Visa Application Process

There are two possible routes for applying for UK visa or UK naturalization. You can submit your UK visa application either through the Border and Immigration Agency of the Home Office services, or through a UK consulate/High Commission/Embassy abroad, depending on the category of visa you are applying for. The table below summarises which applications, immigration and naturalization services can be processed through either route, the processing times and the visa fees where applicable.

Please note that EU/EEA nationals and their family do not have to pay visa fees.

* - Processing times can vary depending on Embassy or Consulate.

HSMP has been very successful and this has led to lengthy processing delays. The new requirement that applicants currently in the UK need to also apply on an FLR (IED) form to work for a new employer or come under HSMP has also caused delays.

You should also note that in some cases the Home Office will need to hold onto your passport for a lengthy period of time. If you need your passport back from the Border and Immigration Agency for travel purposes your application will be considered withdrawn. This can be very inconvenient for people making a FLR (IED) application.

Workpermit.com may be able to help you in expediting certain straightforward applications. You may have to wait months for your UK visa application to be processed by the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency, or spend the whole day there to then find that you do not have all the relevant documentation. We are OISC registered and can submit your UK visa application to the Home Office to be dealt with on the same day.