VISA Requirements for United kingdom

Long Term Visa:

With effect from 6 April 2009, the following long term visas are available:

Duration & Cost
2 year: £215
5 year: £400
10 year: £500

If you are a frequent traveller to the UK or are the spouse or dependant child of someone who is, then you should consider applying for one of UK Visa Services' long term visas.. It is important that you are able to demonstrate that:


You have travelled frequently to the UK and / or other premium destinations, such as Australia, Canada or US, over a long period of time;

Student Visa:

06 April 2009: If you want to study in the UK from 31 March 2009 you must make your application using the Points Based System Tier 4 (General) student or Tier 4 (Child) student. Please make sure that you complete the correct application form and points scoring appendix. If you are making an on-line application you must select the correct visa category and pay the correct fee. You are advised to carefully read the Tier 4 points based system guidance at http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/Welcome.htm . Failure to provide the correct information may lead to your application being refused.

The Applicant needs to submit the visa application in person at the Visa Application Centre's. This is because the biometrics details will be taken at the same time. The biometric data collection process involves finger scans and a digital photograph and takes less than 5 minutes. There is no additional charge. It is strongly recommend that Applicant visit an Visa Application Centre (s) by prior appointment, saving the unnecessary waiting time.

UK Visae are issued in two categories - Short Term (for up to 6 months) and Long Term.
Short Term Visa is for:

• Visitors, which includes Private, Official and Business visits.
• Student.
• Others.

Long Term Visa is for: 

• Settlement as Spouse, Fiancé and other Relatives.
• Permit free employment, Work Permit Holder or to establish a Business.
• Certificate of entitlement or UK Ancestry.
• Returning Resident
• Persons of independent means (investor/ businessman) who amongst other requirements is also able to show a sum of £ 200,000 as financial proof, in order to qualify for this special category.
• Student (between 6 months to 3 years).

To schedule an appointment applicant needs to send an E-mail to VFS between 08:00 AM and 03:00 PM on all working days. Applicant needs to provide complete Name, Passport Number, Contact no, Visa Category, Visa Application Center (that you would like to visit) and Preferred Date & Time (Please provide 3 options). In case you have not provided the details, you are request to kindly send the details accordingly.

General Visitor (Application form VAF1A) Visa

Visa Fee Details
Single,Double and Multiple Visit Valid up to 6 months	INR 4,800
Longer term multiple entry (1 to 2 years)	INR 16,100
Longer term multiple entry (5 years)	INR 29,400
Longer term multiple entry (10 years)	INR 42,700
Direct Airside Transit Visa, In Transit Visit, Join Ship or Aircraft	INR 3,300
Special visitor - Student visitor, up to 6 months	INR 4,800
Returing Resident	INR 16,100
Visa for any other purpose (includes employment,HSMP,UK ancestry) and Certificate Of Entitlement	INR 16,100

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom.
• One visa form (photocopy allowed) to be completed in black ink and block letters.
• Two passport-size photographs, not more than 6 months old. It should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, against a white background, and should be glued (not stapled) to the application form.
• A covering letter from the Applicant, giving reasons of travel.
• Indication of financial standing and funds in the form of evidence of Employment and Savings (in India) and, where necessary, Income Tax Return for last three years should also be provided. Itemised Bank statements for the last six months, salary slips etc, could also be added to support the application.
• A Letter from the Employer stating the Applicant's designation in the Company, the duration of his service and granting Leave of Absence is required.
• If the Applicant is self-employed, evidence of business activity and financial standing is needed.
• If your sponsor, employer or anyone else is supporting you, you could show evidence of his or her immigration status in the UK. This includes six months' itemised bank statements, payslips and evidence that they are willing to pay for your stay in the UK.
• The Applicant should show evidence that he has a place somewhere to stay, for example, a hotel reservation or a letter from your sponsor confirming that you are staying with them.
• Evidence of any firm travel plans like an Air Ticket or a letter from the Travel Agent confirming the Ticket Cost Deposit etc are required as support documents.
• Visa validity varies from 6 months to 10 years and allows a maximum stay of up to 6 months starting from the date of entry into the UK.
• Extension of the stay permitted is not possible in principle.

