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- What is a visa?
A visa (or entry clearance) is a certificate that is put into
your passport or travel document that gives you permission to
enter the United Kingdom (UK). On arrival in the UK a Border Force
officer may check that you are here for the reasons you have stated.
Passengers will also have their fingerprints scanned at border
control to verify that the individual entering the UK is the same
person who gave their biometric data when they applied for their
visa. For more information about what you might expect on arrival
in the UK please visit the UK
Border Agency website.
- When to apply
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months in advance of your intended
date of travel to the UK. In the summer months demand for UK visas
triples, and so processing may take a few days longer. Recent
visa processing times are available on the 'Guide
to Processing Times' page on this website. Applicants are
strongly advised not to confirm their travel arrangements to come
to the UK until they have received their visa.
- How to apply
There are 7 steps to complete the visa application process. You
are advised to read through the application steps set out below
before you make your visa application so you are clear about the
procedure and requirements.
Step 1 - Check if you need a visa
All Chinese nationals will require a visa to enter the UK. Other
nationals should use the 'Do
I need a visa' guide on the UK Border Agency website to see
if they need a visa.
If you need a visa you should follow the 7 visa application steps
outlined below.
If you are transiting through the UK you should refer to the information
on the UK
Border Agency website on who is eligible to transit the UK
without a visa.
Step 2 - Read the information on your visa
category
Before you decide to apply for a visa please make sure you familiarize
yourself with the information on the visa category you are applying
for. Quick links to information on visa categories and other helpful
information can be found on the 'Visa
Information' page on this website. You may also want to read
the Immigration
Rules as your visa application will need to meet these requirements.
Step 3 - Complete your visa application form
You should submit 1 visa application for each individual applying
for a visa, including children. Please ensure that you select
the correct visa application for the purpose of your visit
You can complete your visa application form in 1 of the following
2 ways.
1. Online visa application form
Complete an online
visa application in English using the online
application system.
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Please ensure that you select the correct visa application
for the purpose of your visit. Ensure that you complete
all the sections correctly |
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Sections 1 and 2 are vital to considering your application.
The information in this section must be completed accurately.
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Please print all the pages of the visa application form
and bring it to the visa application centre. You should
print your completed visa application form on good quality
paper and ensure that the information does extend beyond
the margins on the paper. |
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Please make sure the bar code appears on the final page
of your printed visa application form and remember to sign
it. |
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After you have saved and submitted your online application,
you will receive an email with a unique application ID number
that starts with GWF. Keep your ID number for future reference.
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If you have submitted your online visa application and
printed your form but have made a mistake filling in any
of the sections you will need to make the change on your
printed form and sign against it. |
2. Paper visa application form
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Download the appropriate visa
application form free of charge from the UK
Border Agency website. You should print your visa application
form on good quality paper and ensure that the information
does not extend beyond the margins on the paper.
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Complete the application form in English using a black
or blue pen and sign it. Ensure that you complete all
the sections correctly. If you make a mistake in filling
in any of the sections you will need to make the change
on the form and sign against it.
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Important reminder:-
1. Check if your name, father's name and mother's name are written
in Pinyin and Chinese.
2. Check if the CCC (Chinese Commercial Code) numbers are written
below the Pinyin names.
3. Check if your address is written in both Pinyin and in Chinese.
Approved Destination Status
The Approved Destination Status (ADS) is an agreement between
the British Government and the National Tourism Administration
of China (CNTA) to facilitate the visit of Chinese tourist groups
to the UK. The Approved Destination Scheme is unique to China
and is the only route for group tourism from China to the UK.
Over 60 Chinese travel agencies are currently accredited to submit
Approved Destination Scheme visa applications to the UK Border
Agency through the VFS Visa Application Centres. Approved Destination
Scheme visas are valid for 30 days and require successful applicants
to enter, leave and travel within the territory of the UK as a
member of a tour group.
Please email BeijingADS@fco.gov.uk
for further information about Approved Destination Status visa
applications.
Step 4 - Prepare your documents
Supporting documents
The 'Supporting Document Checklists'
on this website give you an idea of the kinds of documents to
submit with your visa application form. Applicants must submit
as much evidence as they can of their personal circumstances.
The absence of important evidence of your travel history in a
previous passport (if applicable) and comprehensive supporting
documents may result in your application not being successful.
Please do not submit credit cards, or original airline tickets
with your application.
Original documents
You must provide original documents. Failure to submit original
documents may mean your visa application is delayed or refused.
You should particularly include original documents relating to
birth, marriage, divorce and death. If you are not able to include
original documents of these then you should send attested copies.
You should supply a photocopy of each supporting document you
are submitting with your visa application form. Your photocopied
documents should be clearly legible, A4 size only unless legal
size documents.
Translations
If you want the UK Border Agency visa officer to consider your
visa application you should provide translations of any supporting
documents that are not in English. Any translated documents need
to be submitted with the original document for verification. All
translated documents must include the following information: -
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confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate
translation of the original document |
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the date of the translation
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the translator's full name and signature |
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the translator's contact details |
The visa application centre is able to offer translation services
(fee payable). Please see the 'Additional
Services' page on this website for more information.
You should prepare and submit the following :-
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A valid passport or refugee travel document that contains
at least 1 blank page on both sides so the visa can be inserted.
