Visa Information for United Kingdom

Applicants must note that it is compulsory to fill the online visa form by logging on to the website: //www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

- Applicant needs to click on the button “APPLY ONLINE”

- Select the purpose of visit in the options given (in the drop down).

- After filling up the online visa form, the applicant will get an option for appointment date.

- Applicant is required to take printout of the online filled application and then visit VFS for biometrics.

- Visa fees should be paid online using Visa or MasterCard debit / credit cards or via e-wallet (PayPal or Skrill).

UK has declared a change in collection of Visa Documents from the VFS Application Centers:- For all visa applications submitted from Wednesday 10th October, 2012, it will no longer be possible for a third party to collect the documents on behalf of an applicant, except in the below mentioned cases:-

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;
• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

• The Applicant’s passport should be valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom. The applicant must also attach the previous passports (if any, these are to show applicant’s previous travel history). The passport should have at least 1 page that is blank on both sides, which can be used to insert the visa.


• One visa application form filled online as mentioned above.


• One passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months). The photograph should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, with a white background, and should be pasted on the specified space of the application, not stapled to the application form.
• The application documents should be submitted along with a covering letter from the Applicant explaining the reasons of travel.


• Proof of applicant’s permission to be in the country where you are applying, if in case he / she is not a national of that country:- This could be a residence permit, 'green card' or valid visa showing applicant’s immigration status.
• Complete travel itinerary (if applicant has one). This could include: - (a) bookings or tickets for any excursions, (b) trips and outings, (c) email conversations about any excursions, (d) trips and outings and (e) travel agent bookings

• Bio-data pages from their passports.


• Valid visa or immigration stamp from their passport.


• Home Office letter affirming permission to stay in the UK


• Evidence of applicant’s marital status: - This could include a marriage certificate, a civil partnership certificate, a divorce certificate or a death certificate.


• Proof of applicant’s present employment or studies: - This could include:-


• A letter from applicant’s employer on company headed paper - detailing his / her salary and the length of employment, confirming that he / she have been given time off work and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid. The applicant must consider submitting further documents which could support an employment letter, such as, pay slips or tax returns documents. If the applicant has recently entered into a new employment then should consider providing details of his / her previous employment and salary history.


• A letter from applicant’s education provider on headed paper - confirming his / her enrolment and approved leave of absence.


• Business registration documents confirming the business owner's name and the date when the business started trading.


• Financial and Employment Documents: Applicants can submit any of the following financial documents. They should consider including evidence of total applicant’s monthly income from all sources, for example employment, friends, family, personal savings or property. This will help the embassy authorities to assess applicant’s circumstances in his / her own country and will provide details with evidence of how the trip is to be funded. Applicants should consider providing this information even if someone else is paying for the trip.


• If someone else is paying for the trip then they should consider providing the same information about their finances and employment.


• If applicants are providing documents from a joint account then they need to explain who the other account holders are, and why they have permission to spend money from the account.


• If applicant’s spouse or partner is employed then the Entry Clearance Officer would also like to see proof of their Employment and financial details.


• Bank statements or bank books: - Describing what has been paid in and out of an account for up to the previous six months, and naming the account holder. If the applicant have made deposits in their account that are not in keeping with the account history then applicants may wish to explain the origins and timing of these deposits.
• Bank letter or balance certificate: - Confirming the account balance, the account holder's name and the date when the account was opened. If the applicant provides this document then he / she should consider providing additional documents to show the sources of the money in your account.


• Pay slips: - Applicant’s pay slips of last six months. If applicant’s salary is paid directly into the bank account, then they should consider providing the statements showing these payments.


• Tax returns (business or personal):- Applicants should include recent documents from the government tax office, confirming your income and the amount of tax that they have paid.


• Business bank account statements: - If applicants include these then applicants will need to explain why you are allowed to spend the money from a business account, if they are on a private visit.


• Proof of income from property or land: - This could include property deeds, tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, accountant's letters, land registration documents or crop receipts. If the property or land is registered in several names, the applicant will be required to explain how much he / she own it. If the money earned from the land is shared, he / she may wish to say how it is divided.

