Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
Please visit the UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) website to check what type of visa you should apply for, and the documents that you will need in order to complete your application.
Each visa type requires different documentation, so check your visa type carefully. If your documents are not in English, you may need to get translations prepared before applying.
Once you are ready to apply, return to the UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) website to apply for your visa.
To complete your application on GOV.UK, you will need to pay for your visa, and for the healthcare surcharge, if applicable. Once you have paid your visa fees, you will be given a reference number that starts with GWF. Please make a note of this, as it will be helpful should you need to make any amendments to your visa application or appointment.
Once you have completed and paid for your visa application on GOV.UK, you will be directed to the VFS Global website to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre, so your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) can be captured.
You will also have the opportunity to select additional, optional services from VFS Global, designed to make your application process faster, easier or simply more relaxed. You can pay for these services online and at the Visa Application Centre.
You can submit all the documents required to support your application online, from the comfort of your home, school or office; meaning you can keep valuable documents with you. Read our guidelines for supporting documents
If you don’t have a scanner available or would just like some help with this, we can scan your documents at the Visa Application Centre with our Document Upload Assistance option. In most cases a fee applies for this service.
You must attend the appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone in your place.
Please read our guidelines for attending the Visa Application Centre.
You’ll receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you can also choose to get updates by SMS directly to your phone. You’ll have to check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting. You’ll need to pay a fee for this service.
When a visa application decision has been made, we will contact you to collect your documents/passport from the Visa Application Centre. Alternatively, you can pay for your documents to be returned to you by courier. Please do not attend the Visa Application Centre until you have been contacted to do so as you will not be able to collect your passport until it is ready.
When your passport is ready for collection at the Visa Application Centre, please ensure you have the required documents prepared:
- Self-Collection: If you are collecting your passport, you will need a QR-code, a receipt that you received at the time of passport submission and a government-issued photo ID.
- Collection for Minors: In addition to the above, the parent or legal guardian must provide their government-issued photo ID and evidence of relationship to the minor, such as a copy of the birth certificate.
- Third-Party Collection: In addition to the above, a letter of authority filled and signed by the customer (or by a parent/guardian for minors under 18), is required, along with a government-issued photo ID of the authorised person.
Ready to apply?
Start your visa process and then come back to VFS Global with your reference number to take advantage of the Premium Services on offer.
Additional Information
Here is what else you can do
Premium services