United Kingdom Archives - Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country https://visa-consulate.com/tag/united-kingdom/ Visa Information For Any Country Thu, 28 Sep 2023 22:59:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://visa-consulate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-VISA-CONSULATE-FAVICON-150x150.jpg United Kingdom Archives - Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country https://visa-consulate.com/tag/united-kingdom/ 32 32 British-Irish Visa Scheme https://visa-consulate.com/europe-visa/ireland-visa/british-irish-visa-scheme/ Sat, 29 Oct 2022 10:16:06 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=2740 The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa) is an agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom which allows foreign nationals to enter either country without having to get a visa if they already hold a valid visa for the other country. What this means is: If you are in Ireland with a valid Irish visa and want...

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The British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa) is an agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom which allows foreign nationals to enter either country without having to get a visa if they already hold a valid visa for the other country.

What this means is: If you are in Ireland with a valid Irish visa and want to travel from there to the United Kingdom, you will not have to apply for a separate UK visa – you can enter the UK with your Ireland visa. Reciprocally, UK visa holders can enter Ireland without having to get an Irish visa.

The British-Irish Visa Scheme is a follow up of the Irish Visa Waiver Programme (see below), which allows certain UK visa holders to enter Ireland without a separate Irish visa.

However, the British-Irish Visa Scheme and the Irish Visa Waiver Programme are not available to all visa-required foreign nationals.

Who is eligible for the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa)?

Only nationals of India and China, who are living in India and China respectively, are eligible for the BIVS Visa.

In addition:

  • You can only utilize the British-Irish Visa Scheme if you hold a short stay visa for either country.
  • Minors (under 18) can travel via the Scheme only if they are accompanied by an adult who is eligible.
  • Your visa must have the coding “BIVS” for you to be allowed to use the Scheme.

UK visas eligible for the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa)

You are eligible for the British-Irish Visa Scheme if you have one of the following UK visas:

  • Any UK short-stay visitor visa which is valid for a maximum of 6 months.
  • Permitted Paid Engagement visa

If you have a UK visa which allows you to stay in the country for longer than six months, you will not be allowed to use the British-Irish Visa Scheme.

This means that if you are an Indian or Chinese national who has a long-stay visa for the UK, such as Student Visa or Work Visa, you still need a separate visa to travel to Ireland.

Ireland visas eligible for the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS Visa)

You are eligible for the British-Irish Visa Scheme if you have one of the following Ireland visas:

  • Any Irish short stay “C” visa (either single- or multiple-entry), with the purpose of:
    • Tourism
    • Visit (family/friends)
    • Business
    • Conference or event

How to apply for the BIVS Visa?

There is no specific BIVS visa application. You have to apply for the short-stay visa of the country in which you are travelling to first. Then, you can use your BIVS-endorsed visa to travel to the other country.

So, if you will travel to Ireland first and then the UK, you will need to apply for an Irish visa, and vice-versa.

As such, depending on the country you are travelling to first, follow the visa application process as described here:

  • Ireland Visa application process
  • UK Visa application process

Requirements for the BIVS Visa

Seeing as you have to apply for either an Ireland visa or a UK visa, the requirements for the visa differ depending on the country.

  • See the requirements for an Ireland visa here.
  • See the requirements for a UK visa here.

How long is the BIVS visa valid?

The validity of your BIVS-endorsed visa depends on the country who issued the visa and the country you are in.

For example, an Ireland short stay visa is only valid for a maximum of 90 days, whereas a UK short stay visa is valid for a maximum of 180 days.

Therefore, even if you have a UK visa valid for six months, once you enter Ireland, you cannot stay longer than 90 days.

Similarly, if you have an Ireland visa issued for 90 days and you spend half of those in Ireland before traveling to the UK, you can only stay in the UK for the number of days you have remaining on your Irish visa, no longer.

This means that regardless of how many valid days you have on your visa (either Irish or British), you will have to split them as you wish.

Additionally, you can travel between the countries without having to apply for a re-entry visa, provided that the visa you have is multiple-entry. If you have a single-entry visa, you cannot re-enter the country after you leave.