The consular rate of exchange is £1=Rs.70 Please note the visa fees are subject to change. These fees are effective for all visa applications made from 12th April, 2010.
Note: Visa Fee is payable for each Applicant, by a Bank Draft (available at VFS) and are non refundable, even for children. 
The Drafts should be made in favor of:

• "The British High Commission" payable in New Delhi (if applying in Northern India).
• "The British Deputy High Commission" payable in Mumbai (if applying in Western India).
• "The British Deputy High Commission" payable in Chennai (if applying in Southern India).
• "The British High Commission" payable in New Delhi (if applying in Eastern India).

You can also pay the visa fee at the time you lodge your application at the Visa Application Centres. Standard Chartered Bank facilities are located in all Visa Application Centres for this purpose. Please note that Standard Chartered Bank will apply a service charge of Rs. 200 (inclusive of taxes) for this facility.

Download Visa Forms for General Visitor (Application form VAF1A) Visa

Application form VAF1A - General Visitor

Visitor-in-Transit Visa

Visa Fee Details
Transit	INR 3,300

Travellers entering the UK en-route to another country and staying in the UK for less than 48 hours need to obtain a Visitor-in-Transit visa.
The requirements for a Visitor-in-Transit visa are the following:

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom.
• One visa form (photocopy allowed) to be completed in black ink and block letters.
• Two passport-size photographs, not more than 6 months old. It should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, against a white background, and should be glued (not stapled) to the application form.
• A covering letter from the Applicant, giving reasons of travel.
• The necessary visa for the onward destination is required.
• Proof of the ability and intention to go at once to another country.
• The Traveler should meet the Immigration Rules as a visitor.
• Indication of financial standing and funds in the form of evidence of Employment and Savings (in India) and, where necessary, Income Tax Return for last three years should also be provided. Itemised Bank statements for the last six months, salary slips etc, could also be added to support the application.
• A Letter from the Employer stating the Applicant's designation in the Company, the duration of his service and granting Leave of Absence is required.
• If the Applicant is self-employed, evidence of business activity and financial standing is needed.
• Visitor in Transit visa are usually valid for 6 months with multiple entry subject to a proper onward visa each time.

Download Visa Forms for Visitor-in-Transit Visa

Application form VAF1H - Visitor in Transit

Business Visitor (Application form VAF1C) Visa

Visa Fee Details
Single,Double and Multiple Visit Valid up to 6 months	INR 4,800
Longer term multiple entry (1 to 2 years)	INR 16,100
Longer term multiple entry (5 years)	INR 29,400
Longer term multiple entry (10 years)	INR 42,700
Direct Airside Transit Visa, In Transit Visit, Join Ship or Aircraft	INR 3,300
Special visitor - Student visitor, up to 6 months	INR 4,800
Returing Resident	INR 16,100
Visa for any other purpose (includes employment,HSMP,UK ancestry) and Certificate Of Entitlement	INR 16,100

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom.
• One visa form (photocopy allowed) to be completed in black ink and block letters.
• Two passport-size photographs, not more than 6 months old. It should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, against a white background, and should be glued (not stapled) to the application form.
• A Covering Letter from the Company mentioning the name and designation of the Applicant and that of the signatory (of a managerial or executive level) stating the Applicant's name, address and company's email, and giving brief sketch of the company to be visited.
• A Invitation letter from the company in UK.
• Indication of financial standing and funds in the form of evidence of Employment and Savings (in India) and, where necessary, Income Tax Return for last three years should also be provided.
• Itemized Bank statements for the last six months, salary slips etc, could also be added to support the application.
• If the Applicant is self-employed, evidence of business activity and financial standing is needed.
• If your sponsor, employer or anyone else is supporting you, you could show evidence of his or her immigration status in the UK. This includes six months' itemized bank statements, pay slips and evidence that they are willing to pay for your stay in the UK.
• The Applicant should show evidence that he has a place somewhere to stay, for example, a hotel reservation or a letter from your sponsor confirming that you are staying with them.
• Evidence of any firm travel plans like an Air Ticket or a letter from the Travel Agent confirming the Ticket Cost Deposit etc are required as support documents.
• Visa validity varies from 6 months to 10 years and allows a maximum stay of up to 6 months starting from the date of entry into the UK.
• Extension of the stay permitted is not possible in principle.
• Visa processing can take five working days or more.

