Mastering the UK Visa Application Form: Your Comprehensive Guide

Overview of the UK Visa Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Before you begin the application process, it’s crucial to determine the visa type you need. The UK offers various visa categories, including tourist, business, study, work, and family visas. Research the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa type to identify the one that suits your travel purpose.

Step 2: Create an Account on the UK Government Website

Navigate to the UK government’s official visa application website (https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk) and click on “Apply Online.” You’ll need to create an account to start your application. Make sure to use a valid email address, as important notifications will be sent to this address.

Step 3: Complete the UK Visa Application Form

Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be able to access the online application form. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the process:

• Personal Information: Fill in your full name, date of birth, and nationality. Ensure that the details match the information on your passport.
• Passport Details: Enter your passport number, issue date, and expiration date. Double-check this information to avoid any errors.
• Travel History: Provide information on your travel history, including any previous UK visas and visits to other countries. Be honest and accurate, as the UK authorities may cross-check this information.
• Employment and Finances: Provide details about your employment status, employer, and income. If you’re self-employed or a student, provide relevant information. Attach supporting documents, such as bank statements, to prove your financial stability.
• Travel Purpose and Itinerary: Explain the purpose of your visit and provide a detailed itinerary, including your intended travel dates, accommodation, and activities.
• Dependents and Family Members: If you’re traveling with dependents or family members, provide their details and ensure they also have the necessary supporting documents.
• Additional Information: Answer any additional questions, such as criminal convictions or immigration violations. Be truthful, as dishonesty could result in visa denial.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

After completing the form, you’ll be prompted to pay the visa application fee. The fee varies depending on your visa type, so double-check the amount before paying. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Book a Biometrics Appointment

After completing your visa application and paying the fee, you’ll need to book a biometrics appointment at a visa application center. You can book an appointment online through the UK government’s visa application website, selecting a date and time that works best for you.

During your biometrics appointment, you’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken for your visa. It’s important to bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and any other required documents.

Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents

After your biometrics appointment, you’ll need to submit your supporting documents, either at the visa application center or via mail, depending on the center’s requirements. These documents may include bank statements, employment letters, or invitation letters. Make sure that they’re in English or have a certified translation.

Step 7: Track Your Application Status

After submitting your application and supporting documents, keep an eye on your email for updates on your application status. You can also track your application on the UK government website using your unique reference number. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a decision on your visa application. If approved, you’ll receive your visa and passport with the approved visa stamp.

Enquiry Form

*What happens next?

Multilingual qualified London based immigration specialists will get back to you, usually within 2-3 working days. If you have not attached any documents, then the UK based Law firm may ask for the relevant Case-Specific Document(s) such as Refusal Letters, Deportation Orders, Application Forms etc. Moreover, after reviewing the papers and information, the legal advisor may advise a course of action and quote the fees for processing the application.

Have a wonderful day!

Filling Out the UK Visa Application Form: A Detailed Guide

Example of a UK Visa Online Application Filled Form

Understanding how to fill out the UK visa application form correctly is crucial for a successful application. In this example, we’ll explore the case of Mr. Arun Kumar, who plans to apply for a UK visitor visa from New Delhi, India. Arun is a self-employed agriculturist and intends to travel for tourism with his family, including his spouse Kiran, their dependent children Amit (12 years old), Madhuri (9 years old), and Rekha (2 years old). We will highlight key sections of the application form based on the information provided by Arun.

