UK Visa Application Form

UK Visa Application Form

UK Visa System Explained
By John Bregar

The UK Points Based System was introduced by the UK Border Agency in 2008 as a way of regulating UK immigration; assessing whether a person is eligible to apply for a UK visa for work or study purposes. The system was split into five main categories (known as tiers), each have their own separate criteria and requirements. A brief summary of each tier is explained below, which will help get you on the right track for submitting a successful visa application.

• Tier 1 (Highly Skilled Workers) - This allows those with high skill set to live in the UK on the basis of work or self-employment opportunities. This includes entrepreneurs, investors, international graduates seeking to remain after their studies; or exceptional talented world leaders. This category does not require the migrant to have sponsor, which is a real advantage. This visa can lead to settled status (indefinite leave to remain)

• Tier 2 (Job Offer Secured) - Any person applying for a Tier 2 visa must have a skilled job offer from a UK employer; to take up a job in the UK that cannot be filled by a settled worker. For this application to be successful, your UK employer will require a valid sponsorship license.This is required by all employers that deal with UK immigration cases, and allows them to create a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for that person to undertake a specific role. However some applications will be subjected to the UK Government quota (immigration cap). Tier 2 is also split into subcategories which include general, intra-company transfer, sportsperson and minister of religion. Similar to the Tier 1 visa, certain subcategories of Tier 2 also offer route to permanent residence in the UK.

• Tier 3 (Low Skilled Workers) - This category is for those who have been offered employment in the UK for a low skilled job. As with Tier 2, the UK employer must hold a valid sponsorship licence. However, at this time of writing,Tier 3 has been suspended for an indefinite period. The UK Border Agency believes that these labour needs can be met from within the European Economic Area (EEA). However, it is always important to keep updated with news on Tier 3 visas, as this could change in the future. Unlike Tier 1 and 2 visas, Tier 3 will not lead towards settlement and does not provide an opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

• Tier 4 (Students) - This is for international students who have a confirmed offer to study within the UK via an approved education provider. For many, this will involve moving to the UK to study at a university, studying in a UK school or students on work experience courses or placements. The educational institution must also hold a valid sponsorship licence. The length of this visa will be dependent on length of the studies and can be applied for from within the UK or overseas. In some cases time spent in the UK on Tier 4 can lead towards settlement (on the basis of 10 years long residence, for example).

• Tier 5 (Temporary Workers) - This final tier is a temporary category, for individuals who are looking to take part in a working holiday or cultural exchange in the UK. This allows certain nationalities into the UK for specified period of time and has replaced the 'Working Holidaymaker' scheme. This visa applies for a wide variety of people, looking to enter the UK for a short period of time and could include athletes, musicians, charity workers, religious workers or as part of an international agreement. Similar to Tier 3, Tier 5 cannot be used towards an application for settlement or indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Know More About UK immigration

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Bregar


UK Visa - The Easy Way to Apply
By CL Hendricks

If you plan to visit the United Kingdom, you will most likely need a visa. Your visa is a document that is placed in your passport, which allows you to enter the United Kingdom for a certain amount of time.

It is not difficult to obtain a British visa, but you do have to have all of your documents completed correctly. First, be sure your passport is not expired or damaged. Then, be sure of your exact travel plans, including dates and addresses.

The easiest way to apply for your visa is by filling out an online form. You will need to create a username, password, and provide your email address to get started. Then you can fill out the application over time and save your work, or just do it all at once.

There are different types of British visa forms, and they vary based on the purpose of your visit. If you plan to study in the United Kingdom, there is a special form. Likewise, if you are going there for work, there is another. If you are going on a family trip, every member of the family must make a separate application.

There are two ways to fill out the appropriate forms: by hand or online. Either way, you will have to appear at a visa application center in your country. There are 129 authorized centers in the United States.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will have to furnish your documentation, including your passport and additional photos. Currently, all applicants who are US citizens must use the online application. They also have to submit to a biometric fingerscan.

