How To Apply For UK Visa For Indians – Documents, FAQs & More

Indians who want to visit the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This visa can be obtained online and should be obtained at least three months before traveling to the United Kingdom. Indians can visit the United Kingdom as well as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland with a UK visitor visa. Here are some additional data concerning the UK visa for Indians.

Who Can Apply for UK Visa

The following is the list of applicable candidates for UK visa:

• Apply for UK visa for travelling through the country for Indian citizens
• Applicants must be older than 18 years
• Applicants below 18 years must apply for minor visa
• Purchase travel insurance to apply for UK visa
• Candidates who applied for visa three months before departure

Indian applicants eligible if applying for following types of UK visas:

• Work visa
• Study visa
• Family visa
• Transit visa

Who Does Not Require UK Visa

You will not require a UK Visa to visit the UK if you meet any of the following requirements:

• Individuals from a country in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland
• Citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, or Kuwait can get an electronic visa waiver by paying 30 pounds
• Individuals visiting the UK on official government or diplomatic business

Features of UK Visa

The features of a UK Visa are as follows:

• You can visit Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland with a UK visa.
• Standard Visitor visa can be availed for six months or 11 months.
• You can pay an extra fee to receive a decision on your UK visa application India within one or five business days.
• UK visa is available for permanent residence as well as short duration.
• Long term Standard Visitor visa can be availed for two, five, and ten years.

How to Apply for UK Visa for Indians?

The following are the steps to apply for UK visa for Indians:

• Depending on purpose of travel, select the visa type
• Enter the required details, such as:
• Applicant’s name
• Nationality
• Country of residence
• Passport number
• Marital status
• Purpose of visit
• Produce relevant documents to the concerned authority:
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel itinerary
• Photographs
• Passport details
• UK Visa invitation letter
• Schedule an appointment for visa application online
• Visit the visa application center with the required documents
• Visit the visa application center to attend the visa interview
• Provide biometric information, photograph, and scanned fingerprints

Note: Minors should be accompanied by parents or guardians for visa interview. Enter the visa details carefully, as any mismatch in details will lead to rejection of visa application.

Types of UK Visa

• UK Visitor Visa: A non-British person may enter, remain in, and transit the UK with this kind of visa. This visa is available to people going to the UK for leisure, business, medical treatment, meetings with family and friends, participation in sports, or other cultural activities.
• UK Transit Visa: A UK Transit Visa allows a foreigner to transit through the international transit sections of UK airports. This visa is of two types, namely, the Visitor in Transit visa and UK Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV).
• UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visa: This kind of visa is available to foreign citizens who have been invited by a UK-based organization or client due to their expertise in a particular subject. People who want to go independently to the UK to work for pay must apply for a UK Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.
• UK Study Visa: If a non-British person wants to study in the UK, they can apply for a UK Study Visa. Both kids and adults who want to study for a short or long time at a UK school or institution can apply for this student visa for the UK. With this visa, students can do research as part of their course requirements.
• UK Child Student Visa: Students under the age of 18 who desire to attend a school or other educational establishment in the UK must apply for a UK Study Visa. A youngster between the ages of 4 and 17 can apply for this visa. Under certain conditions, these visa holders may also work full- or part-time. The period of a UK child student visa may be extended.
• UK Short-term Study Visa: People who want to do short-term study courses in the UK, such as language or training courses, can apply for this visa. Those having a UK short-term study visa can do research as part of their education. To apply for this visa, you must be at least 16 years old. This type of UK visa is typically good for six months. It can, however, be provided for 11 months if you are enrolled in an English language course.
• UK General Student Visa: Foreign nationals may apply for this sort of visa if they wish to pursue a long-term programme of graduate or postgraduate study at a UK university. Candidates must be at least 16 years old and fluent in writing, reading, speaking, and understanding English to be eligible to apply for this visa. If the student’s program is expected to remain longer than six months, this Tier 4 visa may be extended.
• UK Work Visa: This form of UK visa allows a non-British national to work in the UK for a company. Applicants must have a minimum of 945 pounds in their bank accounts for up to 90 days before applying for this visa. To obtain a UK Work Visa, Indian applicants must also pay a healthcare cost. Dependent family members of a worker may apply for this form of visa if each of them has at least 630 pounds at the time of application. The following are the numerous categories of UK Work Visas:
• UK Short-term Work Visa: This type of visa allows an individual to work in the UK for a short duration. It is a Tier five UK visa for temporary workers and contains the following categories: Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, Seasonal Worker Visa, Creative and Sporting Visa, Religious Worker Visa, International Agreement Visa, Charity Worker Visa, and Government Authorized Exchange Visa.
• UK Long-term Work Visa: Holders of this visa can stay in the UK for a long duration. It is a Tier two visa that the UK grants to foreign individuals who wish to work in the country. General Work Visa, Intra-company Transfer Visa, Sportsperson Visa, and Minister of Religion Visa are included in this type of visa.
• UK Investor, Business Development, and Talent Visa: Foreigners who want to operate, establish, or invest in a company/business in the UK can apply for this type of visa. Investor Visitor, Exceptional Talent Visa, Innovator Visa, and Start-up Visa come under this type of visa.