1. Summary Information

The Summary Information section of the completed application PDF form is generated based on the applicant’s answers. For Arun Kumar, this section contains the following details:

APPLICANT NAME: Arun Kumar
GWF NUMBER: GWF041163715
PASSPORT NUMBER: HF51441XY
COUNTRY OF NATIONALITY: India
DATE OF BIRTH: 29 February 1976
GENDER: Male
DATE OF APPLICATION: 29 July 2019 09:23 British Summer Time (BST)
TYPE OF VISA / APPLICATION: Visitor visa
SERVICE OPTION: Priority service
DURATION OF VISA: 6 months
TOTAL FEE: 29,808.00 INR
SUBMISSION METHOD: Online
ISSUING OFFICE: New Delhi
PAYMENT REFERENCE: 3030003150731
CONTACT EMAIL: arunkumarexample@gmail.com
CONTACT LANGUAGE: Hindi

To ensure a successful application, Arun must demonstrate that he is well-settled in his home country and has no intention of overstaying his visa. Additionally, he should show that he has sufficient funds to cover the trip expenses without relying on public funds. By carefully filling out the application form and providing the necessary supporting documents, Arun can increase his chances of obtaining the UK visitor visa for himself and his family.

Remember to always provide accurate and truthful information when filling out the UK visa application form. An honest and well-prepared application is more likely to be successful, paving the way for a memorable trip to the United Kingdom.

2. Travel Information in UK Visa Applicaiton Form

For Arun’s UK visa application, he has planned a 13-day trip itinerary and booked tickets. To meet the requirements of the UK visitor visa application, he needs the following supporting documents:

Trip itinerary (tour details): to explain the purpose and activities during the planned vacations.
Ticket booking: to explain the exact dates of arrival and departure from the UK.

If Arun was applying for a UK family visitor visa, he would only require ticket booking as a supporting document.

Date you will arrive in the UK: 18 August 2018

Date you will leave the UK: 31 August 2018

Calculated duration of visit: 13 days

What is the main reason for your visit to the UK? Tourism, including visiting family and friends

Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group? No

Will you be travelling to the UK with someone who is not your partner, spouse, or dependent? No

What is the main reason for your holiday visit to the UK? Tourist

Give details of the main purpose of your visit and anything else you plan to do on your trip. See tourist and short stays for more information. For holidays and sightseeing with family – trip itinerary attached

3. Personal Information

To fill out the Personal Information section in the UK tourist visa online form, Arun requires the following supporting documents:

• Residential Property Documents
• National ID Card
• Marriage Certificate
• Telephone Number

Family name: Kumar
Given names: Arun

Are you now or have you ever been known by another name? No

Residential address: House # 20XYZ, Street 25C, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi, 110048, India

Telephone number: +01145557907

How many days, weeks, months, or years have you lived at this address? 17 Years

What is the ownership status of your home? I own it

What is your gender, as shown in your passport or travel document? Male

What is your relationship status? Married or a civil partner

Country of nationality: India

Date of birth: 16 February 1976

Place of birth: Mumbai

Country of birth: India

Do you have a national identity card? Yes

National identity card number: 1111-0000-1111

4. Passport

To fill out the Passport section of the UK tourist visa online application form, Arun needs the following:

• Current passport (this is a mandatory document)
• Previous passport (optional, if available)

Passport number or travel document reference number: JXXXXXX2
Place of issue: New Delhi
Issue date: 23 May 2013
Expiry date: 22 May 2023

Do you have another passport or travel document? Yes
Passport number or travel document reference number: JXXXXXX1
Place of issue: New Delhi
Issue date: 9 May 2008
Expiry date: 8 May 2013

5. Spouse/Partner Details

To complete the Spouse/Partner section of the application form, Arun needs the current passport of his wife, Kiran Kumar.

Given names: Kiran

Family name: Kumar

Date of birth: 9 December 1986

Nationality: India

Do they currently live with you? Yes

Will they be travelling with you to the UK? Yes

Their passport number: J1234567

6. Dependant Details in UK Visa Application Form

For completing the Dependant section of the UK standard visitor visa application form, Arun needs the current passports of his children: Amit Kumar, Madhuri Kumar, and Rekha Kumar.

