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- FAQs
- Is this the right website?
UKBA offices deal with the issue of visas to foreign
nationals who want to come to the UK. Once the foreign
national has entered the UK, all visa enquiries should
be directed to: Border
and Immigration Agency
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Biometric Visas: Frequently Asked Questions
for Applicants
- As a genuine visitor to the United Kingdom (UK)
why am I required to have my fingers scanned and have
a digital photo taken to get a visa?
All UK visa applicants are required to provide both
finger scans and a digital photo as part of the application
process. These finger scans and digital photos are your
biometric data. Biometric data collection is part of
the British Government's Five-year Strategy for managing
asylum and immigration control in the UK.
By collecting biometric data from all visa applicants
we will be able to:
• better protect you from identity fraud;
• ensure that your biometric identity is secure;
• strengthen the control of the UK's borders; and
• make the UK an even safer place to visit.
- What benefits do I get for providing my biometric
data?
Providing your biometric data gives you the following
benefits:
• We can easily identify you as the person we know.
The biometric visa represents our long-term commitment
to you as a valued customer.
• We won't mistake you for another person with
the same or similar name.
• It helps to keep you and your family safe from
crime and terrorism by making sure that you are secure
while you travel to the UK, and while you are in the
UK.
• It helps protect you and your family from identity
theft.
• In the longer term, we will use your biometric
data to help speed your entry at UK ports and airports.
- I am a regular visitor to the UK. Will I have to
give my biometric data each time I apply for a visa?
Yes, each time you apply for a UK visa you will need
to have your fingers scanned and photograph taken. If
you are a regular traveller to the UK you may wish to
consider applying for a longer-term (2, 5 or 10 year)
visa.
- Will there be an extra charge for providing my
biometric data?
No. We will not charge you for providing your finger
scans and a digital photo.
- How long does it take to provide my biometric data?
Because the procedure is simple and discreet, it should
take us less than five minutes.
- Will I be able to provide my finger scans if any
of my fingers are missing, injured or decorated?
If any of your fingers are missing, you can still provide
scans of your remaining fingers. We will make a note
of this. If you have cut or damaged your fingertips,
or you have applied any form of temporary decoration
(for example, henna) you will not be able to provide
your finger scans. You should apply when the injury
has healed or the temporary decoration has faded.
- What will happen if I refuse to have my fingers
scanned or my photograph taken?
We will not accept your visa application. We will only
accept and process this when you have provided your
completed application form (with supporting documents),
the visa fee, your finger scans and a digital photo.
- Will my children need to have their fingers scanned
and photos taken?
If your children are aged five or over, they will need
to have their fingers scanned and photo taken. If your
children are aged between five and sixteen years of
age, a responsible adult must accompany them while their
finger scans are taken. Children under five will not
have to provide their finger scans but we will need
to have a photograph of them.
- What will happen if my religious beliefs do not
allow me to have my fingers scanned or my photograph
taken?
We do not believe that finger scanning or taking of
photographs conflicts with any religious practices or
beliefs. However, we have facilities available for discreet
biometric enrolment if you need this.
- Who has access to my biometric data?
We will treat all biometric data we collect from you
in confidence. Unauthorised persons will not be able
to access your biometric data and the data will not
be used inappropriately. Foreign Governments or organisations
do not have open access to the biometric data that we
collect from you. We may share your biometric data with
foreign Governments and organisations, but only in accordance
with all relevant UK legislation, including the Data
Protection Act (DPA) 1998. They must make a request
for the data to the UK Government, and the UK Government
will only share your data if this complies with the
DPA and other relevant legislation.
- How long will you keep my biometric data?
We will keep your biometric data for ten years from
the date that we took your finger scans and digital
photo. After ten years, your data will be destroyed.
- Is the equipment you use to collect my finger scans
safe?
Yes. The machine we use to collect finger scans complies
with all relevant UK and international safety standards.
The machine does not use ink, liquids or chemicals.
- Can I pick up germs from the machine?
You are no more likely to pick up germs from the machine
than from any daily contact you may have with any surface,
for example, a door handle or counter top.
- Are there restrictions on what I can wear for the
digital photograph?
Yes. Your face must be clearly visible. You will not
be able to wear anything that obscures your face.
- What if I have an injury on my face?
If you have cuts, bruises, or a temporary swelling on
your face, we cannot take your photograph. You should
apply when the cuts and bruises have healed or the swelling
has completely gone.
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Commercial Partners And Visa Application
Centres (VACS)
- What is a "Commercial Partner"?
We have signed contracts with two companies, Computer
Science Corporation and VFS Global Ltd. These companies
are our commercial partners and they will provide a
range of visa application support services for us worldwide.
- What is a "visa application centre"?
