Search

Jurisdiction for the UNITED KINGDOM: Residents of AL, IL, IN, IA, FL, GA, KS, KY, MI, MS, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, TN, and WI are processed in Chicago. New York and Los Angeles are the other UK Consulates issuing visas. 

Visas for the United Kingdom
 

There have been some changes to the process for obtaining a UK visa as of June 1, 2010. We have also changed our site so please follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Important Notes 

  1. At several points in this process you will be directed to the United Kingdom's website. American Visa Service IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for technical issues or other problems with the UK site. You can send an email to the UK by clicking HERE.
  2. Call: 1-900-656-5000 for technical questions or other specifics about UK visas.

  3. Please note: If you are applying for a "Tier Visa" and you are denied for any reason, you will have to re-apply and pay all applicable fees again including the AVS service fee.


Step 2: Determine which visa you need


Click HERE to determine what type of visa you require.

Please note that "Visit" applies to both tourists and those coming for short business trips who will not be paid by a UK company. "Work" implies you are assuming a position in a UK company.

 

 Step 3: Make online application, pay for visa and schedule biometrics


All applications for the United Kingdom must be completed online and you must pay the fee for the visa online as well. Also, starting on May 31, 2010 - all applicants must pay an additional $150 for Priority Service to the UK or $300 for Settlement Visas - this is not an AVS fee but has been implemented by the UK - see Step 4   

Until you have completed the application, paid for the visa, paid for Priority Service and obtained your biometrics receipt, American Visa Service cannot help with the process. Call 1-900-656-5000 if you have questions.

Click the icon below to start the application, pay the visa fee and schedule a biometrics appointment:



Step 4: Pay for Priority Service


Click HERE to pay $150 for Priority Service.

Choose "United States" from the pulldown menu. Once a new page loads, click "Purchase Products and Services" on the left of the page and then choose "UKBA Chicago Visa Section" as your facilty. Add "Priority Service" to your cart  or "Settlement Priority Service" and proceed through checkout. DO NOT purchase "Premium Service". After completing the purchase print your receipt from the website and include it with your documents. ALL SETTLEMENT VISAS must pay for "Settlement Priority Service" for processing in less than 30 days. YOU MUST print the receipt for Priority Service from the website once your payment is complete.

Please Note again; This is not an American Visa Service Fee but a fee implemented by the UK. You still must pay the AVS Service fee - see Step 6 below. If you do not pay the above "Priority Service" fee, AVS cannot help you and you must mail your documents to the UK Consulate.

 

Step 5: Assemble documents


Below are documents needed for all applicants. You can find specific documents needed for your Visa Type on the UK site - see Step 1 or below. Note: You must provide copies of all original documents you wish to have returned (birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, etc.) to you.

For all applications:
+ Valid Passport or other Travel Document - must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and have pages available for the visa stamp
+ Completed online application form - this must be signed and dated (signature must be original, no copies or faxes). Payment must have been made to the UK via their website. See above.

+ Biometrics Receipt - you will receive this after you give a finger-print sample.

+ "Priority Service" receipt - see Step 4 above

  
+ 1 Passport-type photo - 2 inches by 2 inches, color photo on a white background, on photo quality paper
+ (non-US Passport holders) Original Alien Registration ("Green Card") Card - You must send the original card and also a copy of the card, front & back. The Consulate no longer accepts only notorized copies

Depending on the type of Visa for which you are applying, there are other very specific documents that must be provided.

 Click HERE to see more about specific documents for each Visa Type

 There is a great deal of information to be found about each Points Based Visa. Please read it carefully; all documentation listed MUST be supplied.

 Important Notes

Please remember to sign and date the application after you print it from the UK website.

You must make copies of all original documents: Work Permits, Birth and Marriage Certificates, etc. Applications without copies will be charged additional fees or the original may be retained by the UK Consulate.

Student Visas (Tier 4) click HERE for info regarding points, financial requirements, etc.

Please note: If you are applying for a "Tier Visa" and you are denied for any reason, you will have to re-apply and pay all applicable fees again including the AVS service fee.

Settlement Visas can take up to 90 (ninety) business days to process unless you pay the $300 Settlement Priority Service. If the additional $300 is not paid, you must mail your documents directly to the Consulate. If the $300 is paid we can submit your documents and processing will take 16 to 20 days. See Step 4 above.

 Step 6: Place order and send documents


Once you have completed the application, gathered all the necessary documents and review any Important Notes you are ready to place you order with American Visa Service.

Enter your departure date and type of processing requested below and this will generate the cost of the request. If you are paying by credit card (Vis , MC, or Amex) follow the instruction below. If you are paying by check or need more than one type of service, generate the cost below then click HERE to proceed.

Type: Visa
Country: United Kingdom
Departure Date: Click Here to Pick the date  << Click here to select a date
Select a Service:
Weekends and Holidays do not count as processing days.
3 - 4 days-UK Visas except Settlement
Regular Processing 16+ days-UK Settlement

NOTE: Documents not in our office by 9:30 a.m. (CST) may be submitted the following business day and/or may be charged additional rush fees to meet a date of departure. We suggest you ship documents by UPS Next Day Air as all other options generally arrive after 9:30 a.m. AVS is not responsible for deliveries to our office. American Visa Service, Inc. is not responsible for passports lost, delayed or damaged by any government office, Consulate or delivery service. American Visa is not responsible for the websites of other offices nor for problems with those sites. Fees and/or requirements may change with little or no advance notice. All cancelled orders will incur a 3% credit card fee to cover the fees AVS is charged by Visa/MC/Amex to process charges and refunds.