How do I apply for a UK visa?

You are required to complete a visa application form. If you are applying for a non-settlement visa this is VAF1 - non-settlement form; if you are applying for a settlement visa this is the VAF2 - settlement form. These forms can be obtained from any British Mission overseas or can be downloaded at www.ukvisas.gov.uk. There is no charge for these forms. You should apply for a visa in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

You can apply in a number of ways: by post, by courier, in person and online. The visa section of the British Mission in the country where you need to apply will advise which of these options are available.

What do I need to make my application?

You will need to supply the following:

• correctly completed VAF1 - non-settlement application form, or VAF2 - settlement application form
• your passport or travel document.
• a recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) colour photograph of
• yourself, which should be:
  - taken against a light-coloured background
  - clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
  - printed on normal photographic paper
  - full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons
• the visa fee; this cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying
• any relevant supporting documents.

What supporting documents should I include with my application?

You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK in the category in which you are applying.

What happens when I make my application?

The entry clearance officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

If your application is successful, you will be issued with a visa. It is imperative that you check this to make sure that:

• your personal details are correct
• it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK
• it is valid for the date on which you want to travel (you can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately).