How to Apply for a Visa to the UK

uk passport and currency image by Christopher Nolan from Fotolia.com

Visas to the UK are necessary when you intend to live there longer than a quick tourist jaunt. Visas come in different varieties, depending on if you intend to live in the UK for a job or marry a UK citizen. Fortunately, you don't have to stumble through confusion to get a visa. The UK's Border Agency provides easy access to all information you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Before You Apply for a Visa

Things You’ll Need:

Internet Tuberculosis test Visa fee of $105 or 67 pounds (as of February 2010) Visa application form Photo 45 mm high x 35 mm wide Notice of Appeal form
Internet
Tuberculosis test
Visa fee of $105 or 67 pounds (as of February 2010)
Visa application form
Photo 45 mm high x 35 mm wide
Notice of Appeal form

Step 1

Go to the UK Border Agency site and click on the reason for your visit to the UK in the "Before You Apply" menu. Select the options available. If you're just visiting the UK from the U.S. as a tourist, you won't need a visa. Should you be getting married there or plan to work there for more than six months, then you'll need one.

Step 2

Obtain a certificate from UK's government proving you don't have tuberculosis. As of 2010, countries such as Bangladesh, Kenya and Thailand are just some of the countries being tested, but not the U.S.

Step 3

Find out what type of visa you may need when entering the UK (see Resource 2). This could be a visa for students, husbands and wives, work permit holders or even adopted children.

Step 4

Seek out how long it may be when you'll get your visa (see Resource 3). Depending on your particular situation, it could take up to as much 120 days at the latest. Thirty to 60 days is the norm for general cases.

Applying for the visa

Step 1

Click on the option on the UK Border Agency main page labeled "Visa Fees" to determine the fee you'll be paying for your particular situation. The fees will vary widely. A general six-month visit by one, two or more people will run 67 pounds or approximately $105 as of February 2010.

Step 2

Select "Correct Visa Application Form" on the main page to access information on how to fill out official visa forms. Open the form that corresponds to your situation in PDF format. Or, click "Apply Online" on the application form page.

Step 3

Write all your information on the official visa forms in English only. Be sure to fill out a separate form for each person with you, particularly children.

Step 4

Choose "Supporting Documents" back on the UK Border Agency main page. Read through these documents as a checklist so you'll know you have everything you need on the official forms. They can be accessed on the "Supporting Documents" page in PDF format.

Photo and Appeals

Step 1

Study all the pertinent information needed to taking a perfect photograph for your visa. Your photograph needs to be at least 45 mm high x 35 mm wide and against a light gray background. Your photograph should also show you with no sunglasses and how you look within the past six months.

Step 2

Locate a visa application center. For residents of U.S., your only option is sending in visa forms via email.

Step 3

Go back to the UK Border Agency main page and select "Your Visa Application was Refused" at the bottom of the page. Here, you'll get information on how to conduct an appeal or an INF 19 if you think your visa was unfairly turned down.

Step 4

Ask for an appeal and you'll get three documents, namely the Notice of Refusal, a Notice of Appeal for you to fill out and a document explaining how to fill out your Notice of Appeal form. You need to fill these out within 28 days after getting a visa refusal.

Resources

Article Written By Greg Brian

Greg Brian is a freelance writer who took his diverse writing skills to the Internet in 2007. He currently writes for various prestigious websites. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in business management from Trend Business College in 1993.

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