A Step-By-Step UK Visa Application Process Guide
As an African or an Asian looking to travel to the United Kingdom to study, do business, live, work, or probably going for a tour, it is important to notice that you must have a United Kingdom visa.
The UK Visa Application Process can take up to 30 days and you must apply 3 months before you intend to go to the UK.
If you have never done a visa application before, or are a little bit worried about the visa application process for the United Kingdom, stick around.
This article will guide you on everything you need to know about the UK Visa Application Process, by the end of this article, you will have known;
- Types of visas
- Visa requirements
- Visa cost
- How to apply
- Factors that lead to rejection during visa processing.
Requirements for the UK Visa Application Process
- You must have a valid international passport with a page that is blank on both sides.
- The visa application form must have been completed by you, this is done online at the official website of the UK government.
- You should have solid proof of finance; this can be in the form of your bank statement and must not be older than 3 months.
- Have a passport photograph that meets the application process requirements.
- If you are being sponsored by a friend or family, you must present your letter of invitation.
- You should present your original marriage certificate if you are traveling with your spouse.
- You should also present birth certificates for your children if you plan on traveling with them.
- Make arrangements for your visa fee.
- If your purpose of travel is business, then you should include the letter of invitation confirming your business appointment.
Types of UK visas
There are many types of visas you can apply for in the UK, but we will focus on the three common types which are;
Study visa:
This is the type of visa you apply for short-term study in the UK. This type of visa covers longer courses, degrees, and independent schools. It is important to note that the UK government implemented a new visa rule on this type of visa.
Visitor visa:
If you are on a business trip or just looking to have a great time in the UK through tourism, then this is the visa you should be applying for. This type of visa can grant you a stay in the UK for up to six months.
Work visa:
This visa is for those looking to do paid and voluntary work in the UK. Most times, this visa comes with sponsorship if you know how to apply it right.
Step-by-step UK Visa Application
The UK Visa Application Process Guide is a straightforward process, here is how you can apply for one;
Step 1: create a user account on the official, Gov.UK website. You can also verify what type of visa is suitable for your travel.
Step 2: complete the form on the website, you may need to pay for your visa fee online.
Step 3: Upon completing the form and paying for your visa, you will need to book an appointment with any visa application center. An email will be sent to you confirming your appointment and what documents to bring when you go for your interview.
Step 4: you are to attend your appointment on the date assigned to you and submit your biometrics at the UK application process center. Ensure to come along with all these necessary documents that would be required of you.
Step 5: once you are done with your appointment, you just have to sit back and wait for your visa to be processed. You can always check in with your application center to get an update as to when the process is done.
Step 6: you can pick up your visa from your application center, a notice will be sent to you once it’s ready for Pickup.
It is important to note that you will not get a refund on your visa fee if you get a visa rejection. Once you have completed your biometrics, there is no going back. So, ensure you have the right documents and that you do everything right.13:04
Reason for UK Visa Application Rejection
- Here are some of the common reasons why your UK Visa Application Process center will reject your application;
- If you overstayed a previous visit to the UK
- When your reason for wanting to stay in the UK is invalid
- Trying to outsmart the system by presenting fraudulent documents
- Withholding documentation of a criminal background
- If you have a criminal record that requires you to do four plus years of jail time
- If you have received a deportation order before in the UK
How long does it take to process a UK visa?
Processing a UK visa takes between four to six business days. Sometimes it might require a longer period, in most cases up to 30 days if you have a special case relating to crime or maybe you have a history of rejection. Sometimes, it may be that the required documents are missing.