Does anyone rely on you for financial support? Include both those travelling with you and those who are not

Given names: Amit
Family name: Kumar
Date of birth: 26 February 2007
Does this person currently live with you? Yes
Is this person travelling with you to the UK? Yes
Country of nationality: India
Passport number: J7654321

Given names: Madhuri
Family name: Kumar
Date of birth: 31 January 2009
Does this person currently live with you? Yes
Is this person travelling with you to the UK? Yes
Country of nationality: India
Passport number: J6543217

Given names: Rekha
Family name: Kumar
Date of birth: 17 March 2016
Does this person currently live with you? Yes
Is this person travelling with you to the UK? Yes
Country of nationality: India
Passport number: J6543277

7. Parents Details in UK Visa Application Form

To complete the Parent section of the tourist visa application form, Arun needs the national ID cards or passports of his parents: Kishore Kumar (father) and Lakshmi Kumar (mother).

What is this person’s relationship to you? Father

Given names: Kishore

Family name: Kumar

Date of birth: 1 January 1940

Country of nationality: India

Have they always had the same nationality? Yes

What is this person’s relationship to you? Mother

Given names: Lakshmi

Family name: Kumar

Date of birth: 1 January 1946

Country of nationality: India

Have they always had the same nationality? Yes

8. Employment and Income in UK Visa Application Form

To meet the requirements of the Employment, Income, and expenditure section of the UK tourist visa application form, Arun needs the following supporting documents:

1. Business or Tax Registration Certificate
2. Annual Tax Returns for the last 3 years – to compute the average annual income and monthly expenditure
3. Bank Account Maintenance Certificate
4. Bank Account Statement for the last 6 months
5. Agricultural land ownership documents
6. Lease agreement for the cultivation of agricultural produce
7. Agreement for the purchase of agricultural produce with wholesalers and mills

What is your employment status? Self-employed

What is your job? Landlord- decision making and managerial

How much do you earn from this job in a year? 53886.00 GBP

Do you have another income or any savings? Savings

How much money do you have in savings (in GBP)? 61348.00 GBP

How much money are you planning to spend on your visit to the UK? 12500.00 GBP

What is the total amount of money you spend each month? 3718.00 GBP

Will anyone be paying towards the cost of your visit? No

9. Accommodation

To complete the Accommodation details in the UK tourist visa application form, Arun needs the Hotel Booking for 2 adults and 3 children. Please note: Arun has no close relatives or friends living in the UK, so he is staying at a hotel. However, if Arun were applying for a UK family visitor visa, then instead of the hotel booking, he would be furnishing the accommodation details of the sponsor.

Do you have any family in the UK? No

Do you have an address for where you are going to stay in the UK? Yes

Where are you planning to stay in the UK? Stylotel

Enter the address for where you are staying: 160 Sussex Gardens Paddington Westminster Borough London

When will you arrive there? 18 August 2018 When will you leave there? 31 August 2018

10. Travel History (UK)

For completing the Travel history (UK) section of the UK tourist visa application form, Arun needs his passports and refusal letters. Please note: an applicant must provide their travel history for the past 10 years and disclose past refusals.

Have you applied for leave to remain in the UK in the past 10 years? No
How many times have you been to the UK in the last 10 years? 2 to 5 times
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: December 2016
Number of days, weeks, months, or years: 9 days
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: June 2016
Number of days, weeks, months, or years: 7 days
Have you ever been: Yes
– refused a visa for the UK
– deported from the UK
– removed from the UK
– required to leave the UK
– refused entry at the UK border

Give details of what happened: An application for a UK tourist visa was refused Date: October 2014
Give more details of what happened: Post Reference 1234567 dated Oct 16, 2014. The issue was addressed in the subsequent UK tourist visa application in July 2015. And all my family members visited London (England), Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow (Scotland), Cardiff (Wales) and Belfast (Northern Ireland) for tourism and sightseeing in July-Aug 2015

11. Travel History (Other)

To complete the Other Travel History section of the UK tourist visa application form, Arun needed his passports and a refusal letter from Germany (Schengen visa).

