Immigration Lawyers FAQ
Who decides if I will get a visa?
Your visa application will be processed and decided by UK Visas and Immigration staff at the British Embassy.
Does my passport have to be valid for the length of my visa or for more than six months?
If you are entering the UK as a visitor, UK visas and Immigration recommends that your passport is valid for longer than your intended visit. This is not necessary if you are travelling on a long stay visa valid for more than six months. However, applicants should be aware that some airlines may not allow you to board the plane, and some countries will not allow you to enter if you have a passport valid for less than six months.
What documents should I take with me when I attend the appointment?
You will be supplied with a detailed list of documents required for your specific visa application. You will need to take all the documents listed with you to your biometrics appointment.
Should children come to the Visa application Centre for a visa?
Every applicant who is submitting a visa application must attend the visa application centre in person. Children less than 16 years need to be accompanied by an adult and this cannot be a member of VFS staff.
Do I enrol biometrics at Visa application Centre?
When you attend the visa application centre, you will need to provide your biometric information. They will take a digital scan of your fingerprints and a photograph. If you have temporary injuries on your fingers, please wait until the injuries heal before your appointment date. You should also remove any henna on your fingertips, or allow it to fade, as this may prevent from getting a clear scan. Please note that children under 5 will only have their photo taken.
When can I make my application?
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to the UK. We strongly advise that you do not confirm your travel arrangements until you have received your visa.
Do I need to attend an interview?
UK Visas and Immigration will conduct interviews if deemed necessary. Interviews will generally be conducted over the phone and not at the visa application centre.
How long will it take to process my application?
This depends on the category of visa application. UK Visas and Immigration aims to process non-settlement visa applications within 15 working days. UK Visas and Immigration cannot guarantee the outcome or the length of time an application takes to process; neither can it guarantee the return of passport and documents within a certain timeframe. This is due to the fact that visa applications are assessed individually and individual circumstances can mean processing times may vary and result in longer decision times.
Is there a way of getting my application processed more quickly?
Yes, there is a priority visa service. For an additional fee, UK Visas and Immigration will expedite the processing of your visa application. There are no restrictions on who can use the priority service, however, we do not normally recommend using the priority service if you have previously been refused a visa or you have a criminal conviction as we may not be able to meet the priority service deadline.
How will my documents and passport be returned?
You can collect your passport and documents from the visa application centre. If you wish to have it returned by courier, you will have to pay an additional courier fee. You can pay this fee online or when you attend your appointment.
What can I or can’t I take to the Visa Application Centre?
For security reasons the following items will not be permitted inside the visa application centre.All battery operated or electronic items such as cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, laptops, or portable music players.
- All bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your application and related papers will be permitted. There are small lockers available to store bags, however, we are unable to store suitcases or very large bags.
- Sealed envelopes or packages.
- Any inflammable item such as matchboxes/ lighters/ fuel.
- Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files.
- Weapons or weapon - like objects or explosive material of any kind.
Other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion.
Please note: The visa application centre is unable to store prohibited items. Applicants should make other arrangements to store their belongings before they enter the visa application centre.
UK Visa
Eligibility Test
