Here is a selection of the most frequently asked questions relating to Visas.

GENERAL

Do I need a visa?
If you are not a British citizen or a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, you may need an entry clearance before you travel to the UK. People from certain countries, known as visa nationals, need a visa to enter the UK for any reason. Certain other categories of travellers to the UK may need entry clearance only for some reasons: for example to live as the wife, husband or civil partner of a British citizen.

Entry clearance is the application process for visa nationals who wish to travel to the United Kingdom and for non - visa nationals who intend a longer stay or to settle in the UK. The entry clearance certificate, more commonly called a visa, is put into your passport or travel document.

An Entry Clearance (visa) Officer will decide if you qualify for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Entry Clearance Officers work according to the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules.

If you have a valid UK visa you will not normally be refused entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information, presented false documentation or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa. The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:
• the purpose of your travel;
• how long you can stay in the UK; and
• the latest date that you can enter the UK.

Normally, you can enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.

Please visit the main UK Border Agency International Group website for more information.

I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?
You will need to apply for one of the three visas below: 

1)  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; or 
• 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 taking a sandwich course or any short course with a work placement element.

2)  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; or
• 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.

3)  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.

Is submitting an online application safe?
Yes. Visa4UK is safe and secure and any information you enter is sent via a 128 bit encrypted secure connection and your information is only accessible to authorised UK Border Agency Staff.

Can I apply online for a visa to visit a destination other than the United Kingdom?
Yes. Some locations will accept visa applications for UK Overseas Territories.

Will I be able to access visa4UK on my computer?
We endeavour to support as many computers/browsers as possible but due to the technologies used in this website there are certain browsers we exclude due to their age or design. Please click our Browser Support page for more information.

What do I need to begin an online application?
In order to begin an online application you will need an email address, passport, itinerary and an address of where you'll be staying in the UK.

Can I fill in my visa application in a language other than English?
No. At present visa4UK only supports applications made in English.

APPLICATION SECURITY

I've forgotten my GWF number and/or password.
Your GWF number will have been sent to the email address you gave as part of the application security process. You can get a password reminder sent to you. PLEASE NOTE that as part of our security policy we cannot reset a password under any circumstances.

I am unable to retrieve my application.
This could be because you did not save your application by selecting the save option on the application form or you did not retrieve your application within 7 days of last saving it. If you are sure you saved your application in the last seven days, empty your browser cache (temporary Internet files) and try again.

APPLICATION

I don't understand what one of the questions mean. What can I do?
Through the online form we have added 'More Info' icons to some questions that might require further clarification. By clicking on the 'More Info' icon guidance will be shown in the left-hand column of the application form.

The date I entered isn't being accepted, what should I do?
All date fields in visa4UK work in the following format DD MMM YYYY e.g. 21 Aug 1956.

Can I save my application mid-way through the application process?
Yes. You can save your on-line Visa Application wherever you see the 'Save' icon. To Log-in again and complete your application, you will require your unique 'Visa Application reference number'. This number will have been sent to the E-mail address that you supplied in your Application Security details. Note: Your incomplete Visa Application will only be kept for 7 days. If you do not Login to complete the Application within 7 days it will be deleted and you will need to apply again.

I'm reviewing my application and some answers that I have written don't seem to be displayed. What should I do?
Be assured that the answers you have given are sent to us even though they sometimes might not show. However, please feel free to hand-write comments on the application form should you wish to.

I have printed out my application and, on reviewing it, I have noticed that some answers that I have written don't seem to be displayed. What should I do?
Be assured that the answers you have given are sent to us even though they sometimes might not show. However, please feel free to hand-write comments on the application form should you wish to.

I was unable to or forgot to print my application when I got to the end of the application process.
Depending on how you have configured your computer you may get an error when you try to print. To recover a completed application, select the Existing Applicants Login link on the left menu. You will be asked to enter your Application Security details and your unique visa application number. Your application number was included in the email we sent you when you completed your visa application.

When you successfully login, you will have the option to print your application again.

I forgot to make a note at the end of my application of the supporting documents I should send with my application.
The list of documents required will be in the email we send you at the end of the application process.

I haven't received my 'visa4UK - Completed Application' confirmation email. Can you resend this to me?
Yes. Although please check first that your Inbox hasn't treated our email confirmation as Spam. If you haven't received your confirmation email after 6 hours please contact us.

I've realised that I made a mistake on one of my answers. Can I change it?
No. Once you have submitted your online application you cannot change it. However, please enter any changes in writing on your printed copy of the application form.

I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?
You will need to apply for one of the three visas below:

1) 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 taking a sandwich course or any short course with a work placement element.

2) 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.

3) 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.

PAYMENTS

Can I pay for my visa application online?
No. We only receive payment by cash here in Brunei.

APPOINTMENTS

The calendar for appointments is greyed out what does this mean?
It means that there are no appointments currently available. Please save your application and return at a later time to see if appointment slots have been added.

I cannot get an appointment before I am due to travel. What should I do?
You should keep your existing appointment and check back regularly to see if any appointments have become available or contact us of your appointment using the details provided on the Appointment Confirmation.

I was unable to or forgot to print my appointment confirmation when I got to the end of the application process.
Depending on how you have configured your computer you may get an error when you try to print. To recover a completed application, select the Existing Applicants Login link on the left menu. You will be asked to enter your Application Security details and your unique visa application number. Your application number was included in the email we sent you when you completed your visa application. When you successfully login, you will have the option to print your appointment confirmation again.

My query can't be answered by any of the FAQs - now what do I do?
In the first instance, please contact us as we are responsible at all times for any queries relating to the payment and status of your application. If you have already done so and your query cannot be answered by any of the FAQs, please contact the visa4UK Feedback page.

More FAQs can be found from this UK Border Agency page.