Irish Visa Waiver Programme

Through the Irish Visa Waiver Programme, nationals of certain countries (listed below) who are UK visa holders can enter Ireland without having to apply for a separate Irish visa.

The conditions of the Irish Visa Waiver Programme are:

  • You must be a national and resident of one of the countries listed on the table below.
  • You must have a valid UK short stay visa and Leave to Remain for up to 180 days.
  • Your visit to Ireland must not be longer than the remaining days on your UK visa.
    • Additionally, a UK visa is valid for 180 days, whereas an Irish visa is valid for 90 days. You can only stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days, regardless of the validity of your UK visa. In any case, it is an Immigration Officer in the Ireland port of entry who decides how long you can stay.
  • You can return home from either country, Ireland or the UK.

Keep in mind:

The Irish Visa Waiver Programme is not reciprocal, like the BIVS. You cannot travel to the UK with a valid Irish visa, even if you are from one of the eligible countries.

Who is eligible for the Irish Visa Waiver Programme?

You are only eligible to use the Irish Visa Waiver Programme if you are from one of the following countries:

BahrainBelarusBosnia and HerzegovinaIndia
KazakhstanKuwaitMontenegroOman
The People’s Republic of ChinaQatarRussian FederationSaudi Arabia
SerbiaThailandTurkeyUkraine
United Arab EmiratesUzbekistan  

You are not eligible for the Irish Visa Waiver Programme, even if you are from one of those countries, if:

  • You are the holder of a UK long stay visa, such as a family reunification, student, or work visa.
  • You have a UK Transit visa.
  • You want to marry or enter a civil partnership.

How to apply for the Irish Visa Waiver Programme?

You cannot specifically apply for the Irish Visa Waiver Programme. You become eligible for the program if you are in one of the categories mentioned above and you obtain a short-stay UK visa.

Therefore, to be able to utilize the Irish Visa Waiver Programme, you will need to apply for a UK short stay visa, as described here.

Requirements of the Irish Visa Waiver Programme

As mentioned, there is no specific procedure through which you can apply for the Irish Visa Waiver Programme. To be able to use the program, you will have to apply for a UK short stay visa, therefore, you have to follow the UK visa requirements set by the British Government.

Using a UK visa to enter Ireland from a third country

You can only use the UK visa to enter Ireland from a third country (such as your home country) if:

  • You have already entered the UK using the short stay visa at least once, before departing.
  • Your UK leave to remain and short stay visa are still valid.

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UK Visa Extension https://visa-consulate.com/europe-visa/united-kingdom-visa/uk-visa-extension/ Sat, 29 Oct 2022 10:14:41 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=5361 What is a UK Leave to Remain? Having been granted a UK visa simply means that your entry and your stay for a specific time in the UK are guaranteed. This also entails that your return into your home country should happen early enough before your existing entry visa period expires. In other cases than that, you...

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What is a UK Leave to Remain?

Having been granted a UK visa simply means that your entry and your stay for a specific time in the UK are guaranteed. This also entails that your return into your home country should happen early enough before your existing entry visa period expires. In other cases than that, you must make an additional visa application, through which you will require remaining in the UK for a longer period, beyond that given by your current visa.

Typically the additional period of stay must come as a need for the same purpose you required to enter the country of the UK. Yet, there are exceptions since some UK entry visa types allow the holder to switch into other visa types – because the reason for requiring further leave (additional period of visa) might change from the reason you came to the UK. But yet, this entails additional requirements and procedures.

When you want to stay longer in the UK, beyond the existing entry visa period, you will be asked to make an application to get a temporary visa known as a leave to remain.

Yet again, being so lucky to get granted with a leave to remain, your permanent stay in the UK will not be decided, as even this visa can only offer a temporary period of stay for the holder.

With a leave to remain, as opposed to an entry visa, you are allowed to require an additional period of stay in the UK. This process is known as applying for further leave to remain or visa extension.

Which Visas Can be Extended?

Nearly all the UK visa types have an option for extension. However, the person has to make sure not to fail complying with specific conditions and of requirements.

