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FAQs
Applying For A Visa
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Do I need a visa for the UK?
Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a visa before
travelling to the UK. Even if you are not a visa national, you may need an
entry clearance, depending on the reason for coming to the UK. Use Do I Need a Visa? to find out if you need a visa.
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Can I take my domestic servants on holiday to the UK?
Yes you can, but there are certain requirements placed on them by the United
Kingdom Immigration Rules. The most important being that the domestic servant
must have worked in the employer's household for 12 months or so prior to the
UK visa application. For more information on the Immigration Rules you should
check the UKvisas guidance on Domestic Worker Visas.
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My old passport has expired but my UK visa is still valid - what do I need to
do?
Your UK visas remains valid. If you want to transfer it into your new passport
you will need to submit an application on form VAF1 to transfer the visa. There
is currently no cost for this service and no requirement to give your
Biometrics (so your secretary or agent could submit this application on your
behalf).
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Can my secretary or agent submit my visa application for me?
Yes they can. They should, however, make an appointment for you to present
yourself at the VAC and give your Biometrics.
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Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?
Visas for the UK can be issued only at UK Embassies / Consulates overseas. If
you need a visa, you must get it before you travel to the UK.
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Will I be able to provide finger scans if any of my fingers are missing, injured
or decorated with henna?
If any of your fingers are missing you can still provide scans of your
remaining fingers. We will make a note of this. If you have cut or damaged your
fingertips we will not be able to take your finger-scans and you may have to
return when your injury has healed.
Some temporary decorations such as henna can cause finger scans to be less
clear. We will try to take finger scans but if we cannot get a clear impression
you will need to either remove the decoration or return when it has faded.
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Will my children need to have their fingers scanned?
Children over the age of 5 will need to have their fingers scanned and
photographs taken. Children under 5 do not need to have their fingers scanned
or a live photograph taken - they require only the recent photograph attached
to their visa application form. Children under 5 therefore do not need to
present themselves at the VAC. Children between 5 and 16 will need to have a
responsible adult present with them at the VAC when their Biometrics are
enrolled.
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Can I study in the UK?
The UK welcomes overseas nationals who wish to study in the UK. For more
information on how to apply for a visa to study in the UK, see the Student Information Leaflet. The British Council
website also gives advice and guidance
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Can I work in the UK?
Visitors are not allowed to work in the UK. The majority of people coming to
the UK to work need a work permit. Our Work Permit Information Leaflet contains more
information.
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How long will my visa be valid for?
The period for which your visa is valid is shown on the visa. A standard visit
visa is usually valid for six months, but we also issue visit visas that are
valid for 1, 2 5 or 10 years. The visa officer will decide what validity to
give you. Longer term visas are usually only issued to those with a verified
travel history to the UK and we recommend that if you are travelling for the
first time you should apply and pay for a 6 month visa. All visit visas can be
used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a maximum of 6
months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever is shorter.
If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and how long you
may stay is dependent on the reason.
If you do not plan to travel immediately, you can ask for the start date to be
deferred by up to three months. You must tell the entry clearance officer this
when you make your application.
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How long does it take to get a UK visa?
For straightforward applications the Embassy aims to make a decision within 24
hrs, however it may take more time if the embassy requires for the assessment.
Non-straightforward applications may take up to 15 working days. As a general
rule applications for anything other than a visit visa, and those from
applicants who have not visited the UK before will be non-straightforward and
are likely to take longer than 24 hours. Decisions will be available for
collection from the VAC from 1530 hrs on the working day after you submit your
application. You can also choose to have your decision returned to your home
our office by courier for an additional fee. You can choose to sign up for our
SMS service which will send you a message to your mobile as soon as your
passport is back at the Application Centre ready for collection. Please ask at
the submission desk when you make your application.
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Will you take electronic finger scans if I apply for a Commonwealth visa?
No. We will only take biometric data from those applying for UK visas.
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I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?
Student Visitors
You should apply for this visa if:
- You are over 18 years
- You wish to take a short course of study lasting less than 6 months.
- You do not wish to work during your stay
- You will not need to extend your stay in the UK.
- Your course is for less than 15 hours per week or is in the evening or at
weekends. However, the training provider must be on the DIUS Register of
Education Providers.
You should not choose this if:
- You are taking a sandwich course or any short course with a work placement
element.
Student
You should apply for this visa if:
- You wish to take part time employment during your studies
- You may need to extend your stay in the UK
- You are undertaking a short term English course before going on to long term
studies in the UK. Give details of both courses in your application.
Child Visitor
You should apply for this visa if:
- You are a child under the age of 18 travelling to the UK for a short course
of study lasting less than 6 months.
- Please note there is a requirement to demonstrate that adequate arrangements
have been made for care in the UK. This means that you must give the name and
address of the person you will stay with. You must also submit the necessary
signed consent forms from both parents, and the name and passport number of who
is accompanying you to the UK.
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After I Get My Visa
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Does the visa guarantee my entry to the UK?
You should not experience any problems, on your arrival in the UK, providing
that:
- You have given the visa officer all information relevant to your visit to the
UK.
- You have not, with or without your knowledge, given false information to
support your application.
- There has been no change to your circumstances, or reasons for going to the
UK, since the visa was issued.
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What is the latest date I can arrive in the UK with my visa?
The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the
last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK.
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How long can I stay?
The last day on which you may enter or be in the UK is the expiry date on the
visa. For visitors, this is normally a maximum of 6 months.
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Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?
UK visas are usually valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry
date shown on the visa.
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If my travel plans are delayed, can the validity of my visa be changed?
No, except where there are compelling compassionate circumstances. At the
discretion of a visa officer, the expiry date of a visa can be extended for up
to 3 months, provided there has been no change in your circumstances. Otherwise
you should apply for another visa.
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What if my reason for going to the UK changes?
A visa is normally issued for a specific purpose. If your reason for going to
the UK changes, you should inform the visa office, preferably the one that
issued your visa. You may need to make another visa application.
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Do I need to bring any documents with me?
When you arrive in the UK an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence
of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence
of funding, letters from your sponsor or businesses you are visiting, or a
school you will study at. You should bring copies of documents that you
submitted with your visa application.
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Can I extend my stay in the UK?
If you are a visa national visiting the UK, you are not allowed to extend your
stay or change from being a visitor to another category. People coming to the
UK for other reasons may be allowed to extend their stay.
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Visa & Immigration Problems
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What if I am refused a UK visa?
If your application is refused, the visa officer will give you a written notice
clearly explaining the decision, which will also tell you if you have the right
of appeal.
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Who can I contact if I need to talk to someone about my refusal?
Your refusal notice will explain why your application has been refused. If you
have a refusal reference you can contact the Visa Section through the Visa
Application Centre at info.ukbh@vfshelpline.com
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If I am refused, can I appeal against the decision?
If your application is refused, the visa officer will give you a written notice
clearly explaining the decision, which will also tell you what right you may
have to appeal against that decision. Your refusal notice will tell you how to
do this.
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