A visa application centre (VAC) is an office run by
our commercial partners where visa applicants will have
to go in person to submit their application and provide
their biometric data. You may also collect your documents
from the VAC at the end of the process. VACs are located
in major cities for your convenience and ease of access.
In addition our commercial partners will operate other
facilities which provide a more limited range of visa
application support services.
- How does this affect me?
Except in exceptional circumstances, UK visa applications
will not be accepted at the British High Commission
so you will have to go to a VAC instead to do this.
You can go to any of the VAC offices you choose to process
your application. The High Commission website will give
information about where the VACs are located.
When applying for a UK visa you must now also provide
your biometric data. Your application will not be accepted
without the biometric data.
You can submit your application either on line, by post,
or in person but you must attend a biometric collection
point in person to provide your biometric data.
- Will I be charged more for my visa by going to
a VAC?
No. The cost of standard services provided by VACs is
included in the visa fee. The visa fee is set by the
British Government and cannot be changed by the VAC.
The VAC may provide additional services for which they
will make an additional charge - for example if you
want them to return your documents directly to your
home or office. You should contact the VAC to find out
whether they offer additional services and what the
charges for these might be. However, it is your choice
whether or not you use any of these additional services
- you do not have to use them. Full details of services
are available from individual VAC websites.
- What if I can't get to a VAC? Can I still come
to the High Commission?
If there are circumstances that make it difficult for
you to attend a VAC, you should contact the VAC and
discuss your circumstances.
- If the new process will not take much longer, why
do we have to go to a designated collection point?
We have to collect everyone's biometric data and we
do not have the space at the High Commission to do so.
Our commercial partner will have offices in convenient
locations and will have longer public opening hours
than are possible at the High Commission. Some may operate
an appointment system to make the process quicker and
more convenient.
- Will my visa still come from the High Commission?
Yes. Once you have submitted your application and provided
your biometric data at a VAC, your application will
be sent to the British High Commission for consideration.
Your paperwork may be returned to the VAC for you to
collect or you can arrange for the documents to be returned
to you.
- Do the VACs have a say in the visa decision/make
the decision on my visa application?
No. The VAC is our agent and performs only the pre-decision
functions such as checking your application form, taking
your biometric data and collecting the fee. They deliver
your application to the British High Commission where
a United Kingdom Entry Clearance officer will make the
decision on your application, exactly as now. The staff
at the VACs cannot issue, refuse or influence the decision
in any way.
- Will staff at the VACs have access to my biometric
data?
Once they have taken your finger scans and digital photograph
the information is immediately stored on a database
which cannot be accessed by the VAC staff.
- What if I am not happy with the service at the
VAC?
If you are unhappy with the way you have been treated,
you should make a formal complaint to the VAC Supervisor.
You should ask for details of their complaints procedure
and follow the steps that it sets out.
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Payment
- How do I pay my visa fee under the new arrangements?
With effect from 22 April 2007 all visa fees will need
to be paid at the designated branches of BRAC Bank Ltd.
Applicants will be asked to complete a quadruplicate
receipt, which will be provided by BRAC Bank Ltd. Upon
receipt of payment 3 copies will be returned to the
applicant. The receipt is then activated on the next
working day and will be valid for 30 days. Applicants
will then be able to submit their applications containing
the 3 BRAC Bank Receipts to a VAC.
- Why do I have to pay my visa fee at BRAC Bank?
Why can't I pay at the VAC when I submit my application?
The UK has introduced a global policy that fees should
not be collected at Visa Application Centres, in order
to ensure the security of monies.
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- Can I apply at the British High Commission?
Your first point of contact should be one of our Visa
Application Centres in Dhaka or Sylhet. The page Where
do I apply provides details of these. If they are unable
to help you then you should contact the British High
Commission.
- Why do I need to go to a VFS office to apply?
We believe that VFS provide a professional service to
all our applicants. Nobody needs to queue on the street
outside the High Commission anymore. Customer feedback
has shown that applicants in both Dhaka and Sylhet are
happy with the level of service provided by VFS.
- Do I have to apply in person?
If you are a first time traveller to the United Kingdom,
you must submit your visa application in person.
If you are not a first time traveller to the UK, and
have travelled to the UK in the last 3 years, you may
be able to apply through a third party and may be eligible
to use our Visa Express Facility. The Visa Application
Centres will be able to advise you about this.
- How long does it take to get a visa?
Any Visa Express application should be ready in two
working days (though we reserve the right to interview
some applicants). The target time for resolving other
applications, set by UKBA, is 15 working days for non-settlement
applications and three months for the majority of settlement
cases. We aim to better those target times. The exception
to these timescales is working holidaymaker applications,
which may take significantly longer to resolve.