The rule excludes Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa, as this visa type cannot be extended further. The greatest period one can stay in the UK with an entry visa in this category is 2 years, and if they wish to stay longer in the UK, they must return to their home country and reapply.

Also, a Turkish Worker period of visa cannot be extended further. The holders of this visa, therefore, must return home at the end of the visa period.

What are the requirements for extension of a Leave to Remain?

When you decide to apply for an extension you must make sure you comply with several situations:

  • You must require extension in the same visa type you currently have
  • You should apply for an extension at least 8 weeks before the existing visa period exceeds
  • You must have not been part of any criminal activity or you must have not brake any UK law or Immigration law during the entire period of stay in the UK
  • You have to provide the biometric information – such as the fingerprints and recent photographs for yourself and any depended when applying for the extension
  • You must have not been in breach of immigration laws while having a valid UK visa

You can stay in the UK until the decision about extension is taken, but only if you have applied within the visa period.

Required documents to apply for a Leave to Remain

Required documents to apply for an extension are the following:

  • A duly complete application form for the visa extension (of the particular visa you want to extend)
  • Certificate of birth of the children (if a child is applying with you as your dependent)
  • Certificate of marriage (if a family member applying with you as your dependent)
  • Documents regarding your education
  • Documents you have applied to get your leave to remain
  • The existing passport
  • Proof of having enough maintenance funds for yourself and any dependent
  • The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if required)
  • The Police Registration Certificate (If required)
  • Tuberculosis test results (if required)
  • Two recently made photographs (check for UK photographs specifics)
  • Paid healthcare surcharge (if required)

How to Apply for a UK Visa Extension?

You can both apply from inside or out of the UK when requiring for your visa period to be extended.

When in the UK you can either:

  • Apply online through standard, priority service
  • Apply in person at the premium service Centre – to get the same-day decision on your application

When outside of the UK:

  • Send the application dossier by post office to the address written in the application form

The Length of the Visa Extension

You will be allowed to get an extension of your leave to remain for staying longer in the UK based on your personal circumstances and your ability to cope with the application requirements.

Yet, there is a boundary as regards of the maximum period a visa extension can be offered.

This maximum period allowable for any visa type is presented as in the following:

  • Tier 1 Entrepreneur – maximum 2 years
  • Tier 1 Exceptional Talent – maximum 5 years
  • Tier 2 Sportsperson – maximum 3 years and 14 days
  • Tier 5 Temporary Worker – Charity Worker – maximum 1 year, or 2 weeks after the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less)
  • Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting)
    • Creative worker: maximum 1 year, or 2 weeks after the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship, the time required to extend the stay up to 2 years (whichever is less)
    • Sportsperson: maximum 1 year, or 2 weeks after the end of the period of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less)
  • Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange)
  • Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – International Agreement) – with some exceptions, this visa can be extended up to 6 years
  • Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Religious Worker) – maximum 2 years, or 2 weeks following the end of period of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less)
  • For a UK work visa
  • For researching, for participating in a training or overseas government language program: 2 years the most, or, 2 weeks following the end of the certificate of sponsorship (whichever is less).
  • A Turkish Businessperson Visa – maximum 3 years (if working in the same business) and if lacking to have the complete documents for extension up to 1 year, with a possibility to re-apply by the end of that year
  • UK Ancestry Visa – maximum 5 other years

How Long Until the Application is Processed?

The decision on your visa extension application is usually announced within the following timetable:

  • 8 weeks – for an application done from within the UK
  • 3 weeks – for an application done from out of the UK
  • On the application day – if applying through premium services

This period can be longer in some exceptional cases, such as: your application dossier needs for further verification; there is a case of applicant’s involvement in criminal; or the applicant is required to attend an interview regarding their application, and so on.

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Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa https://visa-consulate.com/europe-visa/united-kingdom-visa/tier-5-youth-mobility-scheme-visa/ Sat, 29 Oct 2022 10:11:34 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=5362 A foreigner can only enter into the UK in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme. Such visa is known “Entry Clearance” (EC) in this visa sub-category is meant for foreigners who are out of the UK, giving a candidate the right to enter and stay in the UK for a specified time. A different entry visa...

