How to apply
If you are overseas, you can apply in person and online. Staff at our visa application centres can guide you through the application process available in your country.
Some visa application centres will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit our Visa4UK website. If you cannot apply online, you will need to print and fill in one of the visa application forms available on this website.
Recent changes include:
Introduction of points-based system
Tier 1 (General) of the new points-based system (PBS) for highly skilled individuals was launched in the UK on 29 February 2008 replacing the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). From 30 June 2008 applicants both in the United Kingdom and overseas can submit applications for all categories of Tier 1: (General) Migrant, Investor, Entrepreneur and Post-Study Work. Other tiers will be phased in throughout 2008 and 2009. Full information about the points-based system and a self assessment calculator is available on the UK Border Agency website.
The following new guidance is now available for applicants who are resident outside the United Kingdom:
Points Based System Tier 1, (General) Migrant (INF 21)
Points Based System Tier 1, Investor (INF 23)
Points Based System Tier 1, Entrepreneur (INF 24)
Points Based System Tier 1, Post-Study Work (INF 25)
Student rules changed from 1 September 2007
A new entry clearance (visa) category of student visitor has been introduced for short term students who come to the United Kingdom to study on courses of six month duration or less. Full information about how to apply for a student visa is available in our Student (INF5) guidance.
Please note that when visa regimes change, there may be a short delay before the information on our website is updated.
See Also