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Visa & Immigration Support FAQs

How long will it take to receive a decision on my visa application?

Do I need to create my UKVI account before I travel to the UK?

  • If you are granted a visa with permission to stay in the UK for over 6 months, create your UKVI account online at https://www.gov.uk/
  • Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) – https://www.gov.uk/ and access your eVisa as soon as possible – and before you travel to the UK.
  • You can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with your current passport which must be linked to your UKVI account. Before you travel, check that your eVisa has the correct details and get a share code to prove your immigration status – a share code is valid for 90 days.

How do I prove my right to work, study or rent in the UK with an eVisa?

You can share details of your immigration status with others, such as employers, education institutions and landlords, by generating a share code in the UKVI view and prove service. You can get a new share code whenever you need one.

I submitted my application but the VFS website was down – will my application be put to the front of the queue?

We are sorry that the VFS website wasn’t working when you came to book your appointment.

Once the system is back up, applicants will need to follow the regular appointment booking process, and visit the Visa Application Centre on the date/time selected in the appointment booking system.

If I apply through a USCIS Application Support Centre, can I drop off and collect my application instead of mailing it in?

No. The UKVI Visa Processing Hub does not accept customers in person.

How can I proceed with my UK visa application if an old passport is lost?

  • If your passport is lost before your appointment, please secure a new passport and submit a fresh application with your new passport.
  • If your passport is lost after you’ve received your visa, you will need to apply for a replacement visa (30-day vignette) for permission to return to the UK.

Why do I have to pay an additional fee to attend some of the Premium Application Centres?

  • Customers who do not wish to opt for the Premium Application Centre can still book an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center at no cost. Opting for our Premium Application Centre does not have any bearing on the outcome of a visa application. This centre offers optional added value services to enhance your visa application experience.
  • Super Priority Visa Service is exclusively available at the Premium Application Center.

How can I reschedule my appointment?

  • You can reschedule your appointment by logging into your account, up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment date. This link can be found on our website and is also provided in your appointment booking emails.
  • On your Dashboard page, select Manage Appointment, open the Appointment Details section and select Reschedule Appointment.

Do I need to book individual appointments for each of my family or group members?

  • Each customer must book their own appointment online for the same day. All customers may come to the centre at any appointment time booked by a member of the group and be seen together.
  • Where the group consists of more than 5 customers, they can register on the appointment system under ‘Group appointment (more than 5 customers)’ and our team will contact them to assist with the appointment. In order to be considered as a group, all customers should be travelling for the same purpose and at the same time.

How do I change my password on the VFS Global website?

All customers will be directed to our appointment booking system and will be automatically logged in with your email address and GWF number, so there is no password to change.

I want to Upload my Documents online, but the system isn’t working. What can I do?

  • Please make sure you have read through the Document Upload instructions regarding file sizes and types, and that you have a good broadband/Wifi connection. If you are still having issues, it could be due to a temporary systems error, so please try again at a later time/date.
  • If, after following these instructions, you are still unable to upload your documents and your appointment is at a Premium Application Center please take a screenshot of the error messages that you are receiving and take it to your appointment, where you will be able to use the assisted document scanning service at no cost.
  • Alternatively, you can purchase Document Upload Assistance (fee usually applies), and let our staff sort, scan and upload your documents, saving you precious time.

Do I have to include original documents in my submission?

  • The only original document needed via mail is your current passport, please do not include any other original documents.
  • For both Premium Application Centre and USCIS Application Support Center customers: We only require photocopies of all other documents.

I’ve paid for Document Upload Assistance, should I bring my documents with me to my appointment to be scanned?

  • If you have booked an appointment at a VFS Premium Application Centre, yes – you will need to bring your supporting documents and receipt for payment to your appointment. Your documents will then be scanned onsite by VFS staff and returned to you.
  • If you have booked an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center, no –this location is only for the enrolment of your biometrics, and they will not be able to assist with scanning your supporting documents. Please ensure you follow the instructions on your appointment confirmation letter and mail your passport, receipt, supporting documents and return UPS label to the UKVI Visa Processing Hub after your biometrics appointment.

How do I apply for a refund? And how long will it take?

  • To request a refund please visit the homepage of the country you are travelling from, and select the ‘Request a refund’ link at the bottom of the page.
  • VFS endeavour to process refund requests from customers within 15 days. Once the refund is approved, customers should receive the funds back to the original method of payment within five working days, subject to the usual bank and credit card company timelines. If we have a query regarding your refund request, we will contact you within seven working days.

How can I apply for a refund for Priority or Super Priority Visa services as the decision was not received within the timeline?

What is an eVisa?

  • The UK Immigration system is becoming digital, replacing physical documents, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and vignette stickers in passports, with an online record of your immigration status – known as an eVisa.
  • You will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to be able to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status with others.

Who do I contact if I need help with my eVisa?

If you need help with creating your UKVI account or accessing your eVisa contact UKVI using their web messenger and you will be directed to the relevant service.

I already have an eVisa. Do I need to take any action?

