Visas

Welcome

Welcome to our Visa Information Pages. Please ensure you read our Important Information page, as well as the information below before making a visa application. Our Important Information page provides information on our current processing times. You can also visit How long does it take to get a Visa to see a guide to how long it may take to process your application.

You can find out whether you need a visa by visiting Do I need a Visa?

Where can I get advice?

Our visa section staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for. If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:

How do I submit my application?

You can submit your application through our online application service .

Service standards - compliments & complaints

UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback which tells us where we need to improve.

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

See our Compliments & Complaints page for further details.

PLEASE NOTE - New rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa applications and other changes to the Immigration Rules

On 6 April 2010 the UK Government will make significant changes to Tier 1 (highly skilled workers) and Tier 2 (skilled workers with a job offer and Intra-Company Transfers) of the points-based system, as well as to marriage visas for members of the armed forces, asylum and English for Speakers of Other Languages. The changes were announced today by Borders and Immigration.

The full news report on the changes, and changes beyond April 2010, can be found on our UK Border Agency website.