United Kingdom is one of the top choices for people around the world due to its career opportunities, cultural diversity, education quality, rich history, quality of life, health care system, etc. If you’re a Dubai resident, planning to move to the UK, you first need to apply for UK visa from Dubai
What is a UK Visa?
A UK visa is a permit provided by the UK government to foreign visitors who want to visit the UK for a long or short term. The UK offers different types of visas, so choose wisely by considering your purpose, duration of stay, nationality, skills, and requirements.
How To Get UK Visa From Dubai?
Obtaining a UK visa from Dubai is a lengthy process with multiple steps. It includes an online application form, a biometric appointment, documents submission, and much more. Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the visa process.
Determine Visa Type
Like any other country, the UK offers more than one kind of visas. The first step is to determine what kind of visa is required. It can be a working visa, a visit visa, a Family Visa, or a marriage visitor visa.
Three potential visa options for a tourist to choose from based on his/her nationality and requirements are
- Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
- Standard Visitor Visa
- Visa Not Required
Visa Not Required
It might be possible that you do not require a visa to visit the UK. Yes, you read it right. If you are a Canadian national residing in Dubai, you do not need a visa. This is true for citizens of the US, EU state members, and some other commonwealth countries. Ensure that it only applies if your stay is no longer than six months.
If you are a national of a country that requires a visa to visit the UK, you can choose between an electronic or standard visitor visa.
Electronic Visa Waiver
It is a digital alternative to a regular Visit Visa for Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE. It is the easiest option to get a visa. However, there are some limitations to electronic visa waiver.
- It is available for only a few countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, UAE)
- It is possible only if the duration stay is no longer than six months
Standard Visitor Visa
If you belong to a country that does not apply for Electronic Waiver Visas, it is recommended that you apply for a standard visitor visa. Its duration is also six months but can be prolonged in different cases, such as medical treatment and academics. Keep in mind that electronic waiver visa-eligible nationals can also choose this visa type.
To get a standard visitor visa, you need to apply through an online application form and then attend an appointment at the visa application center. If you are a regular visitor to the UK, you can opt for a long-term standard visitor visa. Although the duration is also six months, but it can eliminate the application process required each time you travel.
Gather the Required Documents for a UK Visa
Submitting all the required documents is important to avoid delays and smooth processing. Keep the following documents ready.
Passport
Your passport should be valid during the entire process and your stay in the UK. A blank page must be present if you choose a standard visitor visa.
Proof Of Accommodation
Providing proof of accommodation is necessary. If you are going to stay in a hotel, provide the details of the hotel with the dates of your stay. If you are going to stay with your friends or family members, you have to submit an invitation card from the host.
Proof Of Financial Means
Applicants are required to submit their bank statements and proof of income to prove financial stability and ensure that they can manage their stay.
Proof Of Travel History
Any travel documents and passports that are proof of travel history.
Proof of Employment/Education status
If you are an employee or a student, you need to prove that to get a visa. If you are an employee, you need a letter from your company describing your duration, salary, and role. In the case of a student, you need to provide a letter from your institute confirming leave and active student status.
Additional Documents Required
If you are younger than 18, you need to submit additional documents. These include a birth certificate and a signed letter from a parent or guardian.
If you have a sponsor, you must have a letter of invitation, the sponsor’s residence document, and any document that shows your relationship with the sponsor.
Complete the Application Form
Completing the application form is essential for getting an appointment with the visa application center. You do not have to fill out the form in one take; as it is an online form, you are allowed to finish it later by signing later.
Keep your original documents near you so you can complete the form without mistakes. Double-check your spelling and the dates you have entered.
Schedule Your Appointment
- To apply for UK visa from Dubai, you must know about the nearest visa application center. You can check it through the VFS global website.
- Check the opening hours of the selected center.
- Book an appointment by clicking on the “Book Now” tab.
- Provide the required information and choose a feasible date for an appointment.
It is important to understand the purpose of the appointment and why it is mandatory. It is a crucial step, and you must appear for biometric verification. Fingerprints and documents are required and scanned to confirm identity.
Attend The Appointment
You will not get your visa without attending the appointment. You should reach on time or before time, along with your passport and other documents.
Wait For Decision
After the completion of the above steps, the waiting time starts until you receive an email related to the visa. You can track the application status from the website. UK visa Dubai processing time is usually three weeks after attending the appointment.
You can get a decision in 5 to 7 working days by clicking on the “priority visa” option and in 1 day by choosing the Super priority visa. You will get the result of your application through email or letter. If you do not receive an email within 3 weeks, check your spam and junk folders.
Acceptance or Refusal
If your application is rejected, you will receive an email with the reason for the denial, and your passport will also be returned to you.
In case of acceptance, your passport will be returned with a sticker (Vignette), describing visa type, validity and other conditions. If you find any mistake, contact the appointment center for correction as soon as possible.
UK Visa Application Fee
Understanding the application fee for a UK visa is essential to choosing the most suitable visa for yourself.
- Electronic Visa Waiver costs 30 Euros, which is approximately equal to 120 AED
- The Standard Visitor Visa fee is equivalent to 500 AED
- The fee for a Standard Visitor Visa increases with the increase in duration
- The 2-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa fee is 1800 AED
- 5-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa fee is 3200 AED
- 10-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa fee is 4900 AED
Conclusion
At the end of this article, we hope it has provided you with the necessary details on how to get UK visa from Dubai. The UK is considered a better option regarding career opportunities, a thriving economy, pursuing higher education, and quality of life. There are several visa types that you can choose from.
The visa cost depends on many factors, mainly the duration and type of visa. Fill out the application form, provide the necessary documents, get your visa, and enjoy.
Applying for a UK visa from Dubai can be hectic, as each step is crucial and requires guidance and attentiveness. If you want to get your visa without any delay and effortlessly, reach out to Al Riyady. Our team will love to help and guide you through each step. We can also help you Set up a Business and obtain a Golden Visa.
