Welcome to the Visa section! Your one-stop source for UK visa info and the latest news from the UK border agency is http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
First and foremost, visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/do-you-need-a-visa to confirm if you need a visa to visit and/or stay in the UK. You simply answer three questions and you will be given an immediate answer and more information under a “What do you need to do?” box. This box will contain links for thorough information on your particular needs based on your reason for coming to the UK, your nationality and your current legal residence.
At Expat Info Desk, we have summarized the guidelines and give you a simple overview to current regulations, but you will need to visit the official website for detailed information on obtaining the appropriate visa, as well as changing visa status while in the UK. The process differs for each individual depending on current and prospective visa and nationality.
From student visas to working visas, a variety of visas are granted to ex-pats in London. In 2008, a points-based system (PBS) for immigration was introduced along with a compulsory identity card for foreign nationals from outside the EEA and Switzerland. Skilled migrants who renew their visas to stay in the UK will be issued an ID card.
This section is organized around the different types of reasons people plan to move to London and the UK. It is a thorough overview, detailed information will be found in the guide under each section.
Tourism
There are many visitors who may enter the UK without a specific visa. For those that do require a visa, you must make the application in your home country. Visitors to the UK can stay in the country for up to 6 months and are not permitted to work with a tourist visa. For all the info you need about visiting the UK with this visa, visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting.
