• How to apply?
  
  There are 8 steps to complete the visa application process:
  
  
  Step 1 - Check if you need a visa
  
  Use the 'Do I need a visa' questionnaire on the UK Border Agency website to see if you need a visa. If you need a visa you should follow the steps below. UK visa applicants are reminded not to make their travel arrangements until they have their visa.
  
  
  Step 2 - Read the information on your visa category
  
  Before you decide to apply for a particular visa please make sure you familiarize yourself with the information on the category you are applying for and the Immigration Rules.
  
  
  Step 3 - Complete your visa application form
  
  You should submit 1 visa application for each individual applying for a visa, including children
  
  

  •

  Paper visa application form

  - Download the appropriate visa application form free of charge from the UK Border Agency Visa Services website . You should print your visa application form on good quality paper and ensure that the information does not extend beyond the margins on the paper. - Complete the application form in English using a black or blue pen and sign it. Ensure that you complete all the sections correctly. If you make a mistake in filling in any of the sections you will need to make the change on the form and sign against it.

  
  
  Step 4 - Pay your visa application fee
  
  Please see the 'visa application fee' page on this website for information about how to pay your visa application fee.
  
  
  Step 5 - Prepare your documents
  
  You must provide original documents with a photocopy for each original document you are submitting. Failure to submit original documents may mean your application is delayed or refused. Your original documents might not be returned to you if you do not provide photocopies of the originals. You must submit all your supporting documents with an English translation. Any translated documents need to be submitted with the original document for verification.
  
  Document checklists & required documents
  Please visit the 'Document Checklist' page on this website for more information on the type of documents you should submit. The checklists are a guide to applicants; they are not intended to be a complete list of required documents. You can find out what documents 'Required Documents' the UK Border Agency needs to see to assess your visa application.
  
  
  
• Photographs
  
  
  Photo specifications
  
  Please provide 1 recent photograph of yourself, that has been taken in the last 6 months.
  
  The photographs should be -
  1. In colour
     
  2. Taken against light grey or cream background
     
  3. Sharp focus and clear - free from shadows
     
  4. Printed on normal photographic paper
     
  5. Passport style (size 45mm high x 35mm wide)
     
  6. Full face, without your hair across your face or eyes
     
  7. Without hat, helmet or other headgear. You can wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons.
     
  8. Without sunglasses, although you can spectacles without colour lenses.
     
  9. The applicant should be facing forward, looking straight ahead with a neutral expression (no smiling, frowning or raised eyebrows)

  
  Please note: The UK Border Agency cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements. For more information on UK Border Agency photograph requirements please visit the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.
  
  Important information for visa applicants and sponsors: If your sponsor already has a visa and is established in the UK (in addition to the above) you will need to show evidence of their current status there. You should provide a certified copy of their passport showing all the pages.
  
  
  Step 6 - Visit the visa application centre
  
  The visa application centre contact details can be found on the 'contact us' page of this website. You must apply in person to submit your biometric data (digital photograph and fingerscan).
  
  You should remember to bring the following documents:-
  

  •	Your current passport or your refugee travel document; which corresponds to the information given on your visa application form and contains at least 1 blank page (both sides) for the visa to be inserted
  •	your visa application fee or proof of payment
  •	A current photograph
  •	Completed, signed visa application form
  •	Your supporting documents

  Important note: You will not be able to submit further documents after you have submitted your application at the visa application. The documents you submit at the time you made your application are the only documents that can be considered.
  
  

• Biometric data collection
  
  Biometric data collection includes a digital fingerscan (all 10 digits) and a digital photograph. The fingerscan procedure uses an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical. You should ensure that your fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (for example, henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable fingerscans. Your digital photograph must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes. Female applicants will be required to take off their veil for biometric photo capture.
  
  
  Step 7 -Wait for a decision
  
  Wait for a decision on your visa application. Please refer to the 'guide to processing times' page on this website for information on our processing times. You can use this information as a guide to our recent performance, it cannot be used as a guarantee of your individual visa application processing time. Visa applications are assessed individually and processing times may vary.
  
  
  Step 9 -Collect the decision on your visa application
  
  Collect the decision on your visa application along with your original documents from the visa application centre. You will need the original visa submission receipt to collect your documents.
  
  If you are issued a visa, please check it. You should make sure that:
  • your personal details are correct
    
  • it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
    
  • it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to 3 months if you do not plan to travel immediately).

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, please contact the visa application centre immediately.