Once you are approved for your visa, you can stay in the United Kingdom for the specified time length. When your visa expires, you can apply for an extension or simply leave the country.

The UK visa application form is easy to complete as long as you stay organized and follow the instructions. If any problems or questions arise, use the Internet, which will be your best resource throughout the process.

C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel destinations around the world for Vacation Things to Do and How to Get a Passport

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CL_Hendricks

Tips to Get a UK Visitor's Visa
By Owen Jones

Obtaining a visitor's visa to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ( the UK), is a daunting and usually difficult task. I also think it is more difficult to get a visitor's visa to the UK from some countries than others and therefore for some nationalities than others, although this is not admitted official UK government policy. Poorer people from poorer countries definitely have a harder time convincing UK embassy staff to grant a visitor's visa to the UK. This is not their personal vendetta, but a reflection of government policy, which, in turn, is supposed to be a reflection of the opinion of the majority of the population of the UK. It is a good idea to bear this in mind when dealing with the embassy staff regarding a UK visa application for yourself or a friend.

It is worth pointing out here that a British (UK) visitor's visa is valid for six months and multiple entries into the UK, although in practice, the first visa to be granted will usually be limited by a note pinned into the visitor's passport. For example, if you have applied for a UK visitor's visa to visit friends for the month of, say, March, you would be granted a multiple entry, 180 day UK visitor's visa with a letter, signed by yourself, pinned into your passport, which states that you wish to visit the UK from March 1st to March 31st and that you will not attempt to extend that stay. The visa also precludes you from access to UK 'public funds' - social security, unemployment benefit, et etcetera.

Most people are refused a UK visitor's visa the first time because they do not have a strong enough, valid reason for going to the UK. If the reason is to visit a lover, then you have a far better chance if you can prove that you have had a 'continuing relationship' for at least six months. At this stage of the proceedings, all your efforts should be directed at validating the reason for your visit or proving your relationship.

I will concentrate on providing evidence of a continuing relationship. Most applicants for a UK visitor's visa from poorer countries will need a sponsor. This is usually an employer or a lover. Obviously, immigration stamps in a passport can prove how long it is possible that a couple could have known each other, but you will need more evidence than that. A letter from a friend, employer or relative stating when you met can help. However, you should keep all correspondence, telephone bills, bank statements (recording ATM transactions), restaurant receipts, theatre tickets, train and bus tickets, even menus and photos. In fact, anything that can help establish that you are having the relationship that you claim you are having and that you have had it for at least six months.

You could then obtain the application form (VAF 1,4) either by writing to or visiting the nearest British Embassy or Consulate or downloading it from the Internet. Most UK embassy sites provide excellent advice on what is required or recommended to put in the envelope with your UK visitor's visa application form, but it will include: two colour, passport-size photos; the application fee (about £48) in local currency; the applicant's passport; proof of the applicant's address; proof of a continuing relationship of at least six months; the sponsor's letter; proof of the sponsor's means of support; proof of the sponsor's accommodation and possibly, the sponsor's passport to prove entry stamps.

The sponsor is, therefore, the key to making a successful (first) attempt at obtaining a UK visitor's visa. The sponsor has to be prepared to act as guarantor for the applicant and the embassy staff will want to be able to check the sponsor's ability to take care of the applicant. This means that the sponsor has to provide a letter from his/her employer proving continued, stable employment and/or a bank book, proving that he/she has enough money to provide what he/she has pledged on the UK visa application form; and proof of accommodation in the form of paid council tax bills, property deeds or a letter from the mortgage provider. Proof of marital status does not seem to be an issue for the sponsor or the visa applicant, although the question is asked of the latter.

Some visa applicants are refused for apparently strange reasons such as: 'the applicant has never left the country before' - this is easier for some to remedy than others. 'the applicant has not displayed a strong enough economic or social bond to the country' - meaning that they do not trust him/her to return to his/her native country. A letter from a relative, proof of children and a letter from the applicant's employer can help, although proof of children is not considered a compelling social reason to return! Proof of property ownership is useful.

