How to apply for a visa to come to the UK

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Prepare your application

You can apply and pay for most visas online.

If you have dependants who want to come to the UK with you, each person will need to apply and pay separately.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is usually:

  • 3 months before your planned travel date for visit visas
  • 3 months before your employment start date for most work visas
  • 6 months before your course start date for Student and Child Student visas

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.

How long it takes to get a decision

How quickly you’ll get a decision on your visa application depends on the visa you apply for.

You may be able to pay for a faster decision on your visa application depending on:

  • the type of visa you apply for
  • how you apply
  • where you apply from

Fees

There is a fee for each visa. The fee depends on which visa you apply for.

The fees are the same for each family member who applies to come to the UK with you.

Pay for healthcare

You’ll need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application, if you’re:

  • applying for a visa to work, study or join your family
  • applying to stay for more than 6 months
  • not applying to live permanently in the UK

Applying for someone else

You can apply for a visa for someone else. For example, a relative overseas who does not have access to a computer or your child, 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 the applicant is under 18.

Enter the applicant’s details into the form, not your own.

Proving you do not have tuberculosis (TB)

If you’re coming to the UK for more than 6 months you might need to have a TB test for your visa application.

Check if you’ll need a TB test.

If you do, you must provide a certificate showing you do not have TB with your visa application.

Change or cancel your application

If you want to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

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