- My application was refused. Can I appeal?
If your application is refused you will be given a written
notice explaining the reasons for the decision. PLEASE
NOTE: The visa office in Dhaka will normally give a
copy of the notice of refusal to you alone. A copy will
only be sent to your sponsor or representative if you
provide written authority for us to do so. You may of
course send a copy of the notice directly to your sponsor
or representative yourself.
Certain categories of visa applicants who have been
refused are eligible to appeal. If you have a right
of appeal you will be given an appeal form and notes
explaining how you or your representative may lodge
the appeal.
New appeal procedures have come into force in April
2005. Appeals are now considered by the Asylum and Immigration
Tribunal (AIT). You may send your appeal either directly
to the AIT or to the Visa Section. You must not send
your appeal to both locations. Should your appeal be
sent to this office, the appeal will be simply forwarded
to the AIT.
For further information on refusals and appeal procedures
please see the AIT website: http://www.iaa.gov.uk/
- I won my appeal. When will I get my visa?
We can only act on the result of an appeal adjudication
when we receive official notification of the result
of your hearing. You should allow six weeks for this
to reach us. If you have not heard after six weeks,
and you or your representative has already received
notification of out outcome of your appeal please e-mail
the British High Commission Dhaka at: appealenquiries.dhaka@fco.gov.uk.
Your email should be headed APPEAL WON and include your application and appeal reference numbers.
Please do not fax or post your copy of the determination; we cannot do anything with it until we get official confirmation. You will be saving the time and cost of sending the documents, we will be able to keep the amount of paper on our office under control! An e-mail is much better; with an e-mail we can make our checks quickly and electronically.
- I am a student. How can I make sure I will get
my visa in time?
Apply in good time. Students applying to remain in the
UK over 6 months will require a health certificate having
been screened for TB, prior to submission of their application;
See our page Health Screening - Questions and Answers
for Applicants for further information. At peak application
times for student applications (e.g. before the autumn
and calendar year intakes) we will prioritise student
applications, but in general they will be dealt with
on a first come, first served basis.
The Visa Section of the British High Commission supports
the British Council's PASS programme. Students who have
used PASS are entitled to apply for their visa under
a fast track "student express" scheme, significantly
reducing the time it takes to resolve the application.
For more details of PASS contact the British Council
at:
British Council
5, Fuller Road
Dhaka 1000
Tel: 8618905 -7
Fax: 8613375
Email: education@bd.britishcouncil.org
Web site: British
Council of Bangladesh
- Can I work whilst in the UK?
From 7 June 2006, the British High Commission in Bangladesh
will cease to accept working holidaymaker visa applications
until further notice. The UK Visa Application Centre
and IOM clinics will NOT be accepting any further applications
for visas or UK TB Health Certificates from working
holidaymaker visas.
This service is suspended in Bangladesh because a significant
and unprecedented rise in the number of applications
has resulted in demand outstripping capacity, which
has adversely affected the wider visa operation.
This link will take you to information regarding work
permit applications: Work
Permits
The UK Visa Application Centre and IOM clinics will
NOT be accepting any further applications for visas
or UK TB Health Certificates from working holidaymaker
visas.
This link will take you to information regarding work
permit applications: Work
Permits
- Can I apply as a civil partner?
Civil partnerships are a new legal relationship which
can be registered by two people of the same sex and
give couples legal recognition for their relationship.
Same-sex couples who register a civil partnership will
have parity of treatment in a wide range of legal matters
with those opposite-sex couples who enter into a civil
marriage.
Immigration Rules and other provisions have been amended
to introduce a new category of "civil partner". Civil
partners will be afforded the same provisions in the
Rules that currently exist for spouses of persons present
in the United Kingdom in both permanent and temporary
categories.
Please use the VAF1 (non-settlement) or VAF2 (settlement)
visa application forms which can be found on our visa
Application
forms and guidance page. This page also contains
further related information under the 'spouses' link.
Knowledge of Language and 'Life in the UK':
Spouses/Civil Partners/Unmarried or Same Sex Partners
As of 2 April 2007, all foreign national spouses,
civil partners and unmarried/same sex partners who currently
qualify for indefinite leave to enter the UK will also
be required to demonstrate knowledge of language and
'life in the UK' before being granted indefinite leave
to enter. All those applying in the UK for indefinite
leave to remain on the basis of marriage or similar
long-term relationship also have to satisfy this requirement.
Applicants that have not satisfied the knowledge of
language and 'life in the UK' requirement (whether applying
overseas or in the UK) will be eligible for leave to
remain as the spouse or partner of a person with the
right of abode or indefinite leave to enter or remain
in the UK. These arrangements are explained in more
detail below.