• Hotel booking confirmation (usually email)


• Travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)


• Travel agent confirmation of both


• Accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that applicants are able to stay there.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

• The Applicant’s passport should be valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom. The applicant must also attach the previous passports (if any, these are to show applicant’s previous travel history). The passport should have at least 1 page that is blank on both sides, which can be used to insert the visa.


• One visa application form filled online as mentioned above. If the applicant is applying for a Visitor in Transit then he / she must complete & submit form VAF1H and if the applicant is applying for a Direct Airside Transit then he / she need to complete and submit form VAF6.


• One passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months). The photograph should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, with a white background, and should be pasted on the specified space of the application, not stapled to the application form.


• The application documents should be submitted along with a covering letter from the Applicant explaining the reasons of travel.


• Proof of applicant’s permission to be in the country where you are applying, if in case he / she is not a national of that country: - This could be a residence permit, 'green card' or valid visa showing applicant’s immigration status.


• Proof that the earliest onward passage from the UK has been booked/ confirmed, and that it is either within 24 hrs of arrival in the UK of ‘Direct Airside Transit’ or 48 hours of arrival in the UK for ‘Visitor in Transit’. This could be: (a) Travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets), (b) Travel agent confirmation.


• Documentary evidence that assures entry into the onward country to which applicant is travelling to. This could be: - (a) A residence permit, (b) Green card, or (c) Valid Visa.


• Evidence of applicant’s marital status: - This could include a marriage certificate, a civil partnership certificate, a divorce certificate or a death certificate.


• Proof of applicant’s present employment or studies: - This could include:-


• A letter from applicant’s employer on company headed paper - detailing his / her salary and the length of employment, confirming that he / she have been given time off work and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid. The applicant must consider submitting further documents which could support an employment letter, such as, pay slips or tax returns documents. If the applicant has recently entered into a new employment then should consider providing details of his / her previous employment and salary history.


• A letter from applicant’s education provider on headed paper - confirming his / her enrolment and approved leave of absence.


• Business registration documents confirming the business owner's name and the date when the business started trading.


• Financial and Employment Documents: Applicants can submit any of the following financial documents. They should consider including evidence of total applicant’s monthly income from all sources, for example employment, friends, family, personal savings or property. This will help the embassy authorities to assess applicant’s circumstances in his / her own country and will provide details with evidence of how the trip is to be funded. Applicants should consider providing this information even if someone else is paying for the trip.


• If someone else is paying for the trip then they should consider providing the same information about their finances and employment.


• If applicants are providing documents from a joint account then they need to explain who the other account holders are, and why they have permission to spend money from the account.


• If applicant’s spouse or partner is employed then the Entry Clearance Officer would also like to see proof of their Employment and financial details.


• Bank statements or bank books: - Describing what has been paid in and out of an account for up to the previous six months, and naming the account holder. If the applicant have made deposits in their account that are not in keeping with the account history then applicants may wish to explain the origins and timing of these deposits.


• Bank letter or balance certificate: - Confirming the account balance, the account holder's name and the date when the account was opened. If the applicant provides this document then he / she should consider providing additional documents to show the sources of the money in your account.


• Pay slips: - Applicant’s pay slips of last six months. If applicant’s salary is paid directly into the bank account, then they should consider providing the statements showing these payments.


• Tax returns (business or personal):- Applicants should include recent documents from the government tax office, confirming your income and the amount of tax that they have paid.


• Business bank account statements: - If applicants include these then applicants will need to explain why you are allowed to spend the money from a business account, if they are on a private visit.


• Proof of income from property or land: - This could include property deeds, tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, accountant's letters, land registration documents or crop receipts. If the property or land is registered in several names, the applicant will be required to explain how much he / she own it. If the money earned from the land is shared, he / she may wish to say how it is divided.

• Hotel booking confirmation (usually email)


• Travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)


• Travel agent confirmation of both


• Accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that applicants are able to stay there.

The 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.

The consular rate of exchange is £1=Rs.105. Applicants must note that the visa fees are subject to change. These fees are effective for all visa applications made from 26th November, 2013 onwards.

