UK Visa Fees and Requirements in Iraq for Iraqi Citizens 2020/21

1. FAQs

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

More than 10K Iraqi citizens apply for UK visa every year. In fact, usually, more than 60% of Iraqi citizens apply for the UK visit visa from Iraq. For instance, in 2018 the share of UK visitor visas was 65.49% in the total visas issued to Iraqi nationals. However, empirically, the UK visa refusal rate from Iraq is more than 40%.

UK Visa Fees Requirements in Iraq for Iraqi Citizens 2020/21

In fact, the UK visa fees from Iraq 2020 is different for diverse types of applications. However, in all the instances an applicant needs to pay the UK Embassy visa fees in Iraq online. The Home Office usually revises the application fee only once every year. Therefore, the UK application charges in GBP remains the same during the year. Nevertheless, due to the exchange rate fluctuations, the cost of UK visa for Iraqi Citizens may vary during the year. Furthermore, the exchange rate @ IQD1,190/- to a US$ is used for calculating the price in Iraqi Dinar (IQD) (ع.د).

UK Visa Processing Time from Iraq

The UK visa processing time from Iraq for more than 90% of the non-settlement applications is usually within 3 weeks. However, the priority visa timeline from Iraq is normally 4-5 working days for a straightforward case. Only a very few visit visa applications from Iraq take more than 6 weeks for a decision.

For instance, in Sept 2019, 91% of the visitor, Tier 4 student and Tier 5 work visa applications from Iraq decided within 15 working days. Moreover, all the Tier 2 work visa applications from Iraq concluded within 30 working days. And 87% of the EEA family permit application from Iraq processed within 6 six weeks. Furthermore, all the long term, tourist and family visitor visa applications from Baghdad decided within 3 weeks.

Delays in UK Visa Processing Time in Iraq

At times only a fraction of the applications from Iraq might experience delays in processing. There could be several reasons for delays in UK visa processing.

What if the UK Visa Application from Iraq Gets Refused?

Empirically, the UK visa refusal rate from Iraq high and usually more than four out of ten applications are usually refused. Therefore, if an UK visa application from Iraq is refused then an Iraq citizen can reapply or challenge a refusal decision by filing an appeal, administrative review or judicial review. Please note there is no right of appeal against the refusal of visitor visa. However, an Iraqi passport holder has the option of either re-applying or filing an immigration judicial review against the refusal.

2. Statistics

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

During the Jan-March 2019 quarter, 3,222 Iraqi nationals applied for a UK visa application from Iraq. Accordingly, 2,897 applications decided, 1,797 visas granted, and 1,059 applications refused. Moreover, forty-one applications withdrawn, and no application lapsed. Therefore, the UK visa success and refusal rate from Iraq in 2019Q1 has been 62.03% and 36.56%, respectively.

During 2017-18 the total number of decisions made on the UK visa applications submitted by Iraqi citizens hovers in the range of 10K. Accordingly, the number of visa grants to Iraqi nationals were around 5.5-6K. Accordingly, 4.5K applications by Iraqi citizens get refused. Nevertheless, the UK visa success rate for Iraqi citizens is showing an upward trend as it has increased from 55.64 to 58.02%.

In 2018, 6,248 Iraqi Citizens get the UK visa in the following categories:

1. Visitor Visa: 4,092
2. Transit: 10
3. Short-Term Study: 124
4. Family Settlement: 741
5. Dependant joining or accompanying: 14
6. EEA Family Permit: 125
7. PBS Tier 1: 88
8. PBS Tier 2: 133
9. Tier 4 Student: 401
10. PBS Tier 5: 28
11. Non-PBS Domestic Worker: 12
12. Non-PBS Other permit-free employment (Main apps): 3
13. Certificate of entitlement to right of abode (Main apps): 1
14. Other Settlement (indefinite leave): 40
15. Other temporary visas: 436

3. Visitor

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

During 2018, 4,092 Iraqi nationals get the UK visitor visa i.e. 3,807 main and 285 dependant applicants. Moreover, 124 and 10 Iraqi nationals also get the short-term study and transit visa, respectively.

UK Standard Visitor Visa Fees from Iraq 2020

Iraqi citizens can apply for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years standard visitor visa. The most common and popular application for tourism, family and business visits is for 6 months standard visitor visa. In fact, usually, a fresh applicant applies for the 6 months multi-entry visa for tourism or family visit. Accordingly, the 6 months tourist or visitor visa fees from Iraq is IQD147,560 ($124). Moreover, at times applicants also refer the UK 6 months visa as England or London visit visa from Iraq. A repeat visitor can also apply for a long-term visitor visa for tourism and family purpose. Accordingly, the UK tourist visa fees from Iraq for 2, 5 and 10 years visa application is IQD559,300, IQD1,015,070 and IQD1,273,300, respectively. Moreover, the UK visa price for infants under 5 and children under 18 are same as that for adults.

