العربية
  Home
  Applying for a Visa
  Schedule an Appointment
  Track Your Application
  Visa Application Fees
  Guide to Processing Times
  Additional Services
  Frequently Asked Questions
  Customer Service & Feedback
  Appeals
  Contact Us
   
   

 

  • Frequently asked questions

    Applying for a visa

    1. Do I need a visa for the UK?
      Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a visa before travelling to the UK. Even if you are not a visa national, you may need a visa to enter the UK depending on the reason for travel. Use Do I Need a Visa? to find out if you need a visa.

    2. Can I take my domestic servants on holiday to the UK?
      Yes you can, but there are certain requirements placed on them by the United Kingdom Immigration Rules. The most important being that the domestic servant must have worked in the employer's household for 12 months or so prior to the UK visa application. For more information on the Immigration Rules you should check the UK Border Agency guidance on Domestic Worker Visas.

    3. My old passport has expired but my UK visa is still valid - what do I need to do?
      Your UK visa remains valid. If you wish to transfer it into your new passport you will need to submit an application form under the name "Transfer" to transfer the visa. There is a fee applicable for this service, please refer to the visa fee page of this website for the details.

    4. Can my secretary or agent submit my visa application for me?
      No. They can assist in filling out your application and making an appointment for you. It would be your responsibility to check for the accuracy and correctness of the details filled in the application form. You would have to be present at the visa application centre to submit your application and to give your Biometrics.

    5. Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?
      Visas for the UK can be issued only at the UK Border Agency overseas. If you need a visa, you must get it before you travel to the UK.

    6. Will I be able to provide finger scans if any of my fingers are missing, injured or decorated with henna?
      If any of your fingers are missing you can still provide scans of your remaining fingers. We will make a note of this. If you have cut or damaged your fingertips we will not be able to take your fingerscans and you may have to return when your injury has healed.

      Some temporary decorations such as henna can cause finger scans to be less clear. We will try to take finger scans but if we cannot get a clear impression you will need to either remove the decoration or return when it has faded.

    7. Will my children need to have their fingers scanned?
      Children over the age of 5 will need to have their fingers scanned and photographs taken. Children under 5 do not need to have their fingers scanned or a live photograph taken - they require only the recent photograph attached to their visa application form. Children under 5 therefore do not need to present themselves at the visa application centre. Children between 5 and 16 will need to have a responsible adult present with them at the visa application centre when their biometrics are enrolled.

    8. Can I study in the UK?
      The UK welcomes overseas nationals who wish to study in the UK. For more information on how to apply for a visa to study in the UK, see the Student Information Leaflet. The British Council website also gives advice and guidance

    9. Can I work in the UK?
      Visitors are not allowed to work in the UK. The majority of people coming to the UK to work need a work permit. Our Work Permit Information Leaflet contains more information.

    10. How long will my visa be valid for?
      The period for which your visa is valid is shown on the visa. A standard visit visa is usually valid for 6 months, but we also issue visit visas that are valid for 1, 2 5 or 10 years. The visa officer will decide what validity to give you. Longer term visas are usually only issued to those with a verified travel history to the UK and we recommend that if you are travelling for the first time you should apply and pay for a 6 month visa. All visit visas can be used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a maximum of 6 months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever is shorter. If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and how long you may stay is dependent on the reason.

      If you do not plan to travel immediately, you can ask for the start date to be deferred by up to 3 months. You must tell the visa officer this when you make your application.

    11. 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.

    12. Will you take electronic finger scans if I apply for a Commonwealth visa?
      No. We will only take biometric data from those applying for UK visas.

    After I get my visa

    1. Does the visa guarantee my entry to the UK?
      You should not experience any problems, on your arrival in the UK, providing that:
      - You have given the visa officer all information relevant to your visit to the UK.
      - You have not, with or without your knowledge, given false information to support your application.
      - There has been no change to your circumstances, or reasons for going to the UK, since the visa was issued.

    2. What is the latest date I can arrive in the UK with my visa?
      The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK.

    3. How long can I stay?
      The last day on which you may enter or be in the UK is the expiry date on the visa. For visitors, this is normally a maximum of 6 months.

    4. Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?
      UK visas are usually valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa.

    5. If my travel plans are delayed, can the validity of my visa be changed?
      No, except where there are compelling compassionate circumstances. At the discretion of a visa officer, the expiry date of a visa can be extended for up to 3 months, provided there has been no change in your circumstances. Otherwise you should apply for another visa.

    6. What if my reason for going to the UK changes?
      A visa is normally issued for a specific purpose. If your reason for going to the UK changes, you should inform the visa office, preferably the one that issued your visa. You may need to make another visa application.

    7. Do I need to bring any documents with me?
      When you arrive in the UK an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence of funding, letters from your sponsor or businesses you are visiting, or a school you will study at. You should bring copies of documents that you submitted with your visa application.

    8. Can I extend my stay in the UK?
      If you are a visa national visiting the UK, you are not allowed to extend your stay or change from being a visitor to another category. People coming to the UK for other reasons may be allowed to extend their stay.

    Visa and immigration problems

    1. What if I am refused a UK visa?
      If your application is refused, the visa officer will give you a written notice clearly explaining the decision, which will also tell you if you have the right of appeal.

    2. Who can I contact if I need to talk to someone about my refusal?
      Your refusal notice will explain why your application has been refused. If you have a refusal reference you can contact the UK Border Agency through the visa application centre at info.ukom@vfshelpline.com.

    3. If I am refused, can I appeal against the decision?
      If your application is refused, the visa officer will give you a written notice clearly explaining the decision, which will also tell you what right you may have to appeal against that decision. Your refusal notice will tell you how to do this.
© Copy right . All rights reserved.  Disclaimer