It is better to take your time instead of rushing the UK visitor's visa application. Make sure you have a valid reason for wanting to visit the UK and then make sure you can validate everything you say. Treat the UK visitor's application as if you were a barrister - back up everything you say with evidence or a letter. Run through your 'story' until the applicant has it word perfect (they will not want to see the sponsor and sometimes, he/she is not even allowed to wait on the UK embassy compound). The applicant will be required to attend an interview the first time and this can be held in English or the applicant's native tongue. The UK visitor's visa will normally be available for collection the next day.

Hint: apply for more time than you need as the UK visitor's visa runs from the day it is granted, but you may not be able to get a flight straight away. You will probably also be required to return to the issuing UK embassy when you arrive back to have the UK visitor's visa cancelled; after all, it is a multiple entry, 180-day visa that could be used to return to the UK without the sponsor's knowledge, so try not to arrive back on a Saturday unless you want a holiday in the capital.

And lastly a warning: don't be tempted to lie - it's not worth it!

Written by Owen Jones of How to get a UK Visa
Read more at: http://how-to-get-a-uk-visa.the-real-way.com
You may reproduce this article where you wish but only in its entirety and with this resource box.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Owen_Jones

Personal experience: go to the UK visa application form more ...
12 Nov 2009 by admin
Remember, I have filled in application forms for foreign visas are generally 2,3 pages, the largest is ten pages, only one country is very special, and that is the United Kingdom. UK student visa application form total number of pages?
Education Information, News, Sources - http://www.21eduinfo.com/

All about UK Visa Applications and More
23 Dec 2009 by Scott King
A UK visa application form is available on the British government website, where you will find comprehensive details on all the different visa categories. Depending on the category you wish to apply for, make a checklist of all the ...
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The First Pint » Pissed off in London: Rants by an angry Russian
18 Nov 2009 by The First Pint
I'm not sure how many of you have seen a Home Office UK Visa application form, so I'll give you an idea. The whole page 6 repeats in all sharps and flats one very important question: “Are you a terrorist? No, really, are you? ...
The First Pint - http://www.thefirstpint.co.uk/ - References

5 Common Mistakes When Applying for a UK Visa - Immigration Forum ...
28 Aug 2009 by example@example.com (UKMigration)
Take this real question from a UK Visa application form: Real Form Example: “What is your marital status?” You mark “Divorced/Dissolved Partnership” and move on to the next question, not realising you'll be required to present ...
Immigration Forum Discussions about Visa... - http://www.visa-talk.com/

uk visa application form
16 Sep 2009
simply fill the visa application form and you get the best service for us. comments.
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uk visa application form
23 Aug 2009 by admin
the uk visa application form is required for all visitors to the united kingdom, with the exception of applicants who fall under the visa waiver program laws. whether or not you need a visa to visit the united kingdom depends upon 3 ...
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re – How to avoid UK visa application mistakes ...
25 Aug 2008 by Admin
As simple as Gozney's reasons for the rejection of visa applications appear, Odozi believes that the UK visa application form is strewn with landmines and regrets that many people make the mistake of filling it in a hurry – some right ...
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Tier 1 general visa for newborn baby in U.K - UK Resident ...
3 Mar 2009
... uk newborn visa, VISA for child born to tier-1 dependant, general baby forum, tier1 general visa forums, tier 1 visa for my new born, uk visa application form for dependent baby, I am applying for my new born baby dependant visa, ...
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Can a Thai Bar girl Get a visa? | Refused A UK Visa
8 Apr 2008
... giving as much information about the UK sponsor and the Thai bar girl, and we will contact you to inform you what you will need to do before making the final application. UK Visa Application Form. About the Sponsor; Sponsors Name ...
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The insane process of filling out the online UK Visa Application Form
13 Feb 2009 by admin
I have to travel to London next month, and started the usual visa application process. I've grown accustomed to filling these out, as I usually go through the visa process of some country every few months. The Schengen visa application ...
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