Visa for the United Kingdom

How do I apply?

You will need to fill in a visa application form and give this to the UK visa office with:

• your valid passport or travel document

• two or three recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), color

  The photograph should be:

  • taken against a light colored (white, off-white etc.) background

  • unmounted, clear and of good quality

  • printed on normal photographic paper

  • full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons

• the visa fee (usually payable in local currency)

• any supporting documents requested in the information leaflet.

Make sure that:

• you have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form(s)

• signed and dated the form(s) where asked

• any supporting documents you show are originals or attested copies

• you make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel, unless you are applying for settlement (contact the mission where you will apply for up-to-date information on waiting times)

Where do I Apply?

Generally, you should apply for an entry clearance at the UK Mission in the country where you are normally and legally resident. This is particularly important if you are applying to come to stay in the United Kingdom for a long time, or for settlement. If you are staying only temporarily in the country where you apply, the UK visa office may not accept your application, or there may be a long delay before a decision on your application is made.

Some missions accept applications by post. Contact the UK Overseas Mission where you will apply.

If you must travel a long distance to a UK Mission, contact the mission before you start your journey for any important information that may affect you.

Will I need an interview?

The entry clearance officer may want to ask you some further questions about your application. This will be done straightaway if possible. If not, you may be asked to come back for an interview within 10 working days, though this can take longer, especially leading up to and during holidays.

Checking your visa

Check your visa when you receive it. Make sure your personal details are correct, that it allows you to travel when you want to and that it is for the purpose for which you want to come to the United Kingdom. You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months, if you do not intend to travel immediately.

What if I am refused a visa?

Seven out of eight applicants worldwide receive the visa that they have applied for. If you are refused a visa, you will receive a written notice explaining why. To ensure that it is a fair decision, in accordance with the Immigration Rules, an entry clearance manager reviews every refusal within 24 hours.

In some cases, you will have the right of appeal against the decision. At the time that your visa is refused, you will be told if you have the right of appeal, and if so will be given advice on how to appeal.

If you have been previously refused a visa, you may make another application at any time, but if the reasons for your refusal still apply, you may be refused again.

Forms and advice

From the website www.ukvisas.gov.uk you can get:

• all the application forms you need to make your application

• guidance notes explaining the rules and procedures for applying for an entry clearance

• general guidance.

Your nearest UK Overseas Mission (embassy, high commission or consulate) that offers an entry clearance service provides forms and information free of charge.

This visa section was developed according to the website www.ukvisas.gov.uk. It is only for informative purposes. If you need to apply for a visa, please visit this website www.ukvisas.gov.uk to ensure this information is still valid.

How to study in the United Kingdom? Menu

• English Language Examinations and English Language Courses
• The Educational System shared by England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• The Scottish Educational System
• Characteristics of the Educational System and Teaching Methods in the United Kingdom
• Specific Questions that International Students may ask themselves
• Costs in the United Kingdom
• Visas the United Kingdom
• Useful Contacts in the United Kingdom for International Students
• Glossary of the abbreviations frequently used to refer to the United Kingdom's educational systems

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