The British government has made the visa application process easier in a bid to promote tourism, work and investment opportunities in the country.
In this blog, we look at the UK visa application process and what you will need to prepare and submit your application.
Things You Will Need to Prepare
Immigration lawyers in London confirm that before you submit your application, you will need to collect the necessary documents for your visa. These documents can be divided into two kinds; Primary and Supporting documents.
Primary Documents
The primary documents that you will need depend on your reasons for visiting the UK.
- If you are looking to travel to the UK for work, you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship from your prospective employer. You can get a job offer online from a registered business to apply. You can find the list of registered employers in the UK here.
- If you are travelling to the UK for study, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies letter from your education provider. You can find the list of approved educational institutes in the UK here.
- If you are moving to the UK for investment purpose, you will need to provide details of the investment and your bank account details to prove that you have the funds available. You can invest in any UK bonds, share capital or a registered company.
- If you are looking to apply for an entrepreneurial or startup visa, then you will need a business plan with clear financial projections.
- If you are applying for a family or spousal visa, you will need the relevant document to prove the relationship with the UK resident.
- In the case of a spousal or civil partnership visa, you will need a marriage certificate or a civil union registration certificate.
- If you are looking to move to the UK as the dependent child of a UK resident, you will need to get your birth certificate.
These are the main documents that you will need to submit with your application. If you are visiting for a short term (i.e. less than six months) as a tourist, you may not require any specific documents.
Please consult (>link to contact page) with an expert advisor who can help you prepare.
Supporting Documents
You will also need to submit supporting documents to process your visa. These documents are almost always required for visa application.
Supporting documents include the following.
- You will need to submit a valid passport for the visa stamp. The passport must be valid for three months or more beyond the date on which your trip to the UK will end. The passport must also have blank pages for the stamp.
- You also need to submit two recent photographs. The photos must be in colour with a plain background and should not be more than six months old.
- In most cases, you will need to submit financial proof that you have the financial means to cover the costs of living in the UK for six months. If you are visiting the UK for more than a period of six months, you will need to show enough finances to cover expenses for nine months.
- In some cases, like a study visa, you may need to present a document that shows your accommodation arrangements while in the UK.
- If you are going to the UK for a visit, you will need to submit your detailed travel plans while you are in the country. These include travel dates, places you will visit and any other details of your tour. You do not need to provide these details if you are going for long term study, work or investment purpose.
- If you are going to the UK from a Non-English speaking nation, you will need to provide your English Language Test results. Residents of countries with English as the first language do not need to provide such results.
- If you are applying for a long-term visa (more than six months), then you will need to submit your biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- If any of your primary documents are in a language other than English, you will need to submit certified translations of those documents in English.
- Nationals of several countries around the world will also need to submit the results of a Tuberculosis Test in order to be eligible for a UK Visa.
- Lastly, you will also need to pay the visa processing fee. A Fee is generally paid at the designated bank branch, and you will need to submit the receipt to confirm that you have paid the fee.
Submitting Documents
Once you have all your primary and supporting documents in hand, you can ask an expert team of immigration lawyers in London, such as Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors in London, for guidance and advice. Getting a UK visa is not difficult if you have the appropriate documents and meet the legal criteria. If you are struggling with any step or need more guidance, then do not hesitate to get in contact.
