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Why do I need to provide documents to support my application?
UK immigration law says that it is up to you to satisfy
the visa officer that you qualify for a visa. Visa officers
aim to make a decision on your application without interviewing
you, so it is vital that you send the correct documents
with your application. If you do not send the documents
they need, your application will be refused without you
attending an interview. Please send documents which can
be checked by someone else. For example, send your landline
telephone bill instead of your mobile bill. |
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What sort of documents do I have to show?
Everyone's circumstances are different. Our checklists below
give a general idea of the kinds of documents which will
help the visa officer check that you have met the immigration
rules. It is up to you whether you submit these documents,
or different ones. It is your responsibility to make sure
that you have read the available information on the category
of visa you want to apply for. The list below does not cover
every situation, and producing all the documents on it will
not guarantee you a visa. Please make sure that you include
all supporting papers with your application, and don't send
or fax any papers separately. |
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Are there any documents which you don't need to see?
Please don't submit credit cards, or original airline tickets.
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What happens if I don't send the suggested documents?
If you do not submit the documents they need to see with
your application, our visa application centre staff will
point this out to you. You will be asked if you want to
continue with your application, knowing that you do not
have all the documents to support it. It is entirely up
to you whether you go ahead with your application or not.
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What if I want to apply for a visa for my child?
If your child is under 18, as well as meeting the immigration
rules, they must show that they have a parent or guardian
who is responsible for their care, and that they have suitable
travel and care arrangements for when they travel to the
UK. Children can travel accompanied or unaccompanied. If
they are travelling on an accompanied visa, the name and
passport number of up to 2 adults travelling with them will
be written on their visa. The child will then have to travel
with one or other of those named people each time they go
to the UK. The visa will not be valid if plans change. You
can get more advice on what kind of visa is most suitable
for your circumstances from the visa application centre
staff. |
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How long will it take to get my visa?
For straightforward applications the UK Border Agency aims
to process visa applications within 2 to 5 working days.
Non-straightforward applications (for example - where an
applicant has not visited the UK before or in the last 2
years) take longer, particularly when the visa officer needs
to make additional checks or enquiries. The UK Border Agency
aims to process non-straightforward applications within
15 working days: there are occasions when the process may
take longer.
Decisions will be available for collection from the visa
application centre from 15:00. You can choose to sign up
for our SMS messaging service for an additional fee and
receive a text on your mobile phone as soon as your passport
is ready to be collected at the application centre you can
also choose to have your decision returned to your home
or office by courier for an additional fee. Please ask at
the submission desk for these services when you submit your
application. |