The consular rate of exchange is £1=Rs.70 Please note the visa fees are subject to change. These fees are effective for all visa applications made from 12th April, 2010.

• "The British High Commission" payable in New Delhi (if applying in Northern India).
• "The British Deputy High Commission" payable in Mumbai (if applying in Western India).
• "The British Deputy High Commission" payable in Chennai (if applying in Southern India).
• "The British High Commission" payable in New Delhi (if applying in Eastern India).

Download Visa Forms for Business Visitor (Application form VAF1C) Visa

Business Visitor (Application form VAF1C)

DATV Visa

Visa Fee Details
DATV	INR 3,300

Indian Nationals need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to travel through the UK, even if they fly out within 24 hours. It is not required for Passengers holding a valid visa and ticket for Canada or the USA.

• A valid visa for the Country i.e.UK or USA is needed. At most, the visa should have expired not more than two calendar days before arrival in the UK.
• A valid USA-1551 Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) issued on or after 21st April, 1998 or a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card issued on or after 28th June, 2002.
• A valid common format Category D Visa, for entry in to an EEA State, it should be valid for more than 3 months.
• A valid common format Residence Permit issued by an EEA State pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002.
• A diplomatic or official passport issued by the Government of India.

Download Visa Forms for DATV Visa

Seamen Visa

Visa Fee Details
	INR

• Visa is required.
• The Applicant should have a passport valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom.
• One visa form (photocopy allowed) to be completed in black ink and block letters.
• Two passport-size photographs, not more than 6 months old. It should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, against a white background, and should be glued (not stapled) to the application form.
• A covering letter from the Shipping Company, giving reasons of travel.
• Indian Seamen travelling on duty must hold a Letter of Guarantee from the Shipping Company with the Seamen Book and passport.
• A Letter from the Shipping Agent in the UK should be sent to the High Commission, stating particulars of the Seamen and the date and port of joining the Ship.
• Indication of financial standing and funds in the form of evidence of Employment and Savings (in India) and, where necessary, Income Tax Return for last three years should also be provided. Itemised Bank statements for the last six months, salary slips etc, could also be added to support the application.
• If your sponsor, employer or anyone else is supporting you, you could show evidence of his or her immigration status in the UK. This includes six months' itemised bank statements, payslips and evidence that they are willing to pay for your stay in the UK.
• Evidence of any firm travel plans like an Air Ticket or a letter from the Travel Agent confirming the Ticket Cost Deposit etc are required as support documents.

Download Visa Forms for Seamen Visa

Work Permits Visa

Visa Fee Details
	INR

This is issued by the Department for Education and Employment. Regular Work Permits are only issued for jobs involving a high level of skill and experience for which no resident labor is available in the United Kingdom. Permits may, however, be issued to enable Overseas Nationals to come to the United Kingdom for training or work experience.
Application for a Work Permit has to be placed by the Employer in the United Kingdom, at least 8 weeks before the commencement date, at the address mentioned below. The Applicant should not travel to the United Kingdom before receiving the permit. Failure to comply will result in the refusal of admission for the job.
Overseas Labour Service.
Department for Education and Employment.
Level 5, Moorfoot, Sheffield, SI 4PQ.
Tel: +44-114 259 4074
There are certain categories of employment for which a Work Permit is not required, such as:

• A Working Holiday Maker or Au Pair;
• A Minister of Religion, a Missionary or a Member of a Religious Order;
• Representative of an Overseas Firm that has no branch, subsidiary or other Representative in the United Kingdom;
• Representative of an Overseas Newspaper, News Agency or Broadcasting Organization, on a long term assignment to the United Kingdom;
• A Domestic Worker of a member of the Staff of a Diplomatic or Consular Mission;
• A Domestic Worker in a private household;
• A Teacher or a Language Assistant deputed to an Institution in the UK under an Exchange Scheme;
• A Member of the Operational Ground Staff (but not other staff) of an Overseas-Owned Airline;
• Postgraduate Doctor/ Dentist coming for training;
• Seasonal Worker at an Agricultural Camp.

