Planning Ahead
Applying for a visa can be complex if requirements are not met. To ensure a smooth process:
- Start early and allow sufficient time for processing. The earliest you can apply is usually:
- 3 months before your planned travel date for visit visas
- 3 months before your employment start date for most work visas
- 6 months before your course start date for Student and Child Student visas
- Understand all costs involved, including optional priority services.
- Prepare any additional documentation required for your visa category
- Check Visa Type & Requirements
Visit the UK Visas and Immigration website to confirm which visa you need and review eligibility criteria. - Complete Your Application Online
All visa applications are submitted online. You may need to:- Verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
- Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics.
- Processing Times
- Standard processing varies by visa type and location.
- Priority Service: Decision usually within 5 working days (around £500 extra).
Availability depends on visa category and location. - Super Priority Service: Decision usually by next working day* (around £1,000 extra).
Availability depends on visa category and location.
*2 working days after your appointment, if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday.
Not all visa routes or application centres offer priority or super priority services. Check availability when you apply.
Use the https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees to estimate costs. Fees differ by visa type, duration, and whether you use premium services.
You’ll get one of the following:
- an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status)
- an eVisa and a sticker in your passport (a vignette) - the sticker will be for either 90 days or the full length of your stay
- a sticker in your passport (a vignette) that’s for the full length of your stay
If you apply for a work, study or family visa, or for indefinite leave to enter (settlement), you may not get a vignette in your passport. This is because vignettes are being replaced by eVisas.
More information on successful applications: How to apply for a visa to come to the UK: Getting a decision on your application - GOV.UK
Applications may be refused if:
- Insufficient evidence of your planned activity.
- Incorrect visa category chosen.
Consider reapplying under the correct category if refused.
EU Settlement Scheme
- Main deadline was 30 June 2021, but late applications are still accepted with reasonable grounds.
- Pre-settled status holders now benefit from automatic 5-year extensions and may convert to settled status without reapplying. You can also apply for settled status as soon as you’re eligible.Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status): Convert pre-settled status to settled status - GOV.UK
Advice for students
For visa queries, contact UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs): Charity Supporting International Students in the UK | UKCISA