United Kingdom
The UK visa application process varies depending on nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel (tourism, study, business, work, etc.). Find below a detailed overview of the process, required documents, steps to follow, and links to guide you through the process.
1. Visa type identification
Determine the type of visa required
Before you begin, it is essential to identify the type of visa you need based on your planned stay. Visas for the United Kingdom are classified into several categories, including:
– Standard visitor visa: For short-term stays (tourism, business, family visits).
– Work visa: If you have a job offer in the UK (Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, etc.).
– Study visa: For students enrolled in an educational institution in the United Kingdom (Student visa, Short-term student visa).
– Transit visa: For people transiting through the United Kingdom to another destination.
– Family visa: To join a family member who is already living in the UK permanently.
Link to determine the appropriate visa type: British Government – Visa UK
2. Check if you need a visa
Citizens of some countries, including the European Union, do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom for short stays. Citizens of many other countries, such as African and Asian countries, however, must obtain a visa before traveling.
Link to check visa requirements: Check if you need a UK visa
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
3. Documents requis pour la demande de visa
The documents required vary depending on the type of visa requested, but find below the generally required documents:
– Valid passport: Must be valid for the entire duration of stay in the UK, with at least one blank page.
– Visa application form: To be completed online via the British government website.
– Recent passport photo: Meets UK size and format requirements.
– Proof of financial means: Recent bank statements proving that you can support yourself during your stay.
– Return ticket or proof of itinerary.
– Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in the United Kingdom.
– Travel insurance (recommended for visitors).
– Clear reasons for visit: Explanation of the purpose of your trip and the expected duration of your stay.
Additional documents for certain visas:
– Student visa: Letter of acceptance from the educational establishment.
– Work visa: Certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
– Family visa: Proof of link with your family member living in the United Kingdom.
Link to view the documents required for each visa type: UK Visas and Immigration
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
4. Complete the visa application form online
All UK visa applications must be made online. Once you have collected the necessary documents, you need to fill out the visa application form online via the official website.
Steps:
Access the application form via the British government website.
Create an account or log into an existing account.
Fill in personal information: Passport details, purpose of stay, duration, etc.
Upload the required documents (scanned).
Pay visa fees online. Fees vary depending on visa type and length of stay.
Make an appointment for the collection of biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
Link to complete the online application: Apply for a UK visa
https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
5. Make an appointment for the collection of biometric data
After submitting your application online, you must make an appointment to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Center (VAC) near you.
Steps:
Choose a visa application center when submitting your application online.
Make an appointment to provide biometric data and submit your original documents.
Go to the appointment on the scheduled date with the original documents.
Link to find a visa application center: Find a visa application center
https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre
6. Pay visa fees
Visa fees vary depending on the visa type and length of stay. Find an overview of typical fees below:
– Standard visitor visa (up to 6 months): Approximately 115 USD (approximately 100 GBP).
– Skilled Worker Visa: Around 800 to 1500 USD (depending on the duration and type of visa).
– Student visa: Around 460 USD (around 350 GBP).
– Family visa: Around 2000 to 3000 USD.
Payment of fees is made online when submitting your application.
Link to view visa fees: UK Visa fees
https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
7. Processing of the request and follow-up
UK visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa, location of application and time of year. In general, processing times are as follows:
– Standard visitor visa: 3 to 4 weeks.
– Student visa: 3 weeks.
– Work visa: 3 to 8 weeks.
You can track the status of your application online via the official website or contact the visa application center if you have any questions.
Link to track your application: Check your UK visa application status https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times
8. Receipt of the visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped inside.
You can collect your passport in person at the visa application center, or it may be mailed to you, depending on the services available in your country.
9. Arrival in the United Kingdom
When you arrive in the UK, you must present the following documents to the customs officer:
– Passport with valid visa.
– Proof of accommodation.
– Return ticket or proof of exit from the territory.
– Proof of sufficient funds (if requested).
The customs officer may also ask you questions about your stay to ensure that you comply with the conditions of your visa.
10. Extension of stay or change of visa
If you wish to extend your stay in the UK or change your status (for example, from a visitor visa to a work or student visa), you must apply for an extension or change of visa before expiration of your current visa.
You can do this directly through the official website.
Link to extend or change your visa: Extend or switch your visa
https://www.gov.uk/extend-visa
Additional resources:
Check if you need a visa : Check if you need a UK visa
Apply for a visa : Apply for a UK visa
Visa Application Centers : Find a visa application centre
Visa fees : UK visa fees
Visa processing times : Visa processing times
By following our guide or letting us assist you, and ensuring you have all the required documents, you can ensure a smooth process in obtaining your UK visa.