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- How to Apply
On this page you will find the information listed below. You can use the quick links listed here to take you to the information or you can scroll down the page.
- What is a visa?
A visa (or entry clearance) is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document that gives you permission to enter the United Kingdom (UK). On arrival in the UK a UK Border Agency officer may check that you are here for the reasons you have stated. Passengers will also have their fingerprints scanned at border control to check that the individual entering the UK is the same person who gave their biometric information when they applied for their visa. For more information about what you might expect on arrival in the UK please visit the UK Border Agency website.
- When to apply
You can apply for non settlement visa application up to 3 months in advance of your intended date of travel to the UK. Applicants are strongly advised not to confirm their travel arrangements to come to the UK until they have received their visa.
- How to apply
You can apply for a visa in 8 steps. You are advised to read through the visa application steps set out below before you make your application so you are clear about the procedure and requirements.
Step 1. Check if you need a visa
Please see the information below and use the 'Do I need a visa' guide on the UK Border Agency website to check if you need a visa. If you need a visa you should follow the steps below.
- South Korea citizens who intend to stay in the UK for less than 6 months as a tourist, business visitor or student do not normally need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK. At the UK border you will need to show your return ticket, evidence that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay and evidence that you have enough money to pay for your stay and your accommodation.
- If you are going to study you will also need to prove that you have enrolled on a course, have adequate accommodation and sufficient funds to pay for your upkeep and your studies throughout your stay. If your course includes a work placement or if you intend to work while you are here, you will not be eligible to enter as a student visitor.
- If you intend on taking paid or unpaid employment in the UK, regardless of the length of your visit, you will require a visa
- If you are transiting the UK you may need to show a copy of your onward travel documents to the UK Border Agency official.
- If you intend to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months you must apply for a visa.
- If you have any unspent criminal convictions you are strongly advised to obtain a visa before travelling otherwise you may not be allowed to enter the UK.
- If you have had any previous immigration problems when visiting the UK you are strongly advised to obtain a visa before travelling. Immigration problems might include any of the following:
- Previously been warned to obtain a visa by a UK official.
- Have been refused a visa for the UK.
- Have an adverse immigration history for example - overstaying or working illegally in the UK.
- Have been refused entry, deported or otherwise removed from the UK.
Step 2. Read the information on your visa category
Before you decide to apply for a visa please make sure you familiarise yourself with the information on the visa category you are applying for. Quick links to information on visa categories and other helpful information can be found on the 'Visa Information' page on this website. You may also want to read the Immigration Rules as your visa application will need to meet these requirements.
Step 3. Complete your visa application form
You will need access to a computer, a personal email address that you can use and have the ability to print your form and any other information.
You should submit 1 visa application for each individual applying for a visa, including children.
You should complete an online visa application in English using the online visa application system. Visa applications cannot be completed in any other language.
- Please ensure that you select the correct visa application for the purpose of your visit and you complete all the sections correctly
- Sections 1 and 2 are vital to considering your application. The information in this section must be completed accurately.
- Please print all the pages of the visa application form. You should print your completed visa application form on good quality paper and ensure that the information does extend beyond the margins on the paper.
- Please make sure the bar code* appears on the final page of your printed visa application form and remember to sign it.
- After you have saved and submitted your online visa application, you will receive an email with a unique application ID number that starts with GWF. Keep your ID number for future reference.
*If the bar code does not appear on the final page of your printed visa application form, please try printing it again using one of the web browsers below:
Step 4. Schedule an appointment at the visa application centre
You must make an appointment at the visa application centre by clicking on the 'Schedule an Appointment' link on this website and follow the instructions. You must make an appointment to appear in person so you can submit your visa application form, supporting documents and biometric information. If you refuse to submit your biometric data, your visa application cannot be processed.
If you are part of a family or group, each member of the family or group must make an individual appointment. For example, if you are a family of 4 with 2 adults and 2 children (aged 5 years and over) you must make 4 individual appointments.
Exemptions
All visa applicants (apart from exempt categories and children under 5 years-of-age) must apply in person at the visa application centre to submit their biometric data. Although exempt categories and children under 5 do not need to attend the visa application centre, they will need to complete a visa application form. Applications for children under 5 years-of-age must be submitted at the visa application centre by the child's parent, legal guardian or other authorised adult. Children travelling with only 1 parent must have written consent from the other parent.
You should bring printed confirmation of your online appointment to the visa application centre when you attend. If you arrive without an appointment you will not be seen.
Step 5. Prepare your documents
Supporting documents & checklists
Please see the 'Supporting Document Checklist' page on this website for information on what types of documents you may want to submit with your visa application. For further information you may also want to see the UK Border Agency supporting document checklists. Applicants should submit as much evidence as they can of their personal circumstances. This includes employment; studies; financial circumstances; any assets; details of travel outside South Korea; details of family members in South Korea, the UK and overseas. If someone else is paying for the trip, or sponsoring you in another way, there should be evidence relating to that person too. The absence of important documentary evidence and comprehensive supporting documents may result in your application not being successful.
Original documents & photocopies
You must provide original documents with a photocopy of each original supporting document you are submitting. If you are not able to include original documents then you should submit certified copies from the issuing authority. Failure to submit original documents may mean your visa application is delayed or refused. Please ensure that the copies are good quality and can be read easily. Your original documents might not be returned to you if you do not provide photocopies. The visa application centre provides a photocopying service (fee payable). Please see the 'Additional Services' page on this website for more information.
