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Jurisdiction for the UNITED KINGDOM: Residents of Alabama, IL, IN, IA, Florida, KS, KY, MI, Mississippi, MN, MO, NE, OH, SD, Tennessee, and WI are processed in Chicago. New York and Los Angeles are the other UK Consulates issuing visas. 

Visas for the United Kingdom

Please read all the following information carefully and follow the instructions. Once you have completed the process and placed your order with American Visa Service, you will receive and order number. If you have questions you may call with this order number and we will assist you.

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.

Call: 1-900-656-5000 for technical questions or other specifics about UK visas.


Step 1: Determine which visa you need

Click HERE to determine what type of visa you require.


If you already know what visa you need, proceed to Step 2.

 

 

Step 2: Make online application 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. As of December 2007, you must also schedule an appointment for finger-prints through the UK website.

Until you have completed the application, paid for the visa 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 and schedule a biometrics appointment:


Step 3: Assemble documents

Once you have completed Steps 1 & 2 you should receive an email from the UK listing the documents you need to provide to get the visa. This email is not always complete so please provide the items listed below. This information applies to all passport types.

You must make copies of all original documents you want returned to you (birth certificates, Work Permits, Green card, etc.). If copies are not made you will be charged additional fees or the Consulate may not return them 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 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.
+ Biometrics Receipt - you will receive this after you give a finger-print sample.
+ 1 Passport-type photo - 2 inches by 2 inches, color photo on a white background, on photo quality paper
+ Original Alien Registration ("Green Card") Card - also include copy of the card, front & back. If you would prefer not to send the original card, you may send a notarized copy of the front & back. 
+ Complete Travel Itinerary or Copy of Tickets - on Airline or Travel Agency letterhead, must show all entries and exits to and from the United Kingdom

 

 For tourism

  For business

+ Proof of Medical Insurance - copy of front and back of Insurance card.

+ Proof of Sufficient Funds for visit - Copy of 3 recent Bank Statements or letter explaining who will pay for trip.

+ Original business letter on company letterhead signed by Senior Management (other than the applicant) stating the following:

  • name and complete address of contact in UK 
  • length and purpose of visit
  • statement of financial responsibility
  • state that applicant is covered by health insurance
  • mention of round trip tickets

(Click here for a sample business letter) 


+ Original Work Permit (if applicable) - If you are applying as Work Permit Holder, send original Permit and a copy of it.

+ Two most recent pay stubs

 

+ Highly Skilled Migrants (Tier 1) may take a week or longer to process. It is recommended that you complete the Self-Assessment on the UK website (see above) to help speed the process. 

+ Dependents of Work Permit Holders must send original Marriage License, Birth Certificates, etc., and a copy of each.

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.

 Step 4: 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.

 

We only answer calls about UK visas between noon and 3:00 pm (CST).

Please note: If you want to bring your documents to our office in-person, you can do this between noon and 3:00 pm ONLY. Submissions outside these times will incur an additional $50 fee. Please ship your documents to us via UPS for 10:30 am delivery.

Please note: Settlement Visas can take up to 50 (fifty) business days to process and due to the amount of documentation required, will incur higher that $20 shipping fees. Please call us for details. 

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.
2-Day-Business or Tourist
Same-Day-Business or Tourist

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.

First time processing a passport or visa?

Please follow the instruction for the Visa or Passport service that you require. If you still have questions, call our office at the number you will find near the end of the process. Our phones are always answered by a member of our professional staff. You won't speak to an answering service or be forced to choose from a list of confusing options.

9 am – 4:30 pm (CST) Monday – Friday