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  • What is a visa?

    A visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document that gives you permission to enter the United Kingdom (UK). On arrival in the UK a Border Force officer may check that you are here for the reasons you have stated. Passengers will also have their fingerprints scanned at border control to verify that the individual entering the UK is the same person who gave their biometric data when they applied for their visa. In the majority of cases the passenger's right hand thumb and first finger will be used for the check. For more information about what you might expect on arrival in the UK please visit the UK Border Agency website.

  • When to apply

    You can apply 3 months in advance of your intended date of travel to the UK. Applicants are strongly advised not to confirm their travel arrangements to come to the UK until they have received their visa.

  • How to apply

    There are 8 steps to complete the visa application process. You are advised to read through the application steps set out below before you make your visa application so you are clear about the procedure and requirements.

    Step 1 - Check if you need a visa

    Use the 'Do I need a visa' guide on the UK Border Agency website to see if you need a visa. If you need a visa you should follow the steps outlined below.

    Step 2 - Read the information on your visa category

    Before you decide to apply for a visa please make sure you familiarize yourself with the information on the visa category you are applying for. Quick links to information on visa categories and other helpful information can be found on the 'Visa Information' page on this website. You may also want to read the Immigration Rules as your visa application will need to meet these requirements.

    Step 3 - Complete your visa application form

    You should submit 1 visa application for each individual applying for a visa, including children. Please ensure that you select the correct visa application for the purpose of your visit

    • Download the appropriate visa application form from the UK Border Agency website
    • You should print your completed visa application form on good quality paper and ensure that the information does extend beyond the margins on the paper.
    • Complete the application form in English and sign it.
    • Ensure that you complete all the sections correctly. If you make a mistake in filling in any of the sections you will need to make the change on the form and sign against it.

    Step 4 - Prepare your documents

    Supporting documents & checklists

    Information on supporting documents and checklists are available on the UK Border Agency website.

    Original documents

    You must provide original documents with a photocopy for each original supporting document you are submitting. Failure to submit original documents may mean your visa application is delayed or refused.

    Translations

    If you want the UK Border Agency visa officer to consider your visa application you should provide translations of any supporting documents that are not in English. Any translated documents need to be submitted with the original document for verification. The translated documents must include details the translator's name and confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document. It must also be dated and include the original signature of the translator.

    You should submit the following

    • A valid passport or refugee travel document that contains at least 1 blank page on both sides so the visa can be inserted.
    • Your completed and signed visa application form
    • Supporting documents relevant to the category you are applying for with copy of each original document.
    • 1 recent passport-sized (45mm high x 35mm wide) colour photograph of yourself. The photograph should be (see example below):
     
    1. Taken against a light grey or cream background. It should be in sharp focus, clear and of good quality, free from shadows.
    2. Printed on normal photographic paper.
    3. Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons. The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding, looking straight ahead.
    4. The photograph should be a recent true likeness and taken within the last 6 months.


    Note : We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirments

    More information on photograph requirements can be found on the UK Border Agency website.

    Step 5 - Pay your visa application fee

    Please see the 'visa application fee' page on this website for information about how to pay your visa application fee.

    Step 6 - Visit the visa application centre

    All visa applicants (apart from exempt categories and children under 5 years) must apply in person at the visa application centre to submit their biometric data. Although exempt categories and children under 5 do not need to attend the visa application centre, they will need to complete a visa application form. If you refuse to submit your biometric data, your visa application cannot be processed. Applicants under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult when giving their biometrics; this cannot be a member of the visa application centre staff. Biometric data cannot be taken for visa applicants under the age of 16 who are unaccompanied. A visa application can only be processed after your biometric data has been taken.

    Appointments

    If you wish to make a student visa application you will need to make an appointment before attending the visa application centre in Colombo. There is no appointment system for other visa categories

    Important note: You will not be able to submit further documents after you have submitted your application at the visa application. The documents you submit at the time you made your application are the only documents that can be considered.

    The visa application centre address and opening hours can be found on the 'Contact Us' page of this website.

    Biometric data collection

    Biometric data collection means that we will take your digital fingerscan (all 10 digits) and a digital photograph. The fingerscan procedure uses an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical is used. You should ensure that your fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (for example, henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable fingerscans. Your digital photograph must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes. We cannot process your visa if you do not submit your biometric data.

    Step 7 - Wait for a decision

    Wait for a decision on your visa application. Please refer to the "Guide to processing times" page on this website for more information on our processing times in Sri Lanka. You can use this information as a guide to the UK Border Agency's recent performance, although it cannot be a guarantee of your individual visa application processing time. You can also use the free 'track your application' facility on this website to find out the progress of your visa application, or use the SMS text service (fee payable) to receive texts about the progress of your visa application. Visa applications are assessed individually and processing times may vary.

    Interview procedures

    Exceptionally, you may be asked to attend an interview. UK Border Agency visa staff reserve the right to make decisions based on the information and documents submitted with the application. It is essential that you submit all relevant documents with your application. If an interview is required you will be offered the first available interview date. Children aged between 10 and 14 may be interviewed, but this would only be in the presence of a responsible adult. Children aged over 14 may be interviewed alone.

    Step 8 - Collect the decision on your visa

    You can use the SMS or visa application tracking service to tell you when your documents are ready for collection from the visa application centre, or you can telephone the VFS helpline. You can collect the decision on your visa and documents from the visa application centre. Please see the 'Contact Us' page on this website for more information on collection times. A nominated person can also collect your documents on your behalf. Your nominated person will need to provide a letter of authority to collect your documents. It must be signed by you and they must carry photo identity (such as a national identity card or passport).

    If you are issued a visa, please check it. You should make sure that:

    • your personal details are correct
    • it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
    • it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately).

    If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, please contact the visa application centre immediately.

    If you have any questions please visit see the 'Frequently Asked Questions' page on the UK Border Agency website.


  • Using agents and fraud

    You may decide to submit your application using an independent travel agent, immigration agent or consultant. These agents will charge for their services.

    You should be careful when dealing with agents who make unrealistic claims. Agents cannot guarantee that they will be able to obtain a work or study visa for you. They cannot guarantee that your application will be resolved without an interview. They cannot guarantee the outcome of a visa application. They may be cheating you if they make these claims.

    Many agents charge expensive fees for their services - often many times the actual cost of the visa. If an agent charges you anything more than a small and reasonable service charge, they may be overcharging you or they may be supplying you with false documents and statements. Visa officers will detect false documents and statements, and your visa application will be refused. If you provide false information, documents or passports in support of your visa application, you will be refused a visa and all future applications could be refused for up to 10 years. You may also be prosecuted and could face a fine or even go to prison.

    Remember the visa application is your application. You are the owner of the information and any supporting documentation. A genuine agent will only be able to help you to complete the form and advise you what supporting documents you need to include. If you are suspicious, take advice from VFS. If you consider that you have been lied to or cheated by an agent, then you should report the matter to the police.
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