Note: Effective 16th December, 2013 Visa fees has to be paid online using Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards or by e-wallet (PayPal or Skrill).

It should be noted that the UK Border Agency has introduced a new Fast Track Visa Service in India. From January 2011, customers who are applying for a UK visitor visa may request a new Fast Track service. For an extra fee of Rs. 4400, the UK Border Agency will process the application and return the documents within guaranteed timescales.

Customers can request for this service only if they are applying for a visitor visa (apart from student visas) and have travelled without difficulty in the last five years to any one of the following countries: UK, Australia, US, Canada, New Zealand, or a Schengen country.

Please note that if the applicants have been refused a visa for any one of these countries or overstayed than visa to the UK or been removed or otherwise been required to leave the UK, the processing of the application is likely to take longer than the processing times set out below, and is inappropriate for the Fast Track process.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

• The Applicant’s passport should be valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom. The applicant must also attach the previous passports (if any, these are to show applicant’s previous travel history). The passport should have at least 1 page that is blank on both sides, which can be used to insert the visa.


• One visa application form filled online as mentioned above.


• One passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months). The photograph should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, with a white background, and should be pasted on the specified space of the application, not stapled to the application form.


• The application documents should be submitted along with a covering letter from the Applicant explaining the reasons of travel.


• Proof of applicant’s permission to be in the country where you are applying, if in case he / she is not a national of that country: - This could be a residence permit, 'green card' or valid visa showing applicant’s immigration status.


• Evidence of applicant’s marital status: - This could include a marriage certificate, a civil partnership certificate, a divorce certificate or a death certificate.


• Proof of applicant’s present employment or studies: - This could include:-


• A letter from applicant’s employer on company headed paper - detailing his / her salary and the length of employment, confirming that he / she have been given time off work and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid. The applicant must consider submitting further documents which could support an employment letter, such as, pay slips or tax returns documents. If the applicant has recently entered into a new employment then should consider providing details of his / her previous employment and salary history.


• A letter from applicant’s education provider on headed paper - confirming his / her enrolment and approved leave of absence.


• Business registration documents confirming the business owner's name and the date when the business started trading.


• Proof of who invited you to the UK: - A letter of invitation from the business on their official headed paper confirming the person applicant will be visiting, staying with or supported by during the tour.


• Documentary proof of any previous dealings with the UK Company that applicants are visiting. This could include any of the following: (a) business meetings, (b) email conversations, (c) company activities / invoices


• Financial and Employment Documents: Applicants can submit any of the following financial documents. They should consider including evidence of total applicant’s monthly income from all sources, for example employment, friends, family, personal savings or property. This will help the embassy authorities to assess applicant’s circumstances in his / her own country and will provide details with evidence of how the trip is to be funded. Applicants should consider providing this information even if someone else is paying for the trip.


• If someone else is paying for the trip then they should consider providing the same information about their finances and employment.


• If applicants are providing documents from a joint account then they need to explain who the other account holders are, and why they have permission to spend money from the account.


• If applicant’s spouse or partner is employed then the Entry Clearance Officer would also like to see proof of their Employment and financial details.


• Bank statements or bank books: - Describing what has been paid in and out of an account for up to the previous six months, and naming the account holder. If the applicant have made deposits in their account that are not in keeping with the account history then applicants may wish to explain the origins and timing of these deposits.


• Bank letter or balance certificate: - Confirming the account balance, the account holder's name and the date when the account was opened. If the applicant provides this document then he / she should consider providing additional documents to show the sources of the money in your account.


• Pay slips: - Applicant’s pay slips of last six months. If applicant’s salary is paid directly into the bank account, then they should consider providing the statements showing these payments.


• Tax returns (business or personal):- Applicants should include recent documents from the government tax office, confirming your income and the amount of tax that they have paid.


• Business bank account statements: - If applicants include these then applicants will need to explain why you are allowed to spend the money from a business account, if they are on a private visit.


• Proof of income from property or land: - This could include property deeds, tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, accountant's letters, land registration documents or crop receipts. If the property or land is registered in several names, the applicant will be required to explain how much he / she own it. If the money earned from the land is shared, he / she may wish to say how it is divided.