Furthermore, the additional charges for priority service from Iraq are IQD340,340 ($286). Therefore, the priority visitor visa fees from Iraq for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years applications are IQD487,900, IQD899,640, IQD1,355,410 and IQD1,613,640, respectively.

UK Standard Visitor Visa Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

In terms of paragraphs V4.2-4.10 of Appendix V, Iraqi Citizens can get a UK Standard Visitor Visa if they are able to satisfy that they:

1. will leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit
2. will not stay in the United Kingdom for extended periods through frequent and successive visits
3. are genuinely seeking entry for a permitted activity
4. will not make the United Kingdom their main home
5. have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable expenses relating to:
   • return or onward journey
   • dependant family members such as spouse and accompanied children
   • any planned activity such as tourism, sightseeing, private medical treatment etc.
6. have a Third-Party sponsor such as a genuine family member, friend, business partner, who will bear the trip expenses
7. will not undertake any prohibited activity set out in paragraph V 4.5 – V 4.10 of Appendix V:
   • no intentions of doing work and indulging in any prohibited activities
   • no intentions to study except as permitted in paragraph 25 of Appendix 3
   • can only receive permitted payments
   • no intentions to access medical treatment other than private medical treatment or to donate an organ
   • no intentions to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this except for in case of marriage visit visa

UK Visitor Visa Processing Time from Iraq

All the short and long-term UK visitor visa applications from Iraq usually process within 15-30 working days. Please note: the service standard is to process all visitor visa applications within 12 weeks. However, an applicant can fast track a visitor visa application within 3-5 working days by purchasing the priority service, which costs an additional IQD340,340 (US$286). Therefore, if an applicant intends to apply for UK visitor visa from Iraq, then may expect a decision within 2-3 weeks or 5 working days with priority service.

4. Student

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

During 2018, 401 students from Iraq get the Tier 4 student visa with the following breakup:

• PBS – Tier 4 General student (Main apps) – 292
• Tier 4 Child Student (Main apps) – 9
• PBS – Tier 4 General student (Deps) – 100

The UK visa fees Iraq 2020 for Tier 4 students intending to study in London or elsewhere in England or Britain is IQD539,070 (US$453). Moreover, the UK student visa cost from Iraq for Tier 4 dependants is also IQD539,070. However, the UK student visa cost 2020 for Tier 4 applications with priority service from Iraq are IQD879,410.

Most of the Tier 4 applications from Iraq usually conclude within 10-15 days. However, a decision can be as quick as within 5-7 working days. A fraction of the applications takes more time, but such applications also usually conclude within 6 weeks.

5. Family

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

During 2018, 741 Iraqi citizens get the UK family settlement visa with the following breakup:

• Partner i.e. UK visa for Iraqi husband or wife- 636
• Child- 22
• Child (for immediate settlement)- 4
• Other- 78
• Other (for immediate settlement)- 1

Moreover, 14 Iraqi citizens get a visa as a dependant partner (2) and child (12) to join or accompany their family members.

UK Spouse Visa Fees in Iraq for Iraqi Citizens 2020/21

The UK visa fees from Iraq in 2020 is IQD2,358,580/- for a spouse, civil, unmarried, and same-sex partner settlement applications. Moreover, the UK embassy visa fees in Iraq are same for a fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner. However, the UK priority settlement visa fees for Iraqi Citizens 2020 are IQD887,740/- for fast tracking spouse applications within thirty working days or 6 weeks instead of 12-24 weeks from Iraq. Accordingly, the UK spouse visa fees from Iraq with priority settlement service is IQD3,246,320/-.

Please note, the settlement priority visa service is for a straightforward case. Therefore, applicants with past refusals, adverse immigration history and complex circumstances may not opt for the priority service.

UK Spouse Visa Processing Time from Iraq

Quite clearly, the service standard of UKVI for settlement or spouse visa processing from Iraq is to decide 98.5% and 100% of applications within 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. However, the service standard for spouse settlement priority visa processing is to decide an application within 30 working days or 6 weeks. Quite a few applicants from Iraq are opting for settlement visa priority service. Therefore, usually, more than 35-50% of the spouse and family settlement applications from Iraq decide within thirty working days or 6 weeks. Moreover, usually, most of the standard (non-priority) spouse visa applications from Iraq conclude within 12 weeks or sixty working days. And at the most within ninety working days. Nevertheless, in a very few instances, a settlement visa application from Iraq remains outstanding after 24 weeks or 120 working days!

