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Do I need a UK visa?

Use the information on these pages to find out if you need a visa, or entry clearance to enter or transit through the United Kingdom.

If you are already in the UK and want to change or extend your stay, please contact the UK Border Agency.

Recent changes include:

The Points-Based System (PBS) 

Tier 1 (the highly skilled tier) was launched worldwide in June 2008.  PBS Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) and Tier 5 (Temporary Worker and Youth Mobility Scheme) will be launched worldwide on 27 November 2008.  Full information about the points-based system and a self assessment calculator is available on the UK Border Agency website.

The following new guidance is now available for applicants who are resident outside the United Kingdom:

Points Based System Tier 1, (General) Migrant (INF 21)

The HSMP Forum Ltd Judicial Review (JR) Judgement of April 2008:
Guidance on how to make an application

Points Based System Tier 1, Investor (INF 23)

Points Based System Tier 1, Entrepreneur (INF 24)

Points Based System Tier 1, Post-Study Work (INF 25)

Points Based System Tier 2, Skilled Worker (INF 26)

Points Based System Tier 5, Temporary Worker (INF 27)

Points Based System Tier 5, Youth Mobility Scheme (INF 28)

Please note that when visa regimes change, there may be a short delay before the information on our website is updated.


Information for visa applicants

Our visa information guides contain general information about different types of visas and aim to answer some common questions you may have related to the visa application process.

Visa application forms (applications made outside the UK)

Most visa applications should be made online. Full list of visa application forms and guidance notes that you need to make a visa application on paper are listed on our visa application forms page.

The official British Government website for visa services

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