• Hotel booking confirmation (usually email)


• Travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)


• Travel agent confirmation of both


• Accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that applicants are able to stay there.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

• Visa is needed.
• The Applicant’s passport should be valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom. The applicant must also attach the previous passports (if any, these are to show applicant’s previous travel history). The passport should have at least 1 page that is blank on both sides, which can be used to insert the visa.


• One visa application form filled online as mentioned above.


• Two passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months). The photograph should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, with a white background, and should be pasted on the specified space of the application, not stapled to the application form.


• Application should be attached with a covering letter from the Shipping Company, mentioning the reasons of travel.


• Indian Seamen travelling on duty must carry a Letter of Guarantee from the Shipping Company along with the Seamen Book and passport.


• A Letter from the Shipping Agent in the UK should be sent to the High Commission, giving particulars of the Seamen, the date and port of joining the Ship.


• Indication of financial standing and funds in the form of proof of Employment and Savings (in India) and, whenever necessary, Income Tax Return statements for past three years should also be provided/needed. Itemized Bank statements for the last six months, salary slip etc., can also be added to support the application.


• If applicant’s sponsor, employer or anyone else is supporting the applicant, then applicant can show evidence of his or her (sponsor’s) immigration status in the UK. This will cover six months' itemized bank statements, payslips and evidence that they are willing to pay for applicant’s stay in the UK.


• Proof of any firm travel plans like an Air Ticket or a letter from the Travel Agent confirming the Ticket Cost Deposit etc. will be required as support documents.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

Applicants who do not wish to collect their documents in person, and whose documents cannot be collected by any one of the above, must select “return delivery” by courier during the time they make their visa application.

This visa 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. However, the permits will be issued to enable Overseas Nationals to come to the United Kingdom (UK) 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 prior to the commencement date, at the below mentioned address.

Overseas Labour Service

Department for Education and Employment

Level 5, Moorfoot, Sheffield, SI 4PQ

Tel: +44-114 259 4074

The Applicant should not visit the United Kingdom (UK) before receiving the permit. Failure to conform will result in the refusal of admission for the job.

There are certain categories of employment for which a Work Permit is not required, like:

• 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.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

• The Applicant’s passport should be valid for the entire duration of stay in the United Kingdom. The applicant must also attach the previous passports (if any, these are to show applicant’s previous travel history). The passport should have at least 1 page that is blank on both sides, which can be used to insert the visa.


• One visa application form filled online as mentioned above.


• One passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months). The photograph should be un-mounted, 45 mm x 35 mm in size, with a white background, and should be pasted on the specified space of the application, not stapled to the application form.


• The application documents should be submitted along with a covering letter from the Applicant explaining the reasons of travel.


• Proof of applicant’s permission to be in the country where you are applying, if in case he / she is not a national of that country: - This could be a residence permit, 'green card' or valid visa showing applicant’s immigration status.


• Evidence of applicant’s marital status: - This could include a marriage certificate, a civil partnership certificate, a divorce certificate or a death certificate.


• Proof of applicant’s present employment or studies: - This could include:-


• D.  A letter from applicant’s employer on company headed paper - detailing his / her salary and the length of employment, confirming that he / she have been given time off work and stating whether this time off is paid or unpaid. The applicant must consider submitting further documents which could support an employment letter, such as, pay slips or tax returns documents. If the applicant has recently entered into a new employment then should consider providing details of his / her previous employment and salary history.


• E.   A letter from applicant’s education provider on headed paper - confirming his / her enrolment and approved leave of absence.


• F.   Business registration documents confirming the business owner's name and the date when the business started trading.


• Proof of who invited you to the UK: - A letter of invitation from the business on their official headed paper confirming the person applicant will be visiting, staying with or supported by during the tour.