Other types of work visas include Representative of an Overseas Business Visa, Exempt Vignette, Ancestry Visa, and Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa.

• UK Standard Visitor Visa: Individuals going for vacation, business, to obtain medical treatment, or to attend cultural or sports events should apply for this type of visit visa.
• UK Family Visa: Non-British nationals should apply for this kind of visa if they want to live in the UK with family members who have been there longer than six months. Family members can include a partner, spouse, parents, children, fiancé or fiancée, or a relative who need long-term care. You must pay a health fee when you apply for this UK visa.
• UK Marriage Visitor Visa: Those who intend to marry or form a civil partnership should apply for this type of visa. If a person intends to give a marriage or civil partnership notice, they may also apply for this visa. Holders of this UK visa are not permitted to stay in the country permanently after marrying or entering into a civil partnership.

Documents Required for Various UK Visas

The following is the list of documents required for specific UK visas:

• UK Standard Visitor Visa:
• For a non-Indian applicant living in India, residential address proof
• Financial documents
• Valid passports
• If applicable, submit previously issued passports
• Employment and academic details of the applicant
• Financial document of the sponsor
• For a self-employed applicant, submits documents related to registered business
• Proof of business trip, such as letter and documents from the UK business owner

UK Study Visa:

• Tuberculosis test report
• Current valid passport
• Financial stability evidence
• Certificate of English proficiency
• Documents for UK accommodation
• Documents supporting the education history of the applicant
• For the sponsor’s financial status and occupation, submit document evidence
• For a minor applicant, consent letter of legal guardian or parent
• UK Transit Visitor Visa:
• Confirmed travel booking details
• Documents proving the evidence of final destination country
• Valid passport for the final destination country- Visa, Green Card, or Residence Permit

UK Family Visa:

• Proof of financial stability
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Valid passport
• If applicable, submit previously issued passports
• Immigration application details if submitted previously
• UK accommodation evidence

UK Work Visa:

• Report of criminal conviction, if applicable
• Proof of financial stability
• Current valid passport
• Credential of applicant’s sponsorship certificate
• Previously issued certificate
• Certificate of English proficiency
• Tuberculosis report of the applicants

UK Visa For Indians Photo Requirements

The following are the requirements for uploading photo for Indians applying for UK visa:

• Dimension of photo should be 35mm x 45mm
• Facial expression should be neutral
• Photo background should be light grey or basic cream
• Recent photograph should be taken
• Spectacles should be worn by the applicant only under specific medical condition while taking the photograph
• Photo should not have red-eye effect
• Photo of the applicant should look direct to the camera lens
• Headgear is allowed only under religious purposes

UK Visa Validity

UK Visa Fees

The application fees for various types of UK visas are mentioned in the table below:

Note: General Student Visa applicants must pay a health surcharge when applying for a UK visa online.

UK Visa Fee Exemptions

Individuals applying for a UK visa on the grounds of their personal circumstances may be excluded from paying visa fees under the following conditions:

Undefined

• An applicant who is earning a low income and paying visa fees might have an impact on their child’s well-being.
• Applicants who do not have a residence or the resources to afford one.
• Applicants who have a residence but cannot pay for food and other expenses.

Duration of Stay

• You can stay up to six months on a tourist visa. Apart from this, you can also extend your stay if you come to the UK for medical treatment purposes by paying additional charges. You can even extend your visa duration if you are in the UK for attending an academic program.

Long term visitor visa

• You can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa with a duration of two, five, or 10 years if you need to stay longer in the nation. During each visit, you can stay for a maximum of six months.

UK Student Visa

The steps to apply for a UK student visa is mentioned below –

Step 1: Registering with a Consultancy

Before starting the visa application process, the student must first register with a consultancy for admission. Your consultant will walk you through each step, making it simpler for you to navigate while studying abroad.

Step 2: Applying for Admission

The consultant can help UK students apply to their preferred school, college, or academic institution. The consultant will require academic credentials and English competency proof from the student. Students requesting visas must show all checklist items. The consultant can submit the application and notify you of its status. The consultant contacts the university on behalf of the student to expedite application processing.

Step 3: Payment of Tuition Fee

To apply for a visa, you must pay tuition to the school and have it recognise it. The first semester’s expenses are usually the only ones charged. Students can pay tuition by Direct Debit or Telegraphic Transfer. The consultant will send an electronic enrollment confirmation after the university receives and processes the tuition fee. After confirmation, the applicant must give the consultant all relevant papers for verification.

Step 4: Lodging Your Visa Application

To lodge the student’s visa application, the documents specified in the checklist provided by the consultant must be submitted. Similar to the admissions process, the consultant will keep the applicant informed about the status of their application and track it by communicating with the visa office on their behalf.