EEA Family Permit

During 2018, 125 Iraqi nationals get EEA family permits. Moreover, most of the EEA family permit applications from Iraq usually conclude within 3 weeks. Accordingly, the average processing time for EEA family permit from Iraq is 15 working days. However, at times the UK visa processing time from Iraq for EEA family permit may take up to 12 weeks.

6. Work

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

In March 2019, the Home Office has introduced new work visa categories. The Start-up and Innovator categories introduced on 29 March 2019 and the Global Talent visa was introduced on 20 February 2020. Accordingly, these new work routes have replaced the following PBS visas:

1. Innovator visa has replaced Tier 1 Entrepreneur
2. Start-up visa has replaced Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur
3. Global Talent visa has replaced Tier 1 Exceptional Talent

Moreover, a CESC discount of £55 is applicable for the main applicant.

Tier 1 High Value Migrants

During 2018, 88 Iraqi citizens get the Tier 1 visa with the following breakup:

• Investor – 3
• Entrepreneur – 77
• Graduate Entrepreneurs – 1
• Exceptional Talent – 2
• Tier 1 General Dep – 5

Moreover, all PBS Tier 1 visa applications from Iraq usually conclude within 3-6 weeks. However, a few applications even decide within ten working days.

Tier 2 Skilled Workers

During 2018, 133 Iraqi citizens get Tier 2 and Pre-PBS equivalent work visa with the following breakup:

• Tier 2 General – 45
• Intracompany transfers – long-term – 5
• Tier 2 (Deps) – 82
• Work permit holders Deps – 1

Please note, most of the Tier 2 applications from Iraq usually decide within 15 working days. However, some of the applications even conclude within 5-10 working days. Moreover, all the Tier 2 applications from Iraq usually decide within sixty working days.

What is the UK embassy work visa fees in Iraq?

The Tier 2 visa application cost is referred to as UK embassy work visa fees in Iraqi Dinar. Moreover, the Tier 2 visa application fees from Iraq are also erroneously referred to as UK work permit fees in Iraqi Dinar. Please note: PBS Tier 2 replaced the UK work permit route in 2008. Moreover, the Points-based system (PBS) Tier 2 and Tier 5 application fee is also applicable to the Isle of Man. And Council of Europe Social Charter (CESC) discount of US$70/- (£55) applies to PBS main applicants.

Tier 5 Temporary Workers

During 2018, 28 Iraqi nationals get the Tier 5 temporary worker visa with the following breakup:

• Creative and Sporting – 5
• Government Authorised Exchange – 8
• Tier 5 Dependants – 15

The UK visa cost from Iraq in 2020 for Tier 5 main applicant and dependants is IQD368,900 for Charity Worker, Creative and sporting, Government Authorised Exchange, Religious Worker, Youth Mobility Scheme, and International Agreement. Moreover, usually, most of the Tier 5 applications from Iraq conclude within 10-15 working days. However, more than 25% of the Tier 5 applications even conclude within ten working days. Moreover, only a small fraction of the Tier 5 applications from Iraq takes more than 3-6 weeks.

7. Services

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

UK Priority Visa Service in Iraq

The cost of priority non-settlement and settlement (spouse) visa service in Iraq is IQD340,340 ($286) and IQD887,740 ($746), respectively. Moreover, the price of 24-hour same-day super-priority service in Iraq is IQD1,480,360 ($1,215). However, the super-priority service is yet to initiate in Iraq. If an application is straightforward and the applicant can afford then it is advisable to opt for the priority service from Iraq. Indeed, the priority service does not affect or influence the outcome of the decision.

How popular is UK priority visa service in Iraq?

More than 30% of the business and long term visitor visa applications from Iraq decide within 1 week or 5 working days. Therefore, many Iraqi businesspersons usually opt for UK visitor visa priority service.

Does the priority service guarantee anything?

No, certainly the priority service does not guarantee a favourable result. Moreover, payment for priority service does not even guarantee a quick decision. However, the UKVI usually expedite the processing of priority applications. Moreover, also inform an applicant via email, if the priority visa does process within 5 working days!

8. Exemptions

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

There is no application fee for

1. Diplomatic Posting
2. Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant)
3. Members of International Organisations on Official Visits
4. Official Transit
5. Official Visit

9. How to Apply for UK Visitor Visa from Iraq?

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

Indeed, am Iraqi citizen national can apply online and no paper application form is required. Therefore, no paper application form is required. Moreover, applicants can read questions in languages other than English. However, can only fill the UK visa online application form in English. Moreover, after selecting a language for reading the questions, an applicant needs to select Iraq as the country of application if an applicant is applying from inside Iraq. If an Iraqi passport holder is applying from some other country, then needs to select that country. And need to provide the details of the permission to reside in that country.

