This information is based on the official UK Government visa and immigration guidance published on GOV.UK, including current Home Office policies and application instructions.
It is designed to help you understand how to choose the correct UK visa type, prepare your application, and provide the correct supporting evidence.
Selecting the right visa category is essential. Applying for the wrong visa can lead to delays, refusals, or loss of application fees. Review your main purpose of travel, personal circumstances, and what each route permits and prohibits before you apply.
Common UK Visa Categories
- Visit: Tourism, short business activities, short study, family visits, medical visitors, academics.
- Work: Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up, Creative Worker, Temporary Worker sub-routes.
- Study: Student, Child Student, Short-term English language study.
- Family: Partner/Spouse, Parent, Child, Adult Dependent Relative.
- Settlement: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after qualifying residence; EU Settlement Scheme where eligible.
- Transit: Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or Visitor in Transit when required.
How to Apply from Outside the UK (Out-of-Country)
- Create an account and start your form. Select the correct visa type and use your full legal name as shown in your passport.
- Answer eligibility and security questions. Provide your personal, travel, and route-specific details (sponsor/employer/provider).
- Upload documents online where possible. If not, bring originals and any required copies to your appointment.
- Pay the visa fee and, if applicable, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The system will calculate this automatically.
- Book biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by TLScontact or VFS Global. Choose your date/time and any optional services.
- Attend your appointment. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents. Some may be interviewed or asked for further evidence.
- Await a decision and passport return. You’ll be notified once a decision is made and how to collect or receive your passport.
If your application is successful and you are issued an eVisa, follow the instructions to access your UKVI account and check your permission before travelling.
How to Apply Inside the UK (In-Country)
- Confirm you can apply in the UK. Not all routes allow switching in-country.
- Complete the online application and upload your supporting documents.
- Book biometrics with UKVCAS. After submission and payment, access the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services portal or ID Check app if available.
- Attend your appointment or verify identity via app. Provide fingerprints/photo unless reuse of biometrics is confirmed.
- Keep your passport. Do not travel outside the UK or Common Travel Area while your application is pending.
- Wait for a decision. You’ll receive an email when your application is decided. Follow the steps in your decision email to access your eVisa through your UKVI account.
Documents and Evidence
- Passport or travel document valid for the required period. If your application is successful, you will usually receive digital immigration status through an eVisa. If a visa sticker is required for your route, follow the instructions given for your application.
- Photographs only where requested (most are taken at biometrics).
- Evidence of purpose of travel (invitation, itinerary, job offer, CoS, CAS, or relationship proof).
- Financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, sponsorship letters) where required.
- Accommodation details and travel plans (for visitors or short stays).
- Tuberculosis test certificate if required based on where you live or have lived, the visa route and the length of stay in the UK.
- Translations for documents not in English or Welsh, certified to required standards.
Your online checklist will show the exact documents required for your route. Provide clear scans and keep originals available.
Fees, Priority Services and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Application Fee: Paid online during submission; non-refundable once processing begins.
- IHS: Payable for many visa and immigration applications lasting more than 6 months, unless an exemption applies. It is not usually required for visitors applying from outside the UK for 6 months or less.
- Priority Services: Optional, faster decision-making for an additional fee in some countries.
- VAC/UKVCAS Services: Optional services (document scanning, courier return, translation) may carry additional fees.
Biometrics, Security and Interviews
- Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Background and security questions form part of the application.
- Some may be invited for an interview or asked to submit further documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Processing Times and Decisions
- Standard Processing: Varies by route and location. Visitor visas are generally faster.
- Priority Services: Offer quicker decisions but do not guarantee approval.
- Decision Outcomes: Granted, refused, or further information requested.
- Administrative Review/Appeal: Some refusals carry rights to review or appeal; see your decision notice.
After You Apply: Tracking and Travel
- Track updates via your VAC or UKVCAS account.
- If a Visa Application Centre has your passport or travel document for a UK visit visa or most other UK visa types, it will be returned while your application continues to be processed. If the route does not issue an eVisa, the VAC may keep your passport or travel document while the application is processed.
- Do not travel while an in-country application is pending unless explicitly allowed.
- Follow your decision notice to access your eVisa through your UKVI account.
- Review your visa conditions (work rights, study limits, public funds restrictions).
Route-Specific Highlights
- Visitors: Short-term stay only; work is not permitted unless the activity is specifically allowed under the visitor rules.
- Skilled Worker: Requires a licensed UK sponsor and valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Student: Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS); may include English and finance checks.
- Family (Partner/Spouse): Requires proof of relationship, finances, and accommodation.
- Settlement (ILR): Based on qualifying residence and compliance with route conditions.
- Transit: Some nationalities require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV).
Preparing Strong Evidence
- Ensure documents are recent, consistent, and complete.
- Include full bank statements where maintenance is required.
- Provide certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.
- Upload clear, readable files and keep copies of everything submitted.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Applying for the wrong visa route or misunderstanding permissions.
- Providing incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
- Missing biometrics or failing to respond to Home Office requests.
- Travelling while an in-country application is pending.
- Overstaying or breaching visa conditions.
Data Protection and Communication
Your personal information is used to process your application and may be shared with relevant authorities for verification and security checks. Keep your account credentials secure and check your email (including junk folders) regularly for updates.
People Also Asked
- Can I apply without attending biometrics? Most applicants must give biometrics. Some may reuse them or verify identity using the ID Check app.
- Can I switch to a different visa inside the UK? Some routes allow switching in-country; visitors generally cannot. Check route guidance before applying.
- Do I need to show bank statements? Many routes require maintenance evidence. The required amount and format depend on your visa type.
- How long does a decision take? Processing times vary by route and location. Priority services may be available but are not guaranteed.
- What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)? A fee giving access to NHS services during your stay. Not payable for visitors or short-term visas.
- Will I get a physical BRP? All BRPs have now expired and have been replaced by eVisas. Follow the instructions in your decision email to access your eVisa through your UKVI account.
- Can I work while my extension is pending? Some applicants may continue under existing conditions if applied before expiry. Check your route guidance.
- What if my application is refused? You may be eligible for administrative review, appeal, or re-application with corrected evidence.
Application Checklist (All Visa Categories)
- Select the correct visa route that matches your purpose.
- Complete the online form accurately and truthfully.
- Prepare and upload documents exactly as listed in your checklist.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if required).
- Book and attend your biometrics appointment at a VAC (outside the UK) or UKVCAS (inside the UK).
- Do not travel during an in-country application unless guidance confirms it’s safe.
- Read your decision notice carefully and follow the instructions to access your eVisa through your UKVI account.
About This Page
Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor
Last Updated: October 2025