Points-based system applications: Applicants should provide the specified evidence in the exact format given in the relevant points-based system policy guidance. Please use the links to points-based policy information on the 'Visa Information' page of this website. Failure to submit the correct documents may mean your points-based visa application is delayed or refused.
Translations
You must submit your supporting documents with an English translation. Any translated documents need to be submitted with the original Korean document for verification, as well as your photocopies.
Points-based system applications: Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a translation. Failure to submit translations in accordance with the points-based system guidance will mean your visa application is delayed or refused. Please use the relevant link to points-based policy information on the 'Visa Information' page of this website for further guidance.
You should also submit the following:
- The correct visa fee payable in Korean Won (cash) only.
- A valid passport or refugee travel document that contains at least 1 blank page on both sides so your visa can be inserted. Your passport should be signed by you and the name and signature should be the same as the details given on your visa application form. Please note: The UK Border Agency will retain your passport until they have reached a decision on your visa application. Please bear this in mind when you are making your travel arrangements, particularly if you plan to visit other countries before going to the UK.
- Previous passport/s (if relevant)
- Your completed, signed and dated visa application form (see step 3)
- Print proof of your online appointment (see step 4).
- Supporting documents relevant to the category you are applying for with photocopy of each original document and translations.
- 1 recent passport-sized (45mm high x 35mm wide) colour photograph of yourself. The photograph should be:
- Taken against a light grey or cream background. It should be in sharp focus, clear and of good quality, free from shadows.
- Printed on normal photographic paper.
- Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons. The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding, looking straight ahead.
- The photograph should be a recent true likeness and taken within the last 6 months
More information on photograph requirements can be found on the UK Border Agency website. A photograph service is provided at the visa application centre. Please see the 'Additional Services' page on this website for more information.
When you have submitted your visa application you will be given a stamped copy of your passport bio-page. You should keep this if you plan to collect the decision on your visa application from the visa application centre (see option 1 of step 8)
Step 6. Visit the visa application centre
The visa application centre address, map and local transport information can be found on the 'Contact Us' page of this website. You will need to bring the documents listed in (Step 5) with you. You must attend the visa application centre in person to give your biometric information.
Biometric information
Biometric information includes taking your digital fingerscan (all 10 digits) and digital photograph. The fingerscan procedure uses an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical. You should ensure that your fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (for example, henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable fingerscans. Your digital photograph must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes. We cannot process your visa if you do not submit your biometric data.
Applicants under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult when giving their biometric data; this cannot be a member of the UK Border Agency staff. Biometric data cannot be taken for visa applicants under the age of 16 who are unaccompanied.
Step 7. Wait for a decision on your visa application
You should check the progress of your visa application by using the free 'Track your Application' facility on this website, or you can use the SMS text service (fee payable) to receive texts about the progress of your visa application. Information on the SMS text service can be found on the 'Additional Services' page on this website. You will need to use 1 of these services to check when the decision on your visa application and document are ready for collection or have been courier back to you.
You can refer to the 'Guide to Processing Times' page on this website for information on our processing times. You can use this information as a guide to our recent performance, although it cannot be used as a guarantee of your individual visa application processing time. Visa applications are assessed individually and processing times may vary.
Interview procedures
Exceptionally, you may be asked to attend an interview at the UK Border Agency in Seoul. UK Border Agency staff reserve the right to make a decision on your visa application based on the information and documents you submitted. It is essential that you submit all the relevant documents with your visa application. If an interview is required you will be offered the first available interview date at the visa application centre. Depending on workload, there may be a waiting period before the interview so bear please bear this in mind.
Children under 10 years old, applying for a visa will not be interviewed. Children aged between 10 and 14 may be interviewed, but this would only be in the presence of a responsible adult. Children aged over 14 may be interviewed alone.
Step 8. Collect the decision on your visa application and documents
You have 2 options to collect the decision on your visa application and documents:
Option 1: You can collect the decision on your visa application in person or you can ask a travel agent, tour operator, friend or relative to collect it on your behalf. Applicants collecting their documents in person must present the copy of their passport bio-page at the collection counter (this bio-page will have been stamped at the visa application centre when you made your visa application). If a representative is collecting your documents on your behalf they must present a letter of authorisation signed by you and have proof of their ID. Without this letter of authorization and proof of their ID, VFS will not be able to hand your documents over to your representative. The collection times and visa application centre address are given on the 'Contact Us' page on this website. You can only collect your documents within these set times.
Option 2: Alternatively you may choose to have your documents delivered to your home or business address using the courier service (fee payable). Please see the 'Additional Services' page on this website for more information about courier services are ask at the visa application centre.
If you are issued a visa, please check if. You should make sure that:
- Your personal details are correct
- It correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
- It is valid for the date on which you want to travel
If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, please contact the visa application centre immediately.
- Children as visitors
The UK Border Agency has a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. To issue a visa to a child under 18, the visa officer must be satisfied that adequate arrangements have been made for their care in the United Kingdom. This means that the application form must contain:
- The full address where the child will be staying
- The name of the person who the child will be staying with.
- The necessary signed consent forms from both parents.
- The name and passport number of the person accompanying them to the UK
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