What documents are required to
make an application?
Please see the "Documents Required"
section on this website for details of what documentation
you must submit with your application. Please ensure
that you submit the documents High Commission require
(and copies) since failure to do so may result in your
application being refused without an interview being
offered.
How long does it take to get a
visa, and how far in advance should I apply?
It is impossible to give a definite time limit. Each
case is different and each case is treated on its merits.
Nearly all applications are assessed, and a decision
made whether to issue or refuse, within 24 hours from
the time the application is received at the High Commission.
Please note however, that some applications may require
more detailed assessment. These often include applications
for longer stays in the UK and/or first time applications.
Processing these applications may take a few weeks,
so please allow plenty of time to apply before your
intended travel date. In order to help High Commission
process your application as quickly as possible, you
should ensure that you submit all the documents High
Commission require with your application form at the
time of making the application (see "Documents
Required").
Can I get my money back if my
application is refused or I withdraw it?
No. Visa fees are paid for consideration of the application
and are set at a level to cover our administrative costs.
Payment of the fee does not guarantee issue and visa
fees are not refundable if an application is unsuccessful
or withdrawn.
How early can I apply?
High Commission is able to issue the vast majority of
visas within 24 hours. In some cases, where we need
to refer the application to London, processing the application
can take up to four weeks. Please, therefore, allow
plenty of time to obtain your visa if you are in one
of these visa categories (Long Stay and/or first time
applications) In order to help us process your application
as quickly as possible, you should ensure that you submit
all the documents we require with your application form
at the time of making the application (see "Documents
Required"). In any event, do not apply for your
visa more than three months before you are due to travel.
Do I have to be interviewed by
an officer of the British High Commission?
Issue or refusal of a visa is based on the assessment
of your application by an Entry Clearance Officer at
the British High Commission.
The Entry Clearance Officer may decide to interview
you if they need more information before making a decision
on your application. In such cases, you will need to
visit the British High Commission in Pretoria by prior
appointment.
At the visa section, the time for each interview is
limited. It is therefore important for the Entry Clearance
Officer to gain a quick and accurate understanding of
each application. Some applicants take advice from outside
organizations about the questions that may be asked
and prepare answers accordingly. But because they are
working from a script, these applicants do not always
listen to the questions actually asked or provide relevant
answers. So please give full and clear replies to the
questions. If you do not know the answer, say so.
What does a letter of invitation
need to say and does it need to be notarized?
There is no set form of words for a letter of invitation.
Sponsors should write the invitation in their own words.
It should be addressed to the person being invited and
must include details of the purpose and duration of
the visit and also the relationship between the applicant
and the signatory of the letter and /or the persons
inviting the applicant. These letters do not have to
be notarized. Essentially, it should be clear from the
invitation why the person is being invited, by whom,
for how long and where they will stay.
Where should sponsors send their
invitation letters?
Invitations should be sent direct to the person who
is being invited and they should only be submitted along
with the application. Please do not send (or copy) invitation
or sponsorship letters to the Visa Section. It is extremely
difficult, administratively, and very time consuming
to hold on to such documents and then link them with
applications when they are finally made. Copying or
sending such invitations only serves to slow down the
application and decision-making process.
Do I need to submit original documents
in support of my application?
Original documents are preferable. High Commission are
willing to consider photocopied or faxed documents,
but High Commission reserve the right to request originals
if the need arises. Please note that students must always
submit the original enrolment letter from their university,
college or school in the United Kingdom. Similarly,
work permit holders must submit their original work
permit along with their application. Such letters /
permits must not be sent direct to the High Commission,
but should be submitted by the applicants with their
application.
Is it necessary to have a letter
from my employers indicating my salary if some or all
of my expenses are going to be covered by my sponsor?
Evidence of your circumstances is helpful to satisfy
the visa officer that you are in settled employment
and also to indicate your financial situation here.
You should therefore include such information with your
application whether you are paying for the trip or not.
If I am refused a visa, when
can I re-apply?
You can re-apply at any time and your application will
be considered in the light of the circumstances that
then prevail. You should be aware, however, that if
there has been no significant change in your circumstances
since the last refusal, or if you are unable to address
the points of refusal as written on the refusal notice,
you might be refused again. A previous refusal will
not though, in itself, mean that any subsequent application
will be refused automatically.