How many times have you visited the following places in the past 10 years? 2 to 5 times

– Australia
– Canada
– New Zealand
– USA
– Schengen area
Which country did you visit? Schengen Area
Which country in the Schengen area? Germany
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: August 2017
Number of days, weeks, months or years: 17 Days
Which country did you visit? Schengen Area
Which country in the Schengen area? Italy
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: August 2016
Number of days, weeks, months or years: 10 Days

Have you visited any other countries in the past 10 years? Yes

Which country did you visit? Turkey
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: June 2016
Length of visit: 2 days
Which country did you visit? Turkey
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: July 2015
Length of visit: 4 days
Which country did you visit? Singapore
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: January 2015
Length of visit: 2 days
Which country did you visit? Malaysia
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: January 2015
Length of visit: 8 days
Which country did you visit? United Arab Emirates
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: December 2012
Length of visit: 9 days
Which country did you visit? Malaysia
What was the reason for your visit? Tourism
Date of visit: February 2011
Length of visit: 5 days

Have you ever been refused a visa for any country other than the UK: Yes

– deported from any country other than the UK
– removed from any country other than the UK
– required to leave any country other than the UK
– refused entry at the border of any country other than the UK
Give details of what happened: An application for a visa was refused
Country: Germany
Date: May 2015
Give more details of what happened: In the summer of 2015, I intended to travel to Turkey, Germany, and other European Countries. Accordingly, after getting the Turkish Visit Visa, applied for Schengen Visa through Germany. However, due to the failure of the travel agent to make accommodation bookings as per the satisfaction of the Embassy, I was unable to get the visa. However, since then I have travelled twice to the Schengen Countries in Aug 2016 and 2017.

12. Other History

Like most of the applicants, Arun did not require any document to complete this section of the application form.

In either peace or wartime have you ever been involved in, or suspected of involvement in, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide? No
Have you ever been involved in, supported or encouraged terrorist activities in any country? No
Have you ever been a member of, or given support to, an organisation which has been concerned in terrorism? No
Have you, by any means or medium, expressed views that justify or glorify terrorist violence or that may encourage others to commit terrorist or other serious criminal acts? No
Tell us about work for the following types of organisation: I have not worked in any of the jobs listed
– Armed Forces (including compulsory national or military service)
– Government (including Public or Civil Administration and compulsory national service)
– Media organisations
– Security organisations (including police and private security companies)
– Judiciary (including work as a judge or magistrate)

13. Convictions and Other Penalties

Arun did not require any document to complete this section of the UK tourist visa online application form.

At any time have you ever had any of the following, in the UK or in another country? No, I have never had any of these
– A criminal conviction
– A penalty for a driving offence, for example, disqualification for speeding or no motor insurance
– An arrest or charge for which you are currently on, or awaiting trial
– A caution, warning, reprimand or other penalty
– A civil court judgment against you, for example for non-payment of debt, bankruptcy proceedings or anti-social behaviour
– A civil penalty issued under UK immigration law

14. Medical Treatment

Arun did not require any document to complete the Medical Treatment section of the UK tourist visa online application form.

Have you ever been given medical treatment in the UK? No

15. Extra Information

Arun previously applied for the UK tourist visa without family in 2016. Therefore, explained the reason to apply for the UK tourist visa with family in 2018.

If you needed to add more information about your application but were not able to, you can write it here. If there is no further information you want to add, click the ‘Save and continue’ button.

Add further details: Perhaps, visiting the British Isles for the very first time with my family during July 2015 was a very fulfilling experience. After the first trip, we were intending to revisit the United Kingdom during the Christmas holidays in Dec 2015. However, my wife got pregnant with our 3rd child in Aug-Sept 2015. And we were not able to revisit during Dec 2015. The child Rekha Kumar was born in March 2016. And despite my intentions to apply along with my other family members, I was only able to apply singly for the UK tourist visa.

16. English Language

Arun is educated but is not very fluent in English. So, he opted for the Hindi language for any expected interview for the UK tourist visa application.

