Granting a visa is not a formality, the onus is on you the applicant to satisfy us that you are entitled to a visa and provide evidence for all your claims.

Processing time

For a guide to how long it may take to process your application please see How long does it take to get a visa?

An application is deemed to be submitted once biometrics and application fee have been taken. The processing time only begins once the application has been received into the office.

Evidence of funds

Almost all visa applications require evidence of sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK. You will need to provide original bank statements, (not copies or electronic versions). If you no longer receive paper statements, copies or electronic versions will need a letter of authentication from your bank. Whilst the requirements are specific for Points Based applications the entry clearance officer has to use their judgement for other types of application. You will need to show that you have funds in your posession to cover your costs and how you have come by this money. This is to show that the funds are truly available to support you and haven’t just been loaned for the purposes of acquiring a visa. For instance if your account shows a recent large deposit because you have just sold your car, then say so and provide evidence of this. Where the visa category allows for funding support from family members e.g. parents, then again show that they have this money and it is truly available to fund your trip.

When assessing the amount of funds required the entry clearance officer will consider the cost of any commitments such as airline tickets and course fees and an amount for maintenance and accommodation. You could look at sites such as Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide to get an idea of these costs in the UK.

I am a dual national and hold a British passport; can I apply for a visa?

No. Holders of British passports, including dual nationals, are not required to have a visa for the UK. A visa will normally impose certain conditions on an applicant's entry (including 'no work'). Entry Clearance and Immigration Officers have no powers to issue British nationals with a UK visa. The exception to this is if a dual national formally renounces their British citizenship.

A certificate of entitlement to the right of abode can be applied for and endorsed in the non British passport only when the person does not hold a valid British passport. ie an expired passport.

Original documents

Whenever you are required to submit specific documents for your application, these must be originals e.g. marriage, birth or degree certificates, proof of funds, your application will be rejected without these. All supporting evidence should also be originals wherever possible, copies will be considered but may not be accepted as evidence.  

Information and enquiries

Information about all types of visa applications is available on this website and that of the UK Border Agency. We also have an agreement with an external agency to provide information by telephone, call 0900 48472 (0900 4VISA) to access this, calls cost $3.30 per minute. You will need to make this call from a phone which is not restricted from calling 0900 numbers. Alternatively for the cost to be charged to your credit card you may call 0800 448 972  (NZ$12 per call, whatever the length of the call). Enquiries about the status of individual applications cannot be answered via this service. If you need to contact us regarding an application which you have already submitted send an e-mail to ec.enquiries@fco.gov.uk Enquiries asking for a progress report on a submitted application will not be treated as a priority and at busy times may not be answered.

Refunds

Visa application fees are non-refundable. If your application is refused for any reason or you are no longer able to travel or require the visa your application fee will not be refunded.  Once an application has been submitted and application fee paid, you may withdraw your application and have your documents returned but your application fee will not be refunded.

Please note:  Once your fingerscans have been taken, it is not possible to refund the application fee, even if you have not yet sent your application to the Visa Section in Canberra.

Late applications

We are not able to offer an express service for applications. If you need a visa within less than our expected processing times then you may submit your application and express your need for urgency. Priority may be given for extreme compassionate reasons, however this is at your own risk. We can not commit to processing a visa within any timescale and accept no responsibility if the visa is not issued in time for your travel plans.

Deception

Very strict rules are now in place for applicants who use any form of deception to obtain a visa. Not only will your application be rejected, you may also be banned from travel to the UK for up to ten years and have difficulties in obtaining visas for other countries.