The UK is home to famous historical monuments and an active entertainment scene. In 2023, the United Kingdom received around 604,000 Indian tourists.
Before you can obtain your UK visa, you will need to visit a visa application center to verify your identity and documents. Are you wondering how you would book a UK visa appointment?
In this article, you will find out all about the UK visa appointment process in India that you need to know.
Suggested Read: UK Visa Photo Requirements for Indian
How to Schedule a UK Visa Appointment?
A UK visa appointment for Indians is mandatory for the verification of information and collection of biometric data. Let’s find out how to schedule a UK visa interview .
Online Steps
Following are the steps to book your UK visa appointment online :
Step 1: Complete Your Visa Application Online
You cannot schedule a UK visa appointment unless you have completed your short-stay visitor visa application here.
Step 2: Book Your Visa Appointment
After you complete your visa application, you will be automatically directed to book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC). You can also click here to login with your reference number (mentioned in your application) and email ID. You will have up to 240 days to book an appointment after submission of the application.
Step 3: Select Services
Choose from a variety of premium services, if you wish, such as Prime Time Appointment (Apply for your visa outside of standard hours) or Courier Return Plus (get your passport/documents delivered directly to your home). If you want just the standard version of the service, click on ‘Book An Appointment.’
Step 4: Book a UK Visa Slot Online
Next, choose the date and time from the displayed slots, depending on UK visa appointment availability, and confirm your selection.
Step 5: Upload Documents
- After completing the payment process for your UK visa appointment, you will receive a confirmation of the UK visa appointment in your email.
- A direct link to upload the documents will also be included in the email.
- You can also access the link from the ‘My Application’ tab on the dashboard of your profile. This is where you can track, amend, or reschedule your UK visa appointment as well.
- Drag and drop PDF files of the necessary documents and click on ‘Submit Documents’.
- Keep in mind that you are responsible for uploading all necessary documents correctly. If you need any guidance in this step, you can choose the Document Upload Assistance service at the VAC, which will be chargeable.
After your online application for a UK visa appointment is done, here are the steps to follow at the VAC:
Step 1: Arrive 15 minutes before the given time of appointment. Keep in mind that you must attend in person and cannot send someone else instead.
Step 2: Wait your turn and submit your biometrics to the VAC officer. A digital scanner will collect the impressions of all 10 fingerprints. Your fingertips should not have cuts, bruises, or adornments like mehendi.
You will have a digital photo taken, for which you will need to have your full face on display without sunglasses, tinted spectacles, heavy makeup, or any headgear that is not required for religious or medical reasons.
Exemptions: 1) Children under 5 years old are exempt from providing fingerprints, 2) Applicants aged 12-17 will need parental/guardian’s consent for fingerprint collection, 3) Those medically unable to provide fingerprints must provide a doctor’s certificate
Note: If you have purchased ‘Assisted Service’ for document submission, you must bring the originals or good-quality copies of your supporting documents to the Visa Application Center.
Offline Process
There is no offline process for scheduling UK visa application appointments .
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Which Locations are Available in India for a UK Visa Appointment?
Following are some of the UK Visa Application Centers in top cities where you can get a UK visa appointment for Indians :
New Delhi
Address: Mezzanine Floor, Baba Kadak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mumbai North
Address: Trade Centre, ‘G’ Block, First Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mumbai South
Address: Urmi Axis Building, 1st Floor, Behind Famous Studio, Opp E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi West, Mumbai 400011
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Chennai
Address: Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600018
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Bengaluru
Address: VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd. Gopalan Innovation Mall, 22, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Find more UK Visa Application Centers here.
Now that you have a clear idea of the steps to book a UK visa appointment, let’s move on to the documents.
What are the Documents Needed for a UK Visa Appointment?
Following are the required documents for UK visa appointment for Indians:
- Printout of the appointment confirmation letter verifying the details of your appointment
- Valid passport (and/or travel documents)
- The first page of the visa application form with the GWF number
- Proof of employment
- Financial statement
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Flight tickets
Please note that all documents must be in A4 size papers.
Additional Documents (If applicable)
- If you are exempt from providing biometrics, bring one recent photograph that meets UK Visas and Immigration guidelines.
