This guide covers the general visa application process. Some steps may vary slightly depending on your visa type, nationality, and application location. Always verify with the official UK.gov website.
Determine the Right Visa Type
Before you beginThe first and most important step is identifying which visa category applies to your situation. Applying for the wrong visa type will result in refusal and wasted fees.
Ask yourself:
- What is the main purpose of my visit? (work, study, family, tourism)
- How long do I plan to stay?
- Will I be doing any paid work?
- Do I have any family connections in the UK?
Use the UK Government's official visa checker tool to confirm which visa you need based on your nationality and purpose.
Check Eligibility Requirements
1â2 weeks before applyingEach visa type has specific eligibility criteria. Make sure you meet ALL requirements before applying to avoid refusal and wasted application fees.
General eligibility requirements:
- Valid passport with sufficient validity (min 6 months)
- Sufficient financial funds in your bank account
- No history of visa refusals (declare honestly if any)
- Genuine intent matching your visa category
- Clean criminal record (serious offences may bar entry)
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if applicable
Financial requirements vary by visa type. For most visas, funds must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date.
Collect Your Documents
2â4 weeks before applyingGather all required supporting documents. Missing documents are the most common reason for visa refusals. Use our checklist to ensure nothing is left out.
Core documents needed (most visa types):
- Current passport (plus old passports if any)
- Bank statements â last 3â6 months
- Passport-sized photographs (biometric standard)
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Travel itinerary or flight bookings
- Purpose-specific documents (e.g., CAS letter, employment contract)
- Translations for non-English documents (certified)
Create Your UKVI Online Account
Application dayAll UK visa applications are submitted online through the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) portal. You must create an account to begin your application.
Account setup steps:
- Visit gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Click "Start a new application" or select your visa type
- Create an account using your email address
- Verify your email and set a secure password
- Save your application reference number safely
You can save and return to your application â you don't have to complete it in one session. Keep your login credentials safe.
Complete the Online Application Form
Application day â 1â3 hoursThe online form asks for detailed personal, financial, and travel information. Answer all questions honestly and accurately â any inconsistencies can lead to refusal.
Information you'll need to provide:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Passport details and travel history (last 10 years)
- Employment/study history
- Financial information (accounts, income)
- UK contacts and accommodation details
- Previous visa applications or refusals
- Criminal convictions (if any)
- Purpose of visit and intended length of stay
Never provide false information. Deception results in a 10-year ban from the UK and possible criminal prosecution.
Pay the Application Fee & IHS
During applicationPay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) where applicable. Fees vary by visa type and application location.
Fee overview (approximate):
- Standard Visitor: ÂŖ115
- Student Visa: ÂŖ490 (outside UK)
- Skilled Worker: ÂŖ719âÂŖ1,420
- Family Visa: ÂŖ1,846
- IHS Surcharge: ÂŖ1,035/year (most visa types)
- Priority service: additional ÂŖ250âÂŖ500
Fees are generally non-refundable if your application is refused. Ensure your application is complete and strong before submitting.
Book & Attend Biometrics Appointment
Within 2 weeks of submittingAfter submitting your online application, you must attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric data â fingerprints and a digital photograph.
What to bring to your appointment:
- Your original passport
- Appointment confirmation letter/email
- Application Reference Number (GWF number)
- All supporting documents (originals + copies)
- Payment receipts
Biometrics process:
- Fingerprints scanned (all 10 fingers)
- Digital photograph taken
- Documents checked and submitted
- Appointment typically lasts 30â45 minutes
Book your appointment as early as possible, especially during busy periods. Slots can fill up quickly at popular centres.
Submit Supporting Documents
At or after biometrics appointmentDepending on the visa type and VAC, you may submit physical documents at your appointment or upload them digitally. Some centres use a drop-off or postal service.
Document submission tips:
- Organise documents in the order listed on the checklist
- Include certified translations for non-English documents
- Make copies of everything before submitting originals
- Label each document clearly
- Do not submit more than required â quality over quantity
Wait for a Decision
3 weeks â 3 monthsOnce your application is submitted and biometrics provided, UKVI will process your application. You will receive an email when a decision is made.
Typical processing times:
- Visitor Visa: ~3 weeks standard
- Student Visa: ~3 weeks standard
- Skilled Worker: 3â8 weeks
- Family Visa: 6â12 weeks
- Priority Service: 5 working days (additional fee)
- Super Priority: Next working day (where available)
Do NOT book flights or accommodation until you have received your visa decision. Fees are non-refundable in most cases.
Receive Visa Decision
After processingUKVI will notify you of their decision by email. If approved, your passport will be returned with a vignette sticker (if required), or you may receive a letter.
If your visa is APPROVED:
- Check all details are correct (name, dates, conditions)
- Note the conditions of your visa (work restrictions, etc.)
- Keep your vignette sticker safe in your passport
- Check if you need to collect a BRP card on arrival
If your visa is REFUSED:
- Read the refusal letter carefully â it states the reasons
- You may have a right of appeal or administrative review
- Address the reasons before reapplying
- Consider seeking legal advice for complex refusals
Travel to the UK
Within your visa validity periodTravel to the UK before your vignette entry date. Upon arrival, you will go through UK Border Force passport control.
At the UK border:
- Present your passport with vignette sticker
- Be prepared to answer questions about your visit
- Bring evidence of your visit purpose (hotel bookings, invitation letters, etc.)
- Declaration forms may need to be completed
- Border officers have the final say on entry
Collect BRP Card (if applicable)
Within 10 days of arrivalIf your visa is for more than 6 months, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card. This is your main proof of right to live and work in the UK.
BRP collection process:
- Your BRP collection location is listed on your vignette sticker
- Collect from the specified Post Office or UKVI centre
- Bring your passport and decision letter
- Collect within 10 days of arriving (or 10 days of it being ready)
- Check the BRP for accuracy â report errors immediately
Once you have your BRP, you are officially set up to live, work, or study in the UK according to your visa conditions. Welcome!
Need help with your documents?
View our complete document checklist for each visa category, or contact an advisor for personalised support.