How to Get Visas in the UK

The United Kingdom is an attractive place for outdoor enthusiasts, but remaining in the UK as more than a temporary visitor is sometimes a difficult prospect. When entering the UK as a visitor it is not possible to adjust your status from within the country. However, if you have entered on a different type of visa such as a student, fiancee or spouse visa, it may be possible for you to change to another type of visa in the UK by applying to the Home Office.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Check with the Home Office to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa within the UK. The visa that you used to enter the UK will be part of the criteria used to determine whether you can change your status from within the UK. Many visas, such as tourist visas and the visa waiver program, do not easily allow a person to switch their visa type from within the UK--you must leave and make a fresh application from your country of residence.

Step 2

Check to see if you meet the requirements for extending or changing your stay in the UK by going to the UKBA website (see Resources) and selecting your visa category from the list. This will bring you to the visa guidance section, which will explain whether you are eligible to extend or change your visa status while in the UK.

Step 3

Check to see if you meet the requirements for permanent settlement in the UK. Settlement in the UK may be granted after anywhere from two to five years of residence, depending upon the type of visa used to enter the UK. If you are eligible to get a permanent residence visa for the UK, the application form and supporting documents may be sent to the UKBA no more than 28 days before the end of your current visa.

Step 4

Select the correct application form based on your visa category. The UKBA offers these forms on their website (see Resources), or they may be obtained by calling UKBA at 0870-606-7766.

Step 5

Complete the application form and attach supporting documentation, including your passport with your current visa. Supporting documentation will be recommended in the visa guidance notes found with the application form and can vary between visa types. Examples of supporting documentation include proof of residence in the UK, proof of employment and employer's letters, or proof of continued enrollment at an approved UK institution.

Step 6

Mail your application to UKBA or make an appointment to apply in person at one of the seven public enquiry offices in the UK. They are located in Croydon, Liverpool, Solihull, Sheffield, Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff. You can schedule an appointment for an in-person application online (see Resources) or by calling 0870-606-7766. Once your application is submitted, it will take several weeks to process. If your application is approved, the visa will be stamped into your passport when it is returned to you.

Resources

Article Written By Gwen Wark

Gwen Wark is a freelance writer working from London, Dublin, and New York. She has been a published writer since 1998 with works appearing in both university and local publications. Her current writing projects include SEO, web copy, print and advertising features. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in history from Rutgers University.

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