We may have to talk to you about your application. Which language would you prefer to use? Other Which language would you prefer to use? Hindi

17. Mandatory Documents

The online application form mentions that an applicant’s passport is a mandatory document. However, an applicant also needs to submit other supporting documents with the application.

Mandatory documents: The passport or travel document for ARUN KUMAR from India

18. Receipt of Payment UK Visa Application Form

This is a system-generated section, which confirms the receipt of payment for the UK tourist visa application. Importantly, also state the type of SERVICE i.e. Standard or Priority that an applicant will get! Please note, it is not possible to download PDF of the final UK visa online form without paying the application fee.

Length of your visit visa: 6 months
Service: Priority Service
ARUN KUMAR’s application for UK Visitor visa: 29,808.00 INR
Total: 29,808.00 INR

19. Declaration

Finally, Arun needed to read the declaration and electronically sign the UK tourist visa application form by ticking the checkbox and providing his full name

By sending this application, you confirm that to the best of your knowledge and belief the following is correct: – the information relating to your application – your supporting documents Also, the application will be processed according to the privacy policy and terms and conditions. If false information is given, your application will be refused, and you may be banned from the UK and prosecuted. I confirm that I understand and agree with the above declarations.

Submission and Next Steps

After completing the online application form, Arun needed to pay the visa fee and schedule an appointment at the nearest visa application center. At the appointment, Arun had to submit his passport, biometric data (fingerprints and facial photograph), and all the required supporting documents. He should also bring a printout of the completed application form to the appointment.

After submission, Arun had to wait for the decision on his application. The processing time may vary depending on the application center and the season. If approved, Arun would receive his passport back with the UK visa stamped inside.

Required Supporting Documents for UK Visa Application

Arun Kumar submitted the following supporting documents along with the UK tourist visa online application for himself and his family:

1. Current and previous passports for all family members
2. Printouts of the final application forms
3. National Identity cards
4. 13-day trip itinerary
5. Ticket and hotel bookings
6. Family form
7. Marriage certificate
8. Children’s birth certificates
9. School certificates
10. Residential property documents
11. Agricultural property documents
12. Business or Tax Registration Certificate
13. Annual Tax Returns for the last 3 years
14. Bank Account Maintenance Certificate
15. Bank Account Statement for the last 6 months
16. Agricultural land ownership documents
17. Lease agreement for agricultural produce cultivation
18. Agreements for the purchase of agricultural produce with wholesalers and mills

Arun and his family attended the biometric appointment at the UKVAC Mumbai. Their application was processed within 3 working days, and they successfully received their tourist visas by correctly completing the online application form and providing the required supporting documents.

Conclusion:

Applying for a UK visa may seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the process smoothly. Remember to double-check all information, provide accurate details, and submit the necessary supporting documents. By following these steps and keeping an eye on your application status, you’ll be one step closer to obtaining your UK visa and embarking on your next adventure.

Related Articles

Explore more information on UK visas and immigration processes through these informative articles:

1. Standard Visitor Visa UK – Learn about the requirements, application process, and documents needed for a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
2. UK Visit Visa Extension – Discover how to apply for an extension of your UK visit visa.
3. Business Visitor Visa UK – Understand the application process and requirements for a UK business visitor visa.
4. UK Visa Refusal Reasons – Explore common reasons for UK visa refusals and how to address them.
5. Form FLR(IR) – Learn about the Form FLR(IR) and its role in extending your stay in the UK.

Additional Resources and External Links

For more information and assistance on the UK visa application process, consider visiting the following websites:

1. Official UK Government Visa Application Website: Begin your visa application process and find detailed information about eligibility and requirements.
2. VFS Global: Access information on visa application centers, biometric appointments, and document submission.
3. IATA Travel Centre: Obtain information on travel restrictions, visa requirements, and documentation needed for different countries.
4. UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA): For students planning to study in the UK, this website offers valuable resources and guidance on visa applications and requirements.

Remember to always refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the UK visa application process.