Step 5: Undertaking Medical Examinations

After submitting your visa application, you must have a medical exam within 28 days. The test must be overseen by a UK-approved doctor. After the medical exam, the doctor will send all documentation and medical reports to the visa office. Your consultant will notify you of the results. Obtain a grant letter from your consultant after receiving a visa, then plan your travel and lodging in the country.

Why Does a Visa Application Get Denied?

The following are the reasons why a visa application can get denied:

• If any documents are missing
• If an applicant has criminal background
• If wrong type of visa is applied
• If the documents submitted are fake
• If the applicant fails to provide sufficient documents to proof that applicant has sufficient fund to support their stay in UK

Can I Appeal Against Visa Denial?

Yes, you can appeal against visa denial if you feel that the reason for application rejection is not justified. The following are the steps to appeal for denial:

• Fill in the Form IAFT-2 to apply for visa denial
• Submit the duly filled form to the UK Immigration and Asylum Chambers
• The relevant documents will be then forwarded to the concerned authorities
• Applicant will not be notified in writing once the decision has been made about visa denial

What Should a UK Visa Holder Know?

The following is the list of points that should be remembered by UK visa holders:

• Visa type applied for notifies the visa authorities about who has the access to visit the country and stay for either permanently or temporarily
• The visa also notifies the authorities whether the visa has expired or not and who needs to exit the UK borders
• The visa also notifies the authorities about those candidates who cannot enter the country
• The type of visa applied for comes with various restrictions, which should be followed by the applicants

Countries You can Travel with UK Visa

UK visa provides visit access to 36 countries and several territories for Indians. The following is the list of countries that Indians can visit using UK visa:

• Albania
• Armenia
• British Territory of Anguilla
• Bahamas
• British Territory of Bermuda
• British Territory of Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Dominican Republic
• Egypt
• Georgia
• Ireland
• Jordan
• Montenegro
• Mexico
• Morocco
• Oman
• Panama
• Peru
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Serbia
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates

Significant Points to Remember about UK Visa for Indians

The following is the list of significant points that should be remembered about UK visa for Indians:

• Applicants below 18 years of age must apply under Minor category for UK visa
• Visa application for student and child student visa must be submitted six months before the course starts
• Indian citizen must apply for relevant UK visa as India is not under the visa-exempted list
• It is mandatory to purchase travel insurance to opt for UK visa for Indians
• Uk visa must be applied before three months of intended visit which is applicable for Indian citizens and for all visa types.

FAQs on UK Visa

1. How to apply for a UK Visa online?

You can apply for a UK visa online by visiting the UK Embassy’s official website and selecting the type of visa you want to apply for based on your expected travel to the country. Pay visa fees online based on the type of visa requested. Submit the relevant documents online and make an appointment for the visa interview at the visa application facility. Visit the facility, finish the interview process, and wait for the UK visa to be approved.

2. How many months prior to the travel should I apply for a UK Visa?

You can apply for a UK visa three months before your intended travel date.

3. Can I apply for the UK Visa myself?

Yes, you can apply as many times as possible if your UK visa gets rejected depending on your eligibility.

4. Do I need to purchase flight tickets for my UK Visa application?

No, confirmed flight tickets are not required for applying for a UK visa application. But confirmed travel booking details are required for applying for transit visitor visa.

5. What is the eligibility for a short-term UK Standard Visitor Visa and long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The return date at the end of the trip; financial proof to support your stay and any dependents throughout the trip; financial proof to fund onward or return flight; and proof of business or other activities in the UK are all required for a short-term UK standard tourist visa. While proof of frequent and ongoing need to enter the UK; proof of leaving the nation after each visit; and reason to demonstrate why you need to visit the UK regularly are required for long-term UK standard visitor visa.

6. Do I need to show my old passport when I apply?

Yes, you need to show an old passport when you apply for a new one if the old passport has a history of previous foreign travel. This is direct evidence of good travel history that will speed up the process of UK visa application.

7. What is the UK Visa fees for Indian citizens?

The UK visa fees for six months short-term visa, two years long-term, five years long-term, and 10 years long-term visas are Rs.10,299, Rs.34,649, Rs.61,749, and Rs.76,999, respectively.

8. Do I need to take health or travel insurance?

Travel or health insurance is necessary while you make a foreign trip as it would cover unpredictable expenditures. Health insurance can be beneficial in case you need an urgent medical treatment while in the UK, as the treatment cost is much higher in this country.

9. How to track the UK Visa status?

UK visa application status cannot be tracked online through UK Visas and Immigration website. The applicants can track their application status only through phone or email service of the UK Visas and Immigration by paying a minimum charge.

10. How long can I stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?

You can stay for six months and access multiple entries in the UK using Standard Visitor Visa. You can even stay up to two, five or 10 years by applying for long-term UK visa and access six months multiple entries to the country.

11. Is UK Visit Visa also called as UK Standard Visitor Visa

Yes, the UK Visit visa, also known as the UK Standard Visitor visa, permits visitors to enter the nation for a variety of reasons, including tourism, work, visiting family and friends, education, academic conferences, business meetings, sports events, and medical treatments.