- If you are a dependant, bring evidence of your sponsor/guardian’s leave to remain in the UK.
How Long Do I Have to Wait for a UK Visa Appointment in India?
The UK visa appointment waiting time depends on the available slots. Once your appointment is done, the current processing time for standard visitor tourist visas is three weeks.
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Preparing for the Interview
Now that you know how to book a UK visa appointment, find out how to ace the interview as well.
What questions can I expect during my UK visa interview?
- Why do you want to visit the UK?
- How long do you plan to stay in the UK?
- When and how do you plan to return to your home country?
- Do you have enough finances to support your stay in the UK?
- Have you visited the UK before and if yes, why?
- Do you have travel insurance?
- Where do you intend to stay in the UK during your visit?
- Can you communicate in English?
What is the Dress Code for UK Visa Appointment?
There is no strict dress code for UK visa appointments. Dress neatly and professionally, opting for business casual attire. Avoid overly flashy or casual clothing. Make sure your face is fully visible for the photograph. Do not wear any eyewear or headwear unless for religious or medical reasons.
What are the Tips for a Successful UK Visa Appointment?
- Ensure your online application form is correctly filled out.
- Upload all the necessary documents if you have chosen self-service.
- Carefully review and organize the documents if you plan on submitting them at the VAC.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to the appointment.
- Dress professionally.
- Answer questions honestly and clearly.
- Double-check Visa Application Center rules and special requirements, if any apply to you.
Suggested Read: How To Check UK Visa Status
Post-Interview: What are the Next Steps?
- Check your UK visa approval status by logging in with your registered email and password here.
- Keep an eye on emails or SMS updates from the Visa Application Center.
- Respond to any requests for further information or clarification to avoid delay.
- Once processing is complete, you will receive a notification to pick up your passport or it will be sent to you by courier (depending on your chosen delivery option).
- Once you receive your passport, check the visa sticker for errors, including personal details, validity dates, and conditions.
- In case of any errors, contact the VAC immediately.
Suggested Read: UK Visa Extension for Indians
FAQs
1. Is it mandatory to visit the center personally? Can I send a representative to the application center on my behalf?
No, you have to attend the UK Visa Application Center yourself. You cannot send a representative on your behalf.
2. How early should I apply for a UK visa appointment?
You can apply as early as right after your online visa application is submitted. You will have 240 days to book the appointment after submission.
3. What is the waiting time for a UK visa appointment?
A standard visa takes around three weeks to process after your UK visa appointment.
4. What questions can I expect during my UK visa interview?
You can expect questions on your purpose of visit, accommodation, return dates, financial status, etc. during your UK visa interview.
5. Is there any dress code for the UK visa appointment?
You should dress in business casual attire and ensure that your appearance is neat and professional.
6. What steps can I take to avoid cancellation of my UK visa appointment?
First and foremost, you can show up to your appointment on the scheduled date and time. If you cannot, you can reschedule up to twice. If you miss your appointment, you can book a new one after 24 hours.
7. Can I reschedule my UK visa appointment?
Yes, you can reschedule your UK visa appointment up to two times.
8. What is the process for requesting an expedited visa appointment?
The fastest way to book a UK visa appointment and fast-track the process is to choose the ‘Super Priority Visa’. This service will give eligible applications a visa decision by the end of the next working day after the appointment at the VAC. You will need to pay an extra £1,000 in addition to the application fee.
9. Do babies need separate appointments for UK visa applications?
Yes, babies need separate appointments for their UK visa applications. Children under 5 do not need to give their fingerprints. Children aged 6 to 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Teens aged 12 to 17 need parental/guardian’s consent for fingerprint collection.
10. What happens if I arrive late for a UK visa appointment in India?
If you are more than 15 minutes late to your UK visa appointment in India, you will need to book a new appointment after 24 hours. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
11. What is the easiest way to get a UK visa slot for an interview?
The easiest way to confirm a UK visa appointment is to complete your online visa application and follow the steps to book a slot on your preferred date and time.
12. Is a UK biometric appointment mandatory?
Yes, booking an appointment to provide biometrics is mandatory for obtaining a UK visa, unless you are exempt because of certain conditions.
