How to apply for a visa to come to the UK
Paying fees and proving your identity
You’ll need to pay the fee as part of your online application. How much you pay depends on which visa you apply for.
If you already know what visa you’re applying for, you can check how much your application will cost.
If you have dependents who want to come to the UK with you, each person will need to apply and pay separately.
Additional costs
You may be able to pay for a faster decision on your visa application.
If your visa is for more than 6 months, you may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application.
Paying the IHS gives you access to healthcare through the NHS (National Health Service).
Providing your documents and biometrics
You’ll be told exactly what documents and supporting evidence you need to provide as part of the application process.
You’ll also need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph), usually by going to a visa application centre run by an external company. You’ll find out when you start the application if you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead.
If you need to go to a visa application centre
You’ll be able to book an appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre as part of your application.
Most visa application centres offer free appointments within 5 working days. In some locations you’ll need to pay £76.50 for a standard appointment. You can choose to travel to a different visa application centre with free appointments, but you’ll need to pay your own travel costs.
You must book and attend an appointment within 240 days of submitting your application. If you do not, you’ll need to start a new application.
You can also choose to pay for optional services - for example, getting your documents scanned for you instead of doing this yourself. Paying for optional services does not mean your application is more likely to be successful.
If you’re applying for someone else
The person you are applying for will need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and documents.
Children under 16
Children under 16 must go to the appointment with an adult who is over 18.
Children under 5 must go to the appointment to have a photograph taken. They do not need to give their fingerprints.
If you need to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
Some people can prove their identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. You’ll be told if you can use the app when you start your application.
In most cases, you will not need to attend an in-person appointment if you use the app to verify your identity.