Applying for a UK Visa
There are certain nationalities that may require a UK visa to enter the country. However, there are also other ally countries that enable their citizens to enter UK without one. If you belong to a nationality that needs a UK visa, then you will need to follow a few steps.
There are various types of UK visa. Depending on the type that you are applying for, there will be respective documents and application forms that will be required from you. In order to obtain a UK visa, you must visit the British mission or embassy in your country. It must be a full service visa office that issues a UK visa.
On the other hand, there are a number of countries that may have what they call the VACs. The VAC is short for Visa Application Centre. The British Commissions set up VACs in largely populated areas, so that people can apply for a UK Tier 1 visa easier. It is also more convenient for the UK visa applicants. There will be trained staff at each of the VACs to deal with all your enquiries and applications. They will also be the ones to collect the biometric information needed for the application. The VAC staff will also give you advice on whether or not you have provided complete documents. However, note that they are not responsible for approving your visa. It is the entry clearance staff at the British Mission who will be deciding whether you will be issued or refused a UK visa.
It takes 15 working days to 12 weeks to process an application depending on the type of visa being applied for. Application forms are available at the British Mission or Embassy in your country. You may also download and print the form from the UK Visas website.