decision appeal if you feel your application should be reconsidered.