Your passport should be signed by you and the name and signature
should correspond to the details given on your visa application
form. You should also include a photocopy of your passport
bio-data page that includes your photograph and signature.
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Previous passport/s (if applicable).
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The visa application fee.
Payable in cash in local currency at the visa application
centre. |
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Your completed, signed and dated visa application form.
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Supporting documents relevant
to the visa category you are applying for with copy of each
original document. |
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1 recent passport-sized (45mm high x 35mm wide) colour
photograph of yourself. The photograph should be: |
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Taken against a light grey or cream background.
It should be in sharp focus, clear and of good quality,
free from shadows.
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Printed on normal photographic paper.
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Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses
or tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless worn
for religious or medical reasons. The subject should
have their mouth closed (and not smile, frown or raise
eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding,
looking straight ahead. |
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The photograph should be a recent true likeness
and taken within the last 6 months.
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More information on photograph
requirements can be found on the UK
Border Agency website.
Please note: The UK Border Agency will retain your passport
until they have reached a decision on your visa application. Please
bear this in mind when you are making your travel arrangements,
particularly if you plan to visit other countries before going
to the UK.
Step 5 - Visit the visa application centre
There is no need to make an appointment for your visa application
in China. You can attend any visa application centre in China
on a first come first served basis.
All visa applicants (apart from exempt
categories and children under 5 years) must apply in person at
the visa application centre to submit
their biometric data. Although exempt categories and children
under 5 do not need to attend the visa application centre, they
will need to complete a visa application form. If you refuse to
submit your biometric
data, your visa application cannot be processed.
You should remember to bring all of the documents set out in Step
4 and your visa application fee.
Important note: You will not be able to submit further
documents after you have submitted your application at the visa
application. The documents you submit at the time you made your
application are the only documents that can be considered. Documents
cannot be sent later by post, fax or email.
Biometric data collection
Biometric
data collection includes a digital fingerscan (all 10 digits)
and a digital photograph. The fingerscan procedure uses an electronic
scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical. You should ensure that your
fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (for example,
henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect
your ability to provide acceptable fingerscans. Your digital photograph
must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted
spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or
medical reasons. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair
across the eyes. We cannot process your visa if you do not submit
your biometric data.
Applicants under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult when
giving their biometric data; this cannot be a member of the visa
application centre staff. Biometric data cannot be taken for visa
applicants under the age of 16 who are unaccompanied.
Step 6 - Wait for a decision
Wait for a decision on your visa application. Please refer to
the 'Guide to Processing Times'
page on this website for more information on our processing times
in China. You can use this information as a guide to our recent
performance, although it cannot be used as a guarantee of your
individual visa application processing time. Visa applications
are assessed individually and processing times may vary. You can
also use the free 'Track
your Application' facility on this website to find out the
progress of your visa application.
Cancellation withdrawal & passport return
If you wish to cancel your visa application and withdraw your
passport; a written request needs to be submitted to the visa
application centre. You can get a withdrawal request form from
the visa application centre where you submitted your application.
Interview procedures
You may be asked to attend an interview. UK Border Agency visa
staff reserve the right to make a decision on your visa application
based on the information and documents you submitted. It is essential
that you submit all the relevant documents with your visa application.
If an interview is required you will be offered the first available
interview date. Children aged between 10 and 14 may be interviewed,
but this would only be in the presence of a responsible adult.
Children aged over 14 may be interviewed alone.
Step 7 - Collect the decision on your visa
VFS will inform you when your documents are ready for collection.
You can collect the decision on your visa and documents from the
visa application centre where you submitted your visa application.
Please see the 'Contact Us' page
on this website for more information on collection times. A nominated
person can also collect your documents on your behalf. Your nominated
person will need to provide an authorised letter signed by you
and proof of their identity. Alternatively you can pay VFS to
send your documents directly to you after a decision has been
made. You should arrange this when you make your application.
If you are issued a visa, please check it. You should make sure
that:
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your personal details are correct
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it correctly states the purpose for which you want to
come to the UK, and
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it is valid for the date on which you want to travel.
(You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months
if you do not plan to travel immediately). |
If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, please contact
the visa application centre immediately
- Using agents and fraud
You may decide to use an independent travel agent, immigration
agent or consultant to help you prepare your visa application.
These agents will charge for their services.
You should be careful when dealing with agents who make unrealistic
claims. Agents cannot guarantee that they will be able to obtain
a work or study visa for you. They cannot guarantee that your
application will be resolved without an interview. They cannot
guarantee the outcome of a visa application. They may be cheating
you if they make these claims.
Many agents charge exorbitant fees for their services - often
many times the actual cost of the visa. If an agent charges you
anything more than a small and reasonable service charge, they
may be overcharging you or they may be supplying you with false
documents and statements. Visa officers will detect false documents
and statements, and your visa application will be refused. If
you provide false information, documents or passports in support
of your visa application, you will be refused a visa and all future
applications could be refused for up to 10 years. You may also
be prosecuted and could face a fine or even go to prison.
Remember the visa application is your application. You are the
owner of the information and any supporting documentation. A genuine
agent will only be able to help you to complete the form and advise
you what supporting documents you need to include. If you are
suspicious, take advice from VFS. If you consider that you have
been misled or cheated by an agent, then you should report the
matter to the police.
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