Furthermore, the UK visitor visa application process from Iraq usually consists of the following steps:

1. Specify the Purpose of Visiting the UK
2. Fill the Online Application Form
3. Schedule an Appointment
4. Pay the Application Fees
5. Upload/Prepare the Documents Bunch
6. Biometrics at UKVAC
7. Wait for the Decision
8. Passport Collection from UKVAC

1. Specify the Purpose of Visiting the UK from Iraq

In most of the instances, the purpose of visiting the UK from Iraq is tourism, meeting family members, business. Therefore, the first step is to specify the purpose of visiting the UK. And to start gathering supporting documents. Please note: an Iraqi Citizen can apply for a UK visitor visa application 3 months prior to the intended visit. For instance, if an Iraqi passport holder wishes to visit the UK for tourism from Feb 15, 2020, to 5 March 2020, then can apply at the UKVAC in Iraq from Nov 15, 2019, onwards. However, Iraqi Citizens usually submit a UK visitor visa application 4-6 weeks prior to the scheduled visit as the processing time for most of the applications from Iraq is within 15-30 working days!

2. Fill the UK Visa Online Application Form in Iraq

An applicant can apply online for any type of UK visa and immigration application. Moreover, an applicant has the option of reading the questions in a few languages. However, an applicant can answer only in English. After selecting a language for reading the questions, one needs to select Iraq as the country of the application. Accordingly, after completing an application form, an applicant needs to attend an appointment at one of the UK Visa Application (UKVAC) in Iraq.

3. Schedule UK Visa Appointment in Iraq

Once an applicant has reviewed and finalised the application then can select the service the service type (standard or priority). And accordingly, can schedule an appointment at one of the UKVACs Iraq.

4. UK Visa Fees Payment in Iraq

Once an applicant has scheduled the appointment and selected the service type then can proceed forward to make payment online. And may take a printout of the final online application form.

5. Upload/Prepare the documents bunch

Quite clearly, the requirements for submitting supporting documents with the UK visa application for Iraqi citizens is the same as that for any other visa national. Therefore, an applicant applying for a UK visa from Iraq needs to upload/submit the required supporting documents for the UK visa.

6. UK Visa Biometrics Requirements from Iraq

An applicant needs to attend an appointment at UKVAC in Iraq for biometrics, passport, application, and documents submission. Accordingly, the staff of the VFS Global application centre takes an electronic photo of the applicant at the time of application submission. Moreover, the staff of UKVAC also takes an applicant’s biometrics i.e. scanning of fingers + thumbs. Therefore, in case of a successful decision, the British HC or Embassy use the electronic photo for visa vignette.

An applicant needs to attend an appointment at the following application centres in Iraq:

1. UK Visa Application Centre IZ, Al-Rasheed Hotel, Dijla Hall, Baghdad, Iraq
2. Basra International Hotel, Shatt al-Arab bank in Al Ashar District, Ground Floor, Basra, Iraq
3. Cristal Hotel, 100 Meter Street, Badawa, Ground floor, Erbil, Iraq

7. Wait for the decision

The UK visa processing time from Iraq for all the short and long-term visitor visa application is usually within 10-15 working days i.e. 2 to 3 weeks. However, the UK priority visa processing time from Iraqis normally within 5-7 working days. Here it is important to note that UKVI’s service standard for UK tourist visa processing from Iraq is up-to 12 weeks for a straightforward application.

8. Passport Collection

Once the UKVI makes the decision on the application then the UKVAC will inform the applicant for passport collection. However, if your application remains unresolved even after 12 weeks or sixty working days then you need to contact the UKVI.

10. Supporting Documents

UK Embassy Iraq Visa Application Requirements for Iraqi Citizens

UK Visa Supporting Documents Checklist from Iraq

1. Print out of the UK visa online application form
2. Current valid Iraqi passport
3. Previous Iraqi passport, if applicable
4. Translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh
5. Invitation letter, if applicable
6. A UK address for staying during the visit
7. Residential address in Iraq
8. Telephone or mobile number
9. Marriage certificate, if applicable
10. Family certificate, if applicable
11. Business/Employer details
12. Tax registration certificate
13. Tax returns
14. Bank statements
15. Salary slips (for employed persons)
16. Conveyance/Mortgage Deed or Rental Agreement of the address in Iraq
17. Evidence of assets

Please note, this is not an exhaustive checklist of UK visit visa supporting documents from Iraq, as the actual supporting documents may differ due to the personal circumstances of an applicant.

Do Iraqi Citizens require submitting any photographs?

No, Iraqi Citizens don’t need to submit any photographs with their UK visa application in Iraq. Certainly, the UK visa application procedure has changed during the last few years. Therefore, the information relating to the requirement of submitting a photograph with the UK entry clearance application form and supporting documents is misleading and outdated.