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Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing your Application
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 we 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, on
five working days. However it may take longer in some cases. 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 you intend to travel.
Most 6-month visit visa applications are processed within 24 hours after they
have been submitted to BHC Delhi, but these may require more detailed
assessment (for example if you are not well travelled to the UK), in which case
processing may take longer, perhaps up to a few weeks. Applications for certain
overseas territories and Commonwealth countries can take up to 3 months to
process, so please apply well in advance of your travel date.
Unfortunately, more detailed assessments do take time and cannot be rushed.
Your patience is much appreciated. We strongly advise you to take account of
possible processing delays, and apply in good time. We advise you to apply
before booking any travel arrangements. You can apply up to 3 months before you
are due to travel. 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").
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withdrawn.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?
We are able to issue the vast majority of visas within 24 hours after they have
been submitted to BHC Delhi. In some cases (see Q2/A2 above), 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 those categories mentioned in Q2/A2. 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.
What does a letter of invitation need to say and does it need to
be notarised?
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
notarised. 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 presented at the Embassy/Consulate at the time the application
is made. 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 onto 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. We are willing to consider photocopied or
faxed documents, but we reserve the right to request originals if the need
arises. However, students must always submit the original enrolment letter from
their university, college or school in the United Kingdom. Such letters must
not be sent direct to this Embassy, 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 in Nepal 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. interviewed will not be held. 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) you may wish to ask
for it to be returned to you by the Nepal passport office when you renew it.
You will then be able to attach it to your new passport when you submit your UK
visa application. It is extremely useful for us to see such direct evidence of
previous travels abroad and seeing an old passport can often enable us 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 Nepali 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, we do 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 full 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.
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 ECO 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. You can
apply for a visa valid for any of these periods, but please note that
applications for longer visas may take longer to process.
Please note, the ECO may decide to make your visa valid for a shorter time than
you have asked for, for example if you are not a regular traveller or have
never visited the UK before.
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