How to apply for a visa to come to the UK
Applying online and getting a decision
You need to know which visa you’ll be applying for for before starting the application process.
You can use the check if you need a visa tool to find out:
- which visa you’re eligible for
- about any specific requirements you’ll need to meet
- where to apply online
Applying for someone else
You can apply for a visa for someone else by entering their details into the form if they cannot apply for themselves.
You must get permission from the person you’re applying for, or written permission from their parent or guardian if they are under 18.
Changing or cancelling your application
If you want to change something in your application after you’ve applied, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can also ask to cancel (withdraw) your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
Getting a decision
Your application starts being processed when you’ve completed all of the following:
- submitted your application
- provided your biometrics
- provided any supporting documents and evidence
It usually takes between 3 and 12 weeks to get your decision, depending on the visa you’ve applied for. You can check how long it will take to get a decision online.
Settlement applications take up to 6 months and must be approved before you come to the UK. If you’re given permission to settle in the UK, you must travel before your permission ends.
The Home Office will contact you if you need to give more information.
You’ll get a letter or email telling you the Home Office has made a decision on your application. It will tell you what you need to do next. If you have not received your email, check your spam or junk folder.
Accessing your visa
If your application is successful, you’ll get an eVisa to prove you can come to the UK. An eVisa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status.
You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to get access to your eVisa. You can create a UKVI account if you do not already have one.
You can use your UKVI account to view your immigration status online and share it with others, for example employers and universities.
Getting a vignette
You may also get a sticker in your passport (a vignette) as well as an eVisa. The sticker will be for either 90 days or the full length of your stay.
If the visa application centre kept your passport, they’ll either:
- send it to you with the vignette inside - if you paid for this service when you applied
- ask you to collect the passport and vignette
If you kept your passport, you’ll need to take it to the visa application centre to collect your vignette.
If your application is refused
You’ll get a letter or an email explaining why your application was refused.
Your passport will be returned, if it was kept as part of your application.
Your refusal letter will explain if you have the right to either an: