Do I need a visa for the UK?
Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a visa before
travelling to the UK. Even if you are not a visa national, you may need an
entry clearance, depending on the reason for coming to the UK. Use the
Do I Need a Visa? questionnaire to find out if you need a visa.
You will also need a visa if you
- are stateless
- hold an non-national travel document
- hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK
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Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for
me?
No, visas for the UK can be issued only at UK visa offices overseas. If your
friend/family member needs a visa, they must get it before they travel to the
UK. See Information for Sponsors for more information.
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Can somebody else apply for a visa for me overseas?
Yes, someone else can submit your application at a UK visa office overseas, but
you must sign the application form personally to show that the information
given on it is true and accurate. Your application can be refused if you give
false or misleading information, or you fail to give important relevant
information on an entry clearance application form, or to an entry clearance
officer.
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What if I don't understand English?
At many visa offices, application forms are also available in the main
language(s) of that country. There will always be staff available at the office
able to speak that language(s).
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Can I come to live permanently in the UK?
If you are not a British or European Economic Area (EEA) national and you wish
to settle permanently in the UK, you must get a visa before you travel to the
UK. For more information, see our guidance notes.
| Immigration Rules |
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Can my children join me in or travel with me to the UK?
The Rules concerning children are quite complicated, but in many cases, they
may be permitted to join you. They may need a visa before they travel to the
UK. See the Family Members guidance note for more information.
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Can I study in the UK?
The UK welcomes overseas nationals who wish to study in the UK.
For more information on how to apply for a visa to study in the UK, see the
Students guidance note. The British Council website also gives advice and
guidance.
| British Council |
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Can I work in the UK?
Visitors are not allowed to work in the UK. The majority of people coming to
the UK to work require a work permit. The Work Permits web pages have more
information.
| Working in the UK |
Some students may take employment, but with restrictions. Please read the Students guidance note for more information. There are also a number of other immigration categories that allow people to take employment in the UK, such as the Working Holidaymakers, Au Pairs , seasonal agricultural workers and other forms of permit free employment. See our guidance notes for more information.
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How do I sponsor an application?
If you wish to sponsor a visitor coming to the UK, you can find out more on the
Information for Sponsors page or in our Sponsors guidance note.
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Do I need to send my visitor a sponsorship form?
You do not need to obtain a 'sponsorship declaration' from a solicitor
or Commissioner for Oaths. However, a letter from you detailing your occupation
and salary and, if you will be financing the visit, evidence of your ability to
do so, would be helpful.
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How long will my visa be valid for?
The period for which your visa is valid is always shown on the visa placed in
your travel document. A standard visit visa is usually valid for six months,
but we also issue visit visas that are valid for 1, 2 or 5 years. All visit
visas can be used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a
maximum of 6 months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever
is shorter. If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and
how long you can stay can vary.
The visa will show the date from which it is valid. This is usually the date that it is issued. However, if you do not plan to travel immediately, you can ask for it to be post-dated for the start date to be deferred by up to three months. You must tell the entry clearance officer this when you make your application.
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How much does a UK visa cost?
You must pay a fee, usually in local currency, to the visa office when you make
your application. A fee is charged to pay for the cost of processing your
application and it is not refundable. For up-to-date information on fees in
local currency, please use the Fees link on the left hand side of this page.
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How long will my application take?
If no interview is required, your passport should be returned to the
application centre within 2-5 working days. If you need to attend interview we
aim to provide an interview within 15 working days. Unfortunately there will
invariably be times - particularly at peak travel times- when we cannot reach
these standards with all applications. Please help us to provide you with the
best possible service by allowing sufficient time for your application to be
processed. We recommend that you allow at least a month (for non-settlement)
and 3 months (for settlement).
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Can fees be refunded?
Visa fees are non-refundable and any refund can only be made in the most
exceptional circumstances. Requests for a refund should be made in writing to:
Head of Visa Services, British Embassy, 14 Wireless Road ,Pathumwan, Bangkok
10330.
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