- Why can I no longer be granted settlement on entry
(indefinite leave to enter) as the spouse, civil partner
or unmarried/same sex partner of someone with right
of abode or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the
UK?
The Government believes strongly that those who wish
to settle in the UK should be encouraged to play a full
part in their wider community. Therefore all adults,
aged 18-65, who apply for settlement on or after 2 April
2007 will need to demonstrate knowledge of language
and of 'life in the UK' in addition to meeting the usual
requirements of the Immigration Rules for settlement.
This includes foreign national spouses, civil partners
and unmarried/same sex partners who currently qualify
for settlement on entry (indefinite leave to enter).
Under the new Rules, those applicants who currently
qualify for indefinite leave to enter (pre 2 April 2007)
as the spouse, civil partner or unmarried/same sex partner
of someone with right of abode or indefinite leave to
enter or remain in the UK, will be granted two years
leave to enter. During this time they can, at any point,
satisfy the knowledge of language and 'life in the UK'
requirement. If successful, they can then apply for
indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
- My spouse/civil partner/unmarried or same sex partner
has right of abode/indefinite leave to enter/remain
in the UK. We have been married and living overseas
for a period of over four years and satisfied the criteria
for settlement in the UK. Why do I need to complete
a two years probationary period in the UK before being
granted settlement?
This is not a probationary period. You can apply for
indefinite leave to remain at any point during those
two years, provided that you have demonstrated knowledge
of language and 'life in the UK'. The same provision
applies to those already in the UK and seeking indefinite
leave to remain but who have not satisfied the knowledge
of language and 'life in the UK' requirement.
- If I have already satisfied the knowledge of language
and 'life in the UK' requirement (for example, on a
previous visit to the UK), can I then be granted settlement
on entry (indefinite leave to enter)?
Yes, provided that you meet all of the other requirements
of the Immigration Rules for indefinite leave to enter
as the spouse, civil partner or unmarried/same sex partner
of someone with right of abode/indefinite leave to enter/remain
in the UK.
- Is it possible to take the test overseas?
There are no facilities to take the 'Life in the UK
Test' overseas, but it can be taken at any time in the
UK, for instance, on the occasion of a visit to family
or relatives before coming here permanently.
- Why should I have to pay for two applications,
one overseas and one in the UK?
A second application is only necessary where all the
requirements for immediate settlement are not met. This
is true of applicants who are already in the UK as spouses
or partners as well as those who are being admitted
on that basis. The Government's view is that permission
to live permanently in the UK should be seen as a privilege
and the end of a process that entails both an awareness
of the responsibilities involved and the ability to
participate in life in the UK, and not something that
is granted automatically irrespective of these considerations.
- I am a fluent English speaker; will I need to provide
proof of my knowledge of language before being granted
settlement?
Yes. However, you will only be required to take the
'Life in the UK Test'. If you pass this test you will
not need to produce additional proof of your
knowledge of English. This is because to pass the test
you will need to be competent in English.
If you do not have the required level of English, you
will need to gain an approved English for Speakers of
Other Languages (ESOL) qualification through attending
an ESOL course which includes citizenship materials.
- Former Members of HM Forces and their Dependants
I am a former member of HM Forces; can I still be granted
settlement on entry?
Yes. Provided that you meet all of the other requirements
in the Immigration Rules for indefinite leave to enter
the UK as a former member of HM Forces, you are not
required to satisfy the knowledge of language and 'life
in the UK' requirement.
- Why are former members of HM Forces exempt from
the new Rules, when others (e.g. spouses) are not?
Service in the Armed Forces has long been recognised
as a unique way of acquiring and demonstrating the obligations
and responsibilities of a permanent attachment to the
UK.
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I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?
Student Visitors
You should apply for this visa if:
• You are over 18 years
• You wish to take a short course of study lasting less than 6 months.
• You do not wish to work during your stay
• You will not need to extend your stay in the UK.
• Your course is for less than 15 hours per week or is in the evening or at weekends. However, the training provider must be on the DIUS Register of Education Providers.
You should not choose this if:
• You are taking a sandwich course or any short course with a work placement element.
Student
You should apply for this visa if:
• You wish to take part time employment during your studies
• You may need to extend your stay in the UK
• You are undertaking a short term English course before going on to long term studies in the UK. Give details of both courses in your application.
Child Visitor
You should apply for this visa if:
• You are a child under the age of 18 travelling to the UK for a short course of study lasting less than 6 months.
• Please note there is a requirement to demonstrate that adequate arrangements have been made for care in the UK. This means that you must give the name and address of the person you will stay with. You must also submit the necessary signed consent forms from both parents, and the name and passport number of who is accompanying you to the UK.
For more information please visit UKBA
website FAQs.
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