In the case of an application
for a marriage visa, must the sponsor be present at
the interview?
No. In most circumstances only the applicant needs to
be interviewed. However, you will be required to submit
evidence of the sponsor's residence status in the United
Kingdom, freedom to marry and ability to support and
accommodate without recourse to public funds (see "Documents
Required").
Do I need to show my old passport
when I apply?
It is extremely helpful if you do if your old passport
contains visas showing previous foreign travels (eg
UK, Schengen, Swiss, USA etc). It is extremely useful
for the High Commission to see such direct evidence
of previous travels abroad and seeing an old passport
can often enable them to process your application much
quicker.
Apart from a letter of invitation
what other evidence should I bring?
This very much depends upon the type of application
which is being submitted. Please see the "Documents
Required" section.
When completing the application
form, must I always provide the name of a British Citizen
as a sponsor?
No. Anyone present in the United Kingdom, for whatever
purpose, can sponsor someone. It is, however, important
to name the specific sponsor particularly in the case
of family visits. If you are intending to visit a relative
then please specify this and submit evidence of their
immigration status in the UK (eg a copy of their passport
photograph page and current UK Visa).
Do you issue visas for Commonwealth
countries?
Yes, High Commission does issue visas for certain Commonwealth
countries and other territories and islands such as
the Bahamas, Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands. Please
visit "www.ukvisas.gov.uk"
for complete details of which countries and territories
we issue on behalf of.
Can you help me find a job in
the UK and obtain a work permit?
No. Our involvement in the work permit process is limited
to dealing only with applications for work permit visas
after an applicant has obtained his/her work permit.
For information on work permits please visit the website
"www.ukvisas.gov.uk"
section and the link to UK Work Permits.
If I am refused a visa, will
I know why and can I appeal against the refusal?
If you are refused, you will receive a written notice
from the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) detailing the
reasons why you have been refused. The right of appeal
against refusal only exists for certain categories and
the ECO will inform you at the time of refusal if you
have the right to appeal. For information - Visitors
to the UK (business or tourist) and students on courses
of less than 6 months duration do not have the right
of appeal. Please click
here for appeals guidance.
How long will my visit visa be
valid for?
With a visit visa you can usually enter and leave the
UK any number of times while it is still valid. The
Entry Clearance Officer may occasionally limit a visa
so it is valid for only one entry. You cannot stay for
longer than six months on each visit. Visit visas can
be valid for 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years.
It is recommended to apply for a 6 month visa if you
are applying for a UK VISA for the first time.
I wish to study in the UK. Which
sort of visa should I apply for? Student Visitors
You should apply for this visa if:
•
You are over 18 years
•
You wish to take a short course of study lasting
less than 6 months.
•
You do not wish to work during your stay
•
You will not need to extend your stay in the
UK.
•
Your course is for less than 15 hours per week
or is in the evening or at weekends. However,
the training provider must be on the DIUS Register
of Education Providers.
You should not choose this if:
•
You are over 18 years
•
You wish to take a short course of study lasting
less than 6 months.
•
You do not wish to work during your stay
•
You will not need to extend your stay in the
UK.
•
Your course is for less than 15 hours per week
or is in the evening or at weekends. However,
the training provider must be on the DIUS Register
of Education Providers.
Student
You should apply for this visa if:
•
You wish to take part time employment during
your studies
•
You may need to extend your stay in the UK
•
You are undertaking a short term English course
before going on to long term studies in the UK.
Give details of both courses in your application.
Child Visitor
You should apply for this visa if:
•
You are a child under the age of 18 travelling
to the UK for a short course of study lasting
less than 6 months.
•
Please note there is a requirement to demonstrate
that adequate arrangements have been made for
care in the UK. This means that you must give
the name and address of the person you will stay
with. You must also submit the necessary signed
consent forms from both parents, and the name
and passport number of who is accompanying you
to the UK.
Please note, the Entry Clearance Officer may decide to make
your visa valid for a shorter time than you have asked for, for
example if you are not a regular traveler or have never visited
the UK before.
