UK Visa Application process

The United Kingdom is a delightful country with literally hundreds of cities and towns, loads of castles, and breathtaking scenic beauty. However, applying for a UK visa might seem like an intricate task for many people.

Interestingly, US citizens do not need a Visa for tourism or business travel to the United Kingdom for up to 6 months. Also, you will not have to apply for a UK Visa before your trip to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland if you are:

• An EEA citizen: EEA stands for the European Economic Area. EEA nationals are citizens of any of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
• A Swiss citizen
• A commonwealth citizen.

Here are the steps that will help you in the process of applying for a UK Visa:

Step 1: Choose the Visa type

Choose your visa type carefully, an incorrect choice can potentially lead to rejection! Below are the various types of visas that the visa authorities offer in the UK:

Student Visa

It is issued to the international students who want to study in the UK. There are three categories of Student Visa:

            1. Tier 4 (Child) Visa is granted to foreign students aged 4-17 years enrolled into a course at an independent school in the UK.

            2. Tier 4 (General) Visa is granted to students aged at least 16 years who wish to pursue graduation and further higher education in the UK.

            3. Short-term Study Visa is issued to students enrolled in a short study program, lasting up to 6 or 11 months. This Visa can be issued for limited study courses only.

Tourist Visa

The United Kingdom is one of the most prominent tourism destinations. UK Visitors Visa is issued for tourism visits and short stays.

Family Visa

It is granted to an individual who wants to visit their family members living in the UK. People who have spouses, parents, or children residing in the UK can apply for it.

Transit Visa

It offers the opportunity to apply for long-term transit if applicants need to travel to the UK regularly. It can be provided for up to 10 years.

Refugee Visa

It is for those who want to enter the UK because they fear to risk their lives upon returning to their home country.

Step 2: Fill the online application

Generally, the UK Visa online form comprises of questions on personal details and contact information. You can go to the official website of the UK government for Visa application. Some mandatory information that is asked for in the form are:

1. Your full name
2. Personal contact number
3. Email Address
4. Nationality
5. Passport number
6. Purpose of visiting the UK 

Make sure that the information you fill in the application form matches the details in the required documents.

Choose your visa type and find it's application form here

Step 3: Gather required documents 

For verification purposes, you will be required to submit some mandatory documents. Check the following list to ensure that you have all documents before filling out the application form.

1. Two photographs ( should be taken within 6 months)
2. UK visa application form
3. Valid passport
4. Bank statement of the last 6 months
5. Proof of accommodation.
6. Detailed travel itinerary
7. Biometric information
8. Tuberculosis result
9. Paid UK Visa fees receipt 
10. Additional documents based on an individual's employment status, age, or other criteria.

Step 4: Schedule an appointment 

Now, you need to make an online appointment and take a print out of the email confirming the details of your appointment. Take the receipt to the Visa application center along with the required documents.

Recheck your documents before leaving your house, missing out on any of the documents can lead to the rejection of your application.

Step 5: Attend Visa Interview

Source: Student-Visas

Reach the Visa Application Center a little earlier than the given time. Be confident during the interview! In the interview, you will need to present the following:

• Your Photograph

• Digital scan of your fingerprints

• Digital scan of your eyes

• Reason to visit the UK

Guardians must accompany applicants who are under 18 years.

How to appeal against Visa denial?

Be receptive during the application process because the UK Home office can reject your application even if you commit a trivial fault. If your visa application gets rejected, then the reason behind it will undoubtedly be disclosed to you. Some of the prime reasons for a failed visa application can be:

• Applying for an incorrect visa type
• Missing documents
• Fraudulent documents
• Criminal history
• Failure in providing proof of funds

However, you can still appeal against a Visa Denial through the process described below:

a) Fill IAFT-2 form, and then submit it to UK Immigration and Asylum chamber.

IAFT-2  form is an appeal form, generally filled when the Visa application is rejected

b) Your documents will be forwarded to authorities, and further judgment will be communicated through email.