When do I apply

Q: When do I apply for my visa?
A: You should apply for your visa within three months of your intended date of travel. We are only able to post-date visas by a maximum of three months from the time of application. You can enter the UK anytime on or after your visa issue date, but not before.

Changing my visa

Q: Can I change my visa while I am away?
A: Changes are only allowed in specific circumstances see the UK Border Agency website for details.  In most circumstances if you want to change from one visa to another, you’ll need to return to your home country and reapply.

British passport or Cetificate of Entitlement

Q: What can I do in the UK if I have a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement?
A: If you have a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement you can live and work indefinitely in the UK.

Q: I have a British passport and my spouse and I want to live and work in the UK. What do we need to do?
A: The wife/husband/civil partner of a British citizen will need to apply for a Spouse Entry visa to live and work in the UK.

De facto

Q: I am in a long-term de facto relationship and my partner and I want to go to the UK. What do we do?
A: You must have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years. One of you must hold a British Passport, Certificate of Entitlement, Ancestry Visa or Work Permit to entitle the other partner to enter the UK on a de facto / unmarried partner visa.

UK Grandparent Ancestry visa

Q: My UK Grandparent/Ancestry visa has expired. Can I apply again?
A: Yes, you can re-apply for a UK Grandparent/Ancestry visa. We will look at this as a new application, so all original certificates are needed as well as evidence that you’re going to work in the UK.

Passport expiry date

Q: I have a valid UK visa but my passport expires in six months. What do I do?
A: The visa remains valid even though the passport has expired. You should obtain a new passport and travel with this and your expired passport containing the valid visa. Once you’ve renewed your passport you may contact the nearest British diplomatic mission or the Home Office to have your visa transferred to the new passport.

Tier 1 General

Q: Where can I find a list of all the documents I am required to provide to support my application?
A: For general guidance plese visit the following Home Office website: tier 1 general supporting evidence

Q: I have only just reached the required amount of funds to meet the maintenance requirements. Do I have to wait to submit my application? Can I complete the online application and submit my biometrics in the meantime?
A: To meet the maintenance requirements, you must maintain the minimum required balance for three months prior to submitting your application. Please do not complete your online application and submit your biometrics until you are eligible.

Q: I completed my online application for entry clearance before June 30 2008 but have only received my approval letter from the Home Office. Do I neeed to meet the maintenance requirements?
A: All applications submitted after June 30 2008 are subject to the new rules including the new maintenance requirements.

Biometric

Q: Why am I required to have my fingers scanned to get a visa?
A: All UK visa applicants are now required to provide finger scans as part of the application process. Biometric data collection (finger scanning and a digital photograph) is part of the British Government’s five-year strategy for managing asylum and immigration control in the UK. By collecting biometric data from all visa applicants we will be able to:

• better protect you from identity fraud
• ensure that your biometric identity is secure
• strengthen the control of the UK's borders
• make the UK an even safer place to visit.  

Q: What benefits do I get for providing my biometric data?
A: Providing your biometric data gives you the following benefits:

• We can easily identify you as the person we know. The biometric visa represents our long-term commitment to you as a valued customer.
• We won't mistake you for another person with the same or similar name.
• It helps to keep you and your family safe from crime and terrorism by making sure that you are secure while you travel to the UK, and while you are in the UK.
• It helps protect you and your family from identity theft.
• In the longer term, we will use your biometric data to help speed your entry at UK ports and airports.

Q: Who has access to my biometric data?
A: We treat all biometric data in confidence. Unauthorised persons are not able to access your biometric data, and the data will not be used inappropriately. Foreign Governments or organisations do not have open access to the biometric data that we collect from you. The UK Government will only share your data if this complies with the Data Protection Act 1989, and other relevant UK legislation.

Studying in the UK

Q: I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?
A: You will need to apply for one of the three visas below:

1. 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.

      2.   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.

      3.   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.