UK Visa Application Form – UK immigration accepts many individuals to her country every year for various reasons such as tourism, education, and employment. While citizens of many Western nations, particularly European countries, can enter the UK without a visa, individuals from the rest of the world are generally required to obtain a visa to gain entry.
A UK visa grants permission for individuals to enter the country via various means, such as by sea, land, or air. Possessing a visa signifies that the requirements for that specific visa category have been met.
This comprehensive article aims to provide you with an understanding of the process and procedures involved in applying for a UK visa. Following these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the application process and obtain a visa to travel to the United Kingdom.
Steps to Obtain UK Visa Application Form
To obtain the UK Visa Application Form, one must understand the steps involved in the application. This depends on the Visa type you need to apply for. Though lots of processes are involved. If you are applying for a UK tourist or Short-Stay Visa, you can begin the application here.
In general, to apply for a UK Visa, the following steps must be followed;
- Find out if you need a UK visa.
- Choose a Suitable UK visa type.
- Submitting the online application form.
- Collect the required documents for a UK visa application.
- Book your first UK visa appointment.
- Attend the UK visa interview.
Download the UK Visa Application Form by following the steps described below.
Finding Out if You Need a UK Visa
To find out if you need a UK visa, consider some eligibility. In some instances, one can be exempt from the UK Visa requirement if they are applying to the following countries: England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland and you meet the criteria as listed below;
- Be an EEA Citizen
- Be a Swiss Citizen
- Be a Commonwealth Citizen
Choosing the Suitable UK Visa Type
If the criteria listed above require you to apply for a visa to the UK, you have the right to choose the most suitable UK Visa type. Understand that you will be required to state the purpose of your visit to the UK. Generally, the purpose of your travel to the UK lies in the Visa application type.
There are several types of UK Visa to consider;
- UK Tourist Visa – for those visiting the UK to meet with friends and family, holidays, businesses, medical treatment, marriage/wedding
- UK Work Visa – for those visiting the UK for work
- UK Study Visa – for students visiting the UK for studies
- UK Transit Visa – for those moving to other countries through the UK
Submitting the Visa Application Online
In completing the UK Visa application process online, you will be required to provide details such as first name & surname, nationality, Country of residence, marital status, personal phone number, passport number, purpose for visiting the UK, and other simple information to guide during visa approval.
Understand that the information provided in the online form will be used during screening and must comply with other required documents to avoid rejecting the application.
Book your First Visa Appointment
You must also book an appointment to attend your first interview to complete the application process. Check your email to print the booking information immediately after submitting the UK Visa online application. Visit the nearest UK Visa application center with original copies of your documents to book an appointment for an interview.
Attend the UK Visa Interview
At the point of the interview, you will be required to submit your photographs and a digitally scanned copy of your fingerprints (biometric). These include both adults and children
What to do if your UK Visa Application Form is Denied
One of the following could be why the UK Visa application was denied or rejected.
- Missing Documents
- Applying for the Wrong type of Visa
- Failure to prove you have the financial means to support your stay in the UK
- Misleading documents
- You have records that you have overstayed the previous trip
- Criminal history
You may sometimes be allowed to appeal against the UK Visa Rejection. You can appeal for such rejection by filling out the form IAFT-2 and submitting it to the UK Immigration and Asylum Chamber. Afterward, keep checking your email to see if your application is approved.
Can I Extend my UK Visa?
Yes, you can extend your stay in the UK depending on your visa type. Certain criteria are involved in extending a UK Visa, such as the UK Visa type, time of application, immigration rules, and eligibility, as well as valid immigration status and current financial requirements, as the case may be.