  • You will already have a UKVI account if you have applied to the EUSS Settlement Scheme or used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove your identity when you applied for a visa.
  • You do not need to take any action other than ensuring you keep your UKVI account up to date and linked to your current passport.

Can I register on the VFS Global website without filling in a Visa Application Form on the UK Visas and Immigration website?

  • All customers applying for a UK visa, must first complete a Visa Application Form on the UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) website. Once this is complete, you will be directed to the VFS website to book your biometrics appointment.
  • Your account with VFS is created at the point when you are redirected to our website. Once you have submitted your online visa application, you will have up to 240 days to attend an appointment to provide your biometrics and complete the application process.
  • You can change your biometric booking up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. You can rearrange your appointment more than once if you need to. If you are unable to attend a biometric appointment within 240 days but wish to continue with your visa application you will need to contact UKVI.

I have made an error on my UK visa application form. What should I do?

  • If you have not yet submitted the form and paid for your visa but come across an error, please go back to your application on the UK Visas and Immigration website to amend these details, before returning to VFS to book your biometric appointment.
  • If you realise that a mistake has been made after submitting the form and paying for your visa, please write a letter of explanation with the correct information. You have the option to either self-upload this document or choose the paid Document Upload Assistance service to upload it along with any other necessary supporting documents. Additionally, you can cancel your current application, request a refund and start the application again. Please click here for additional details.

How do I change the application centre location?

Customers can select any application centre location within the country of application, before confirming an appointment. If you wish to change your location after an appointment is confirmed, please Cancel your appointment and choose your preferred location.

I can’t book an appointment to complete my visa application, and I need it urgently. What can I do?

  • Please ensure that there are no problems with your computer/phone (that is poor broadband or Wi-Fi connection, old browser versions, any other similar problem). If you have confirmed this, and are still having issues, then please screenshot the error page(s), and visit the homepage of the country you are travelling from
  • Appointments are mandatory at USCIS Application Support Centers and Premium Applications Centres.

Do I need to login when I am redirected to the VFS Global website?

All customers will be directed to our appointment booking system and will be automatically logged in with your email address and GWF number.

I have not received any appointment confirmation despite payment being successfully deducted from the card for booking UK visa application appointment. How can I get my appointment confirmation?

  • Login to your account. This link can be found on our website and is also provided in your appointment booking emails.
  • Select ‘Resend confirmation letter’ or ‘Print appointment letter’ from the Appointment Details section of the Dashboard.

How can I upgrade my standard appointment to a Priority or Super Priority Visa appointment?

  • If you submitted your application under ‘Standard’ and then decide to upgrade to the Priority Visa service, you can do so by logging in to your account, up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment date.
  • On the landing page you will find the text ‘If you need a faster Visa decision, please choose one of the Priority Visa service’.

I have made an error on my document submission. What can I do?

  • You can upload your supporting documents online free of charge or choose the paid Document Upload Assistance service. If you wish to self-upload your supporting documents, you should refer to the document checklist you have received as part of your online application and ensure that everything is correct.
  • If you have made an error and have not yet submitted your biometrics, you can delete the incorrect document and reupload the correct document by logging in to your account. To log in to your account please visit your appointment page. If you realise that a mistake has been made after submitting your biometrics, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

If I uploaded my documents online, do I need to submit the documents again in person?

  • If you have uploaded your documents online, you need to mail your passport, appointment confirmation showing documents have been uploaded and return UPS shipping label to the UKVI Visa Processing Hub after you’ve attended your USCIS Application Support Center appointment.
  • If you are attending a Premium Application Centre appointment and have uploaded your documents online, you do not need to submit the documents again in person. Please bring your original passport and appointment confirmation showing documents have been uploaded to your appointment.
  • Please reference the GOV.UK checklist provided at time of online submission, if your specific visa category requires the submission of additional original documents please adhere to these guidelines.

How do I cancel an appointment?

  • To cancel your appointment, please go to ‘Your appointment’ page.
  • Login to your account.
  • On your Dashboard page, select Manage Appointment, open the Appointment Details section and select Cancel Appointment.

The information on my Appointment Confirmation is incorrect/incomplete. What should I do?

Please visit the homepage of the country you are travelling from, and use the ‘Contact us’ link at the bottom of the page to get in touch. Please include the following information on the form, and one of our Customer Care Team will be happy to help.

  • Applicant’s full name
  • Application reference number from GOV.UK (usually starts GWF, followed by nine numbers)
  • Registered email address (as used on GOV.UK and the VFS website)
  • A copy of the Appointment Confirmation, indicating where information is incomplete or incorrect
  • Name of the Visa Application Centre you intend to visit for your appointment
  • Date and time of the appointment you booked

How can I apply for a refund for the payments deducted due to transaction decline, double payments, overcharge or services not used?

  • To request a refund for transaction decline, double payments or overcharge please visit the homepage of the country you are travelling from, and select the ‘Request a refund’ link at the bottom of the page.
  • Unless VFS is unable to provide the services, any services purchased online or at the Visa Application Centres are non-refundable, even if they remain unused.