• Documentary proof of any previous dealings with the UK Company that applicants are visiting. This could include any of the following: (a) business meetings, (b) email conversations, (c) company activities / invoices


• Financial and Employment Documents: Applicants can submit any of the following financial documents. They should consider including evidence of total applicant’s monthly income from all sources, for example employment, friends, family, personal savings or property. This will help the embassy authorities to assess applicant’s circumstances in his / her own country and will provide details with evidence of how the trip is to be funded. Applicants should consider providing this information even if someone else is paying for the trip.


• If someone else is paying for the trip then they should consider providing the same information about their finances and employment.


• If applicants are providing documents from a joint account then they need to explain who the other account holders are, and why they have permission to spend money from the account.
• If applicant’s spouse or partner is employed then the Entry Clearance Officer would also like to see proof of their Employment and financial details.


• Bank statements or bank books: - Describing what has been paid in and out of an account for up to the previous six months, and naming the account holder. If the applicant have made deposits in their account that are not in keeping with the account history then applicants may wish to explain the origins and timing of these deposits.


• Bank letter or balance certificate: - Confirming the account balance, the account holder's name and the date when the account was opened. If the applicant provides this document then he / she should consider providing additional documents to show the sources of the money in your account.


• Pay slips: - Applicant’s pay slips of last six months. If applicant’s salary is paid directly into the bank account, then they should consider providing the statements showing these payments.


• Tax returns (business or personal):- Applicants should include recent documents from the government tax office, confirming your income and the amount of tax that they have paid.


• Business bank account statements: - If applicants include these then applicants will need to explain why you are allowed to spend the money from a business account, if they are on a private visit.


• Proof of income from property or land: - This could include property deeds, tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, accountant's letters, land registration documents or crop receipts. If the property or land is registered in several names, the applicant will be required to explain how much he / she own it. If the money earned from the land is shared, he / she may wish to say how it is divided.

• Hotel booking confirmation (usually email)


• Travel booking confirmation (can be email or copy of tickets)


• Travel agent confirmation of both


• Accommodation details with a supporting letter from the occupant confirming that applicants are able to stay there.

• Name of the course.


• Duration of the course.


• Cost of the course (including accommodation if appropriate).

• A certificate of award.


• Academic reference or transcript.

• Test result certificate (for example IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic etc).


• Certificate of award (for degrees taught in English).

• Bio-data pages from their passports.


• Valid visa or immigration stamp from their passport.


• Home Office letter confirming permission to stay in the UK.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

• The Applicant should be able to show complete details of the arrangements which have been made for the Treatment.


• This requirement should include a Medical Report and a reliable guesstimate of the likely duration and cost of the treatment.


• Sufficient evidences of ability to pay for the treatment in full.


• Evidence of sufficient funds for the maintenance and accommodation of self and any accompanying dependants in the United Kingdom.


• Proof of firm travel plans made, such as the Air-Ticket or a Letter from a Travel Agent proving that the cost of the ticket has been submitted.


• A Letter from the Employer mentioning the Applicant's designation in the Company, the duration of his / her service and granting Leave of Absence is required.


• If the Applicant is self-employed, proof of business activity and financial standing is required.

• A parent, collecting for a dependent child;


• One member of a family group, collecting the passports for the whole family;


• Government Ministry representatives and a Business Express Programme company representative, approved by the company's authorized signatories.

Applicants who do not wish to collect their documents in person, and whose documents cannot be collected by any one of the above, must select “return delivery” by courier during the time they make their visa application.

• The following members of a Family may be permitted to join relatives who are 'settled' in the UK ('settled' simplifies as the person is living in the UK lawfully, with no time limit on the stay):


• Husbands and Wives, Male and Children, Female fiancés, Grandparents, Parents, and other Relatives dependent on person / s ‘settled’ in the UK.


• Appropriate Documents which validate the relationship with the Person Settled are required, for example the Birth Certificates, photographs, Marriage Certificates, etc.


• Essential documents of the Settled Person are also required as support documents. The same 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 Applicant or the Sponsor is a National of another Member State of the European Economic Area (the member states of the Iceland and European Community, Liechtenstein and Norway), or if the Applicants may claim British citizenship or other connection with the UK through means like ancestry etc.


• Further information is available with the British Mission providing an entry authorization service for the region of current residence.