Download Visa Forms for Work Permits Visa

Student Visa

Visa Fee Details
Points-based system Tier 4 - Student applicant - main applicant and dependants (visa duration for main applicants and their dependants is subject to length of study. Study below degree level is limited to 3 years maximum duration)	INR 13,950

• The Applicant should have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of application for the visa.
• One visa form- VAF1 (photocopy allowed).
• One Student form in addition to the visa form.
• Two passport-size photographs, not more than 6 months old. It should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, against a white background, and should be glued (not stapled) to the application form.
• Indication of ability of the English Language in the form of Certificates from organizations like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Relevant Educational Certificates and Diplomas.
• The chosen Educational Establishment must be on included on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers.
• A Letter of Acceptance from the Educational Institution in the UK, confirming the acceptance for the course of study.
• Statement of charges for the course and evidence of the payment of a part of the course fees.
• The Student should produce evidence of funds, to pay for the stay and the course of studies in the UK.
• A Letter from the Host/ Sponsor in the UK, guaranteeing support and accommodation to the Student during the course of studies, together with its evidence.
• Proof of accommodation arranged, like undertaking by the sponsor, local-authority property report or letter of the mortgage lender.
• The Student must satisfy the Visa Officer of his/ her ability and intention to follow a full-time Course of Study and intention to leave the UK upon completion of the course.
• Applicants for the long term visa (above 6 months) must undergo a mandatory Medical Examination and Chest X-Ray before hand. The medical clearance takes about 10 days. Travel plans, therefore, should be made accordingly.

Further information is available with the British Council Division at the following address:
British Council Division, 
Educational Counselling Service.
17, Kasturba Gandhi Marg.
New Delhi, India. Pin 110001
Tel: 23711401. Extension: 115
Sessions on Wednesday's and Friday's
15:30 to 18:00 hrs.

Download Visa Forms for Student Visa

Medical Treatment Visa

Visa Fee Details
	INR

• The Applicant must be able to show full details of the arrangements which have been made for the Treatment.
• This should include a Medical Report and a reliable estimate of the likely duration and cost of the treatment.
• Evidence of ability to pay for the treatment in full.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the maintenance and accommodation of self and any accompanying dependants.
• Evidence of firm travel plans made, such as the Air-Ticket or a Letter from a Travel Agent confirming that the cost of the ticket has been deposited.
• A Letter from the Employer stating the Applicant's designation in the Company, the duration of his service and granting Leave of Absence is required.
• If the Applicant is self-employed, evidence of business activity and financial standing is needed.

Download Visa Forms for Medical Treatment Visa

Joining Family in UK Visa

Visa Fee Details
	INR

• The following members of a Family may be allowed to join relatives who are 'settled' in the UK ('settled' implies that the person is living in the UK lawfully, with no time limit on the stay):
• Husbands and Wives, Male and Female fiancés, Children, Parents, Grandparents and other Relatives dependent on person/ s settled in the UK.
• Relevant Documents proving the relationship with the Person Settled are required, for example Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, photographs etc.
• Essential documents of the Settled Person are also needed as support documents. This can be in the form of Residence Permit, Identity Card etc.
• The rules are different if the Sponsor is not settled there. They are also different if either the Passenger or the Sponsor is a National of another Member State of the European Economic Area (the member states of the European Community and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), or if the Passenger can claim British citizenship or other connection with the UK through means like ancestry.
• Further information is available with the British Mission offering an entry clearance service for the region of current residence.

Categories: Immigration , UK immigration