Features of registration of a visa to Great Britain

The country of Foggy Albion is a member of the European Union, but belongs to countries that have abolished customs control and visas at internal borders (Schengen area). A visa is required to cross the border. The procedure is not simple, comparable to obtaining permission to enter the United States, Australia. In order not to fall into a rather high (13%) percentage of refusals, it is important to carefully consider filling out the questionnaire and other documents.

When is a UK visa required?

To obtain the right to cross the British border is necessary in the following cases:

• visiting the country for tourism purposes;
• training in language or other courses;
• participation in symposiums, business, scientific conferences, exhibitions;
• visiting relatives, friends;
• treatment in British clinics;
• reunification with relatives;
• desire to get a job in the UK.

A visa to the United Kingdom allows you to move around the country without restrictions, visit Wales and Scotland. There are several categories of visas that differ in the procedure for issuing, depending on the purpose of the trip.

Design features

The following types of British visas are in the greatest demand:

• short-term guest, standard visitor visa. Issued for six months, allows you to visit the country as a tourist, come to visit, on a business trip;
• multiple visa - permission to enter the UK an unlimited number of times during the validity of the visa. The option is convenient for businessmen, creative people, athletes, for those who, for certain reasons, take frequent trips;
• student, issued for a year or more, depending on the duration of study. The application must be submitted three months before the start of training;
• a fiance/fiancee visa is issued for the purpose of registering a marriage with a British citizen;
• parental or immigration, intended for citizens who want to immigrate to close relatives;
• workers: Tier 2 for skilled workers, Tier 1 for temporary workers.

For all types of visas, personal submission of documents and payment of a consular fee are required. The term for consideration of documents is 11-15 working days.

The registration procedure includes 4 steps: filling out a questionnaire, collecting documents, contacting the British consulate to submit and provide biometric data, waiting for a decision.

The questionnaire is completed online in English and includes one hundred questions. It is very important to indicate in the questionnaire only the true facts and data. The main point of the questionnaire is to establish the purpose of the trip. Among the proposed options, you need to choose the one that suits your intentions. The questionnaire is registered online, after which the applicant has the opportunity to choose the date of submission of documents.

Documents for obtaining a visa

The completeness and literacy of filling out documents is one of the decisive conditions for approving the application of applicants. The task of the consular officer is to identify potential migrants. The applicant's task is to truly demonstrate the purpose of his trip, to convince the officer of his personal solvency, in his firm intention to return to his country of residence without violating the visa regime.

The applicant provides:

• valid international passport;
• completed application form;
• certificates confirming financial security: bank statement, salary certificate, certificate of ownership, etc. An important nuance: if the account is replenished at a time shortly before the submission of documents, it is better to choose another way to confirm financial security, since it is clear that the money was paid specifically for obtaining a visa and does not reflect the real financial condition of the applicant;
• confirmation of the fact of employment or admission to an educational institution (for student and work visas);
• documents on marital status, birth certificates of minor children;
• an invitation from a relative, another person with an explanation of your relationship, purpose, duration of the visit. To open a visa, the host party provides a notarized invitation, a copy of an identity card, documents proving the presence of real estate;
• confirmation of hotel reservation (for tourists);
• receipt of payment of the consular fee.

All certificates must be translated into English and notarized. Documents must not be stapled together as they will be scanned. Photos and biometric prints are carried out at the visa center. The presence of previously opened British visas, a visa to the USA increases the chances of a positive decision. Additionally, you can provide paid air tickets.

The above list of documents is basic. Just before applying, you need to study it on the official website of the British Consulate, select the package that matches the type of your visa.