A UK visa is currently being processed at an average of 7 to 12 weeks. One mistake or a document out of pace, you could end up back in the queue. To ensure your UK visa is not rejected, here’s a list of mistakes to avoid:
Avoid booking tickets before you get your visa
Visitor visas, including standard visitor visa applications, are currently taking an average of 7 weeks to process, as per the official website. Travel agents are reporting delays of up to 12 weeks. Due to the unprecedented delays in processing visas, the UK High Commissioner has urged Indian travellers to buy their tickets only once they have received their visa. Unlike a Schengen visa, you do not need to provide proof of your tickets, flights or a detailed itinerary for a UK visa.
Opt for ‘Keep My Passport’
Pratim Akash of Elite Tours and Travels recommends that if you have other travel plans before your UK visit, it is best to opt for the ‘Keep my passport’ service, which allows you to retain your passport even during the application process. The service comes at an additional cost of Rs3,500. When your application has been accepted, VFS will intimate you via email or a phone call to drop off your passport. The visa is then printed and handed over to you on the same day. This service is not available for priority visa applications.
Submit documents online to save time
The application for UK visas is now completely electronic, eliminating the need for submitting any documents to the VFS office during your biometrics. However, several people still carry a bunch of documents to VFS, which the officer then has to scan and send over to the embassy. “Applicants often get a physical bank statement instead of downloading one via net banking. VFS then scans those documents and sends them over to the embassy. If the scans or printouts are not clear, the embassy will return the application. It’s a waste of time and paper, and could lead to severe delays in your visa application,” says Nihal Daswani of EASA, a company that provides end-to-end visa solutions.
Make sure you have enough funds–but not at the last minute
Daswani suggests having at least £100 (Rs9,284) in your bank account for each day of your visit to the country. Your bank statement should be no more than a year old. “These funds should be liquid and not invested in mutual funds or stocks and shares. However, the funds could be in the form of a fixed deposit as well. If you’re applying for a business visa, and are providing your company papers, make sure that your statement is not in overdraft. While you may be slated to recover the overdraft money in a few weeks, the consulate is not aware of that. A negative balance is a big no-no,” says Daswani.
Akash recommends building your balance over a period of six months, and not getting a third person to transfer money to your account a few days before your appointment. “This is a major red flag, and could get your visa rejected,” he says. If you’re travelling solo, providing property papers, whether it’s in your name or your parent’s name could be very useful. “It assures the visa officer that you will return to the country.
Try and get another visa stamp first
With zero travel history, your visa has a very high chance of getting rejected, say travel agents, “I would suggest applying for a visa that’s easier first. It could be Thailand, Singapore or Malaysia. Travellers with zero travel history have very low chances of getting a UK visa easily,” says Daswani. Those who have had a UK visa in the past may also get their visa processed faster than other applicants, he adds.
