How to Get a Visa When Going to England
The British Embassy in Washington, D.C. and its consular offices collaborate with WorldBridge Service to provide travelers with all the required information they need to apply for a U.K. visa. WorldBridge Service does not approve visas. Note that processing times for a U.K. visa vary depending on the specific consular office with which you are dealing. Since applications can take up to two months, if not more, before they are approved and processed, apply early for a visa to avoid any delays in your travel plans.
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Things You'll Need
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Health insurance coverage in the U.K.
- Valid copy of U.S. immigration status (e.g. Permanent Resident Card or U.S. passport)
- Letter of invitation from your host/contact in the U.K., if applying for a Business visa
Instructions
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Visit the U.K. Border Agency website. The link is located in the "Resources" section of this article.
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Click "Apply for a UK visa now" link at the bottom of the page. Read the "New Visa Application - Before you apply" overview information and then check the box next to "I have read the above information and the relevant guidance notes." Select "Continue."
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Type your personal information in the text fields and then select "Next," making sure the email address you provide is a reliable one.
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Complete the online application by following the prompts. Choose a date once you are redirected to the biometrics appointment page.
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Pay the visa processing fee. As of April 2010, the fee for a short-term business or travel visa was $112.
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Print the completed online application form, biometrics appointment and confirmation of payment. Check the "Return Mail" box if you are using a courier or travel agent for your application.
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Submit your biometrics data by visiting a local Application Support Center (see Resources).
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Gather documents supporting your U.K. visa application. This includes proof of sufficient financial resources, health insurance coverage in the U.K., valid U.S. immigration status, such as a Permanent Resident Card or U.S. passport. If you are applying for a business visa, you must include a letter of invitation from your host/contact in the U.K.
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Mail documents, including your valid passport, via certified mail to the consular office that has jurisdiction over your state of residence.
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Tips & Warnings
Visas are typically processed within two months. However, depending on the workload of the consular office, processing times could take longer.
To send your application to the right address, see "Step 7 -- Send your documents to the UK Border Agency" on the "How to apply" page of the WorldBridge website.
Documents must be submitted within two weeks from the date that your biometrics information was collected. A self-addressed stamped envelope with tracking must accompany your application.
References
Resources
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