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A foreigner can only enter into the UK in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme. Such visa is known “Entry Clearance” (EC) in this visa sub-category is meant for foreigners who are out of the UK, giving a candidate the right to enter and stay in the UK for a specified time. A different entry visa is “Leave to Enter” (LE), which is given only after a foreigner has entered into the UK, if he is coming to the UK under a reason for which an EC cannot be issued.

Who Needs a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

This visa type is meant for citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zeeland, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea and Taiwan, or British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories citizen or a British national of ages 18 to 30, who want to come to the UK to work and live temporarily .

A person who can apply this category must be of the a citizen of the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • Monaco
  • New Zeeland
  • Hong Kong
  • Republic of Korea
  • Taiwan
  • But also British nationals, British Overseas Citizens or British Overseas Territories Citizens.

A holder of a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa can enjoy benefits such as:

  • Enroll in studies in the UK;
  • Get almost any job;
  • Be self-employed and launch a company (company premises must not be owned but rented, no employees, and the value of company equipment should be maximum £5,000)

The application for this visa category costs £235.

How to Apply For Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

You can apply for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa in one single way. That is the initial visa application for Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This application is done when the candidate is out of the UK and wants to enter the country. In such case, they need to apply for an EC or LE  in Tier 5 Temporary Worker.

Visa Requirements for Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme

A candidate applying for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, either an EC, LE or LR must be able to meet the following general criteria:

Yet, such candidate should fulfill particular criteria, as we will explain in the following parts.

Enter into the UK in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

A foreign person of the aforementioned situations who wants to enter into the UK to work and live for a short period in the UK, he must hold an EC in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme.

Visa Requirements for EC or LR in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme

A foreign person who is ready to apply for an EC as a Tier 4 Child Student visa is of the following situations:

  • General requirements of application for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Student visa
  • 30 points for the right nationality as shown in the passport. The candidate must be a citizen or have a passport of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong – special administrative region, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Taiwan or South Korea or a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or British national (living out of the UK);
  • 10 points for the required age (as shown in the passport). The candidate should be between the ages  18 and 30.
  • 10 points for maintenance. The candidate should prove having at least £1,890 saved to cover costs of living and accommodation during his stay in the UK.
  • Certificate of sponsorship from their home country – Only if coming from a country without a Deemed Sponsorship Status;
  • Has no children living with them or financially dependent on them;
  • Has never held a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa nor a Holiday-maker job;
  • Has the Invitation to apply for the visa. If the candidate comes from a country which has a limited annual number of places to apply for this visa, then the candidate should have the invitation to apply and should make the application at the time displayed in such invitation.

How much can you stay in the UK with an EC Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

EC in this visa category is issued only for 2 years.

Candidates for an EC in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme must also meet the following criteria:

  • Does not receive public funds of any type;
  • Is registered with the police;
  • Does not get a job as a professional sportsperson or as a sport trainer;
  • Does not get a job as a doctor or dentist in training – Not including the case when the candidate has a degree in Medicine or Dentistry at the Bachelor level or higher issued by the UK Higher Education or other Tier 4 sponsor;
  • Does not get a job as a doctor or dentist in training;
  • Does not become self-employed – Not including the case when the candidate is not the owner of the business buildings, and when the value of business equipment are not higher than £5,000 and when there are no other employees.
  • Meets the Condition to hold an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate – For candidates aged 18-over when given a visa, or, who will become 18 before the end of the visa period;

Extending a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

There is no possibility to extend this visa, which means that no one can apply for a LR in this visa category to stay beyond the existing EC or LE of a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa period.

Switching into Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

There is no possibility to change any other visa into a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa.

Certificate of Sponsorship in Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

If the candidate comes from a country or has a passport of a country which has not the Deemed Sponsorship Status, he must have the certificate of sponsorship given by such country in support to his visa application. In this case, the candidate must make the visa application only in his home country.

Candidates coming or holding passports of other countries with a Deemed Sponsorship Status are not required to have sponsorship by their country and they can apply for the visa from any place in the world by post.

  • The certificate should not be older than 3 months;
  • Should not be cancelled meanwhile

The annual distribution for Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme 2017

Places offered for 2017 by countries with Deemed Sponsorship Status:

  • Australia – 35,500 places
  • New Zealand – 13,000 places
  • Canada – 5,500 places
  • Japan – 1,000 places
  • Monaco – 1,000 places
  • Taiwan – 1,000 places

Places offered for 2017 by countries that have a Deemed Sponsorship Status:

  • South Korea – 1,000 places
  • Hong Kong – 1,000 places

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UK Visa Requirements https://visa-consulate.com/europe-visa/united-kingdom-visa/uk-visa-requirements/ Sat, 29 Oct 2022 10:09:05 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=5363 The relevant UK authorities make a decision on your visa application, mainly based on the required documents for a UK visa. For every UK visa, there are specific required documents. According to the visa type you are applying for, you need to collect all these documents. Then you need to submit them on the day of...

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The relevant UK authorities make a decision on your visa application, mainly based on the required documents for a UK visa. For every UK visa, there are specific required documents. According to the visa type you are applying for, you need to collect all these documents. Then you need to submit them on the day of your interview.

Make sure the required documents for the UK visa you are applying for, comply with the criteria set by the UK Home Office.

What Are the Required Documents for a UK Visa?

You should submit the following documents to apply for a UK visa:

  • UK visa application form. According to the UK visa type you are applying for, you may have to complete the form online at the website of the Visa4UK website, or the manual application form.
  • Two photographs. These photos should be taken within the past six months and in color.
  • Your Valid Passport. It must be valid for three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the UK after your trip. It must also have at least one blank page for the visa.
  • Proof you have the financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK. This may be your bank statements for the last six months, or pay slips for the same period.
  • Proof of accommodation. You will need to present a document that shows where you will be accommodated while in the UK. Note that you do not have to fully pay a hotel/hostel in UK before getting the visa, just to get such a document.
  • Detailed travel itinerary. Submit a travel plan that gives all the information regarding how and what you are planning to do in the UK. Include the travel dates, places you will visit, meeting agenda, booked tour, festival agenda, etc. 
  • Tuberculosis Test Results. Nationals of several world countries will need to submit the requests of a Tuberculosis Test in order to be eligible for a UK Visa. 
  • Biometric information. If you are applying for a visa that lets you stay in UK for more than 6 months, you will need to submit your biometric information. This includes giving your fingerprints and a digital photograph taken at the appropriate application center.
  • UK visa invitation letter. (If applicable). If you will be staying over at a friend or a family member, then you should submit a letter of invitation. Your host must be a UK national or a legal resident.
  • Paid UK visa fees. You should submit the receipt that confirms you have paid the visa fee as required.
  • Certified translations of any document that is not in either English or Welsh.

Additional Requirements According to Your Employment Status

You will need to submit extra documents according to your working status, as follows:

  • If you are employed:
    • A letter from your employer. This letter should confirm your position at work, your salary and the length of employment.
  • If you are self-employed:
    • Business registration documents. They should confirm the business owner’s name and the date the business started trading.
  • If you are a student:
    • A letter from your education provider. The letter should be confirming your enrolment and leave of absence.

Additional Requirements for Applicants Under the age of 18

Applicants under the age of 18 shall submit some several additional documents. These documents are as following:

  • Birth Certificate.
  • Adoption papers (if applicable).
  • If travelling unaccompanied or with someone other than a parent(s):
    • A signed letter from the parent(s) confirming details of anyone accompanying the minor.
    • A copy of the parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical page of their passport.

Documents to Present at the UK Port of Entry

At the UK port of entry, you will need to show some documents to the border control police.

If you are an EU/EEA national, you can use the EU/EEA channel to get your documents checked. You only need your ID or passport. Adults must accompany children from the age of 17 and under.

Non- EU/EEA nationals need the following documents when they show at the UK port of entry:

  • Valid Passport.
  • Landing Card. You will get this from your carrier. You need to fill it in before your reach the border control.
  • Visa (if applicable).

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