UK Immigration Law: Visa Application Process Guide

To help avoid the overwhelming feeling, we have listed some of the main steps from UK immigration law guidelines that you may need to take when applying for your UK Visa. This means that you can start your application feeling more at ease than you may have done originally.

Proving your identity

It is imperative that you are able to provide documentation that proves your identity. Having an in-date passport is the place to start, without this you will be unable to start further identity checks.

How you provide further identity checks depends on where you are from and what type of passport you have. You will either be invited to book an appointment at a visa application centre or be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app. You will be able to find this information out when you start your application.

If you have to attend a visa application centre, you will have to travel to your nearest application centre (this could be in another country). There you will be required to provide your biometric information, this means you will need to have your fingerprints scanned and documented and have a formal photograph taken. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18 and children under 5 do not need to give their fingerprints.

If you need to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app, you will be asked to scan your identity document and submit a digital photo of your face. You will need to scan and upload documents that show your eligibility as part of your online application. The checklist of what you need to provide will be in the app and tailored to your application type.

Be prepared for an interview

UK Immigration Law states that with some visa applications, you may be required to attend an interview (exemptions apply for minors and for medical reasons).

The interview is used to assess the credibility of your reasons for entering the UK and the questions asked will determine which visa you have applied for. The process is fairly straightforward and is mainly used to check you are a genuine applicant once your identity documents have been provided.

Application fees

Make sure you have the correct funds in place to ensure you can cover your application. There is a fee for each UK visa, the amount depends entirely on which type you are applying for. Additional fees may incur such as the healthcare surcharge or if you need to change your application.

Most people opt to submit an application with the help of a solicitor as it can take the pressure off some of the more daunting tasks, and there is a bonus of being provided with the most accurate and reliable advice. If this is the route for you, consider any fees they may charge also.

The decision

You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre.

If your application is successful you will be given either a sticker (called a vignette) that goes in your passport or access to view your immigration status information online. You are likely to receive the former if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre and the latter if you used the smartphone app.

The above will show information about what visa you hold, the dates your visa is valid and the conditions of your visa. Visa conditions say what you can and cannot do in the UK. For example, they may say that you cannot access public funds such as claiming benefits, you cannot take paid or unpaid work, or you can only work for your sponsor.

If your application has been refused you will receive a letter or an email explaining the reasons why and if you have the right to either an administrative review or an immigration decision appeal. Your passport will also be returned to you if it was kept as part of your application.

Requesting legal assistance

Whether you are looking into gaining a UK visa for personal or work-related reasons, British citizenship, advice on asylum or any other immigration law matter, our experienced legal team are here to help.

Our team will inform you of the process to make your application and how we can assist you throughout.

Our legal experts can advise you on matters concerning all types of visas and give you accurate and reliable information.