UK Visa Application from USA
A step-by-step guide to applying for a UK visa in the USA
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In this article
Green card holders or US citizens may need to obtain a visa to travel to the United Kingdom depending on their country of citizenship and purpose of travel. The UK government has established a range of visas suitable for every traveler based on their purpose of entry.
Citizens of the countries listed here need to apply for a UK visa before entering the United Kingdom.
Do US Citizens Need a UK Visa?
US citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter the UK if they are traveling for tourism or business purposes, for a stay of up to six months. However, they are required to apply for all other types of visas to travel or stay in the UK.
How to apply for UK Visa from USA?
To apply for a UK visa in the USA, you must follow these steps:
- Find out if you need a UK visa.
- Complete the online UK visa application form.
- Book an appointment to provide Biometrics.
- Attend the visa interview.
Complete the online application form
After you have decided that you need to apply for a UK visa from the US you can start the application process. To start the UK visa application process you need to complete an online application form, by submitting correct and reliable information and pay the visa application fee. If the information on the application form does not match the information on the other required documents, your application will be rejected.
Combine the document file
To apply for a UK visa from the USA, green card holders must provide the following documents:
A completed UK visa application form.
Two UK visa photographs taken within the last six months.
Your valid passport. It must be valid for another three months beyond the date you plan to leave the UK after your trip. It should also have at least one blank visa page.
A receipt confirming that you have paid the fees as required.
Translation of documents not in English or Welsh.
Evidence of US status. May be Original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) or original US Visa
Proof that you have purchased a round trip flight reservation on the dates you plan to travel from the US.
Letter of Employment. This is confirmation that you are an employee of the company that approved your vacation days.
Proof of UK Residence:
UK visa Invitation Letter - if you plan to stay with friends or family members, then your host must write you a letter that includes the length of your stay, address and contact details of the host among others.
Hotel Confirmation - if you plan to stay at a hotel instead, a hotel reservation confirmation must be submitted.
Proof of livelihood. The applicant will need to provide evidence that they are financially able to support themselves while living in the UK. This includes bank statements not older than three days, pay slips, and other forms of proof of your income such as rent, etc. If you are coming to the UK under a financial aid scheme you will need to provide proof. with that.
Tuberculosis Test Results. Citizens of several countries around the world will need to submit applications for a Tuberculosis Test to qualify for a UK Visa.
Biometric information. If you are applying for a visa that allows you to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you will need to submit your biometric information. This includes providing your fingerprints and a digital photograph taken at the relevant application centre.
Book an appointment for Biometrics
You will then need to schedule an appointment at one of the 130+ applicant support centers (ASCs) across the United States for Biometric testing. During this time, you will have your digital photograph taken and a digital scan of all ten fingers. The first time you can send your visa application with all the necessary documents is one day or one and a half days after the latest 2 weeks after sending the biometric.
During the appointment you must have with you:
- your current passport.
- printed on your application form.
- a copy of your biometric verification receipt.
- Children under the age of 5 are exempt from fingerprinting.
Attend a visa interview at a UK Embassy/Consulate in the United States
After collecting all the required documents, you will need to send them to the British Consulate General in New York by post or registered travel agent. Put your passport, application form, and other documents in the envelope. Plan according to the checklist and don't stress any of them.
Appeals should be sent to the British Embassy in New York at the following address:
- UK Visas and Immigration
- British Consulate General
- 845 Third Avenue
- New York
- 10022
Payment requests
Payment requests are made within the United Kingdom and should be sent to:
- International Jobs and Visas
- 6 Millsands
- Houses in Vulcan
- Sheffield
- S3 8NH